SANParks and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) assessed the Kruger National Park’s fence between Numbi Gate and Matsulu on Saturday.

This was necessary after several reports of elephants venturing into nearby communities to feed sparked fears that they could cause damage to crops and injure community members.

The assessment team was comprised of scientists and conservation officials, including section and regional rangers.

They concluded that there is a need to send technical teams to the area to finalise the scope of work and to have a contractor on-site from April.

The fence’s construction is expected to take at least eight months, according to a SANParks press statement issued yesterday.

In the statement, SANParks confirmed that discussions with communities and stakeholders are in the pipeline to co-develop a building programme and construction. The engagements are also planned to facilitate dialogue and guidance, as well as buy-in, to safeguard the fence from being vandalised.