The MEC for economic development and tourism, Vusi Mkhatshwa, heard the issues raised by most community members in Elukwatini during a stakeholder engagement roadshow in Songimvelo Nature Reserve on Monday June 6.

The community members came in their numbers to voice their issues, including how governmental agencies are inaccessible. Some community members already farming within the nature reserve raised the issue of the dilapidated fence that has allowed elephants to pass through and destroy their crops.

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The MEC announced a budget to rebuild the fence. “We have set out a budget of R15m to rebuild the fence. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency will commence with advertising the tender.”

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Read more in the next print edition of Mpumalanga News.