Covid-19 lockdown: Recreational fishing, self-drive excursions, and wildlife auctions are allowed under level 3

Hunting, self-drive visits to private or public game reserves and national parks, as well as recreational fishing are among the activities the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has included in the directions under the Covid-19 lockdown level 3.

“All fishing, including recreational fishing but with the exception of charter fishing, is permitted ,” said Minister Barbara Creecy.

Anglers must ensure that they have a valid permit, and all regulations relating to social distancing, health protocols, movement and the prohibition of groups and gatherings apply.

Wildlife auctions can take place online. Live auctions comprising not more than 50 people may be held, where online auctions are not possible.

Subsistence hunting for food with the necessary permits is permitted.

Self-drive excursions in public and private game reserves are permitted. SANParks will publish a list of access-controlled parks that will be opened to visitors in the coming days. Visitors to national parks are advised to book and pay online before going on a game drive.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park will also be getting the park ready for visitors. Besides staff returning to work, deep cleaning of the offices and public facilities have started. Additional work will be done by rangers and conservationists, including cutting back of trees and removing logs from roads.

Once compliance requirements are met and the park has been declared safe for visitors, the public will be given seven days’ notice of its re-opening for self-drive excursions.

While we understand that many nature lovers are keen to get back to our national parks and game reserves, it would be prudent to wait until the relevant authorities are comfortable with their state of preparedness to welcome visitors, – Minister Barbara Creecy.

“All the usual protocols with regard to social distancing, hand-sanitising and wearing of masks will apply at all times” she added.

The import and export of live or dead plant or animal specimens or products will be allowed subject to directions issued by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

On waste management, 100% of the recycling sector is allowed to operate.

More details on the directions are contained in the Government Gazette that will be published this week.

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