After 67 days of lockdown, South African fishermen, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts were relieved to hear that they may fish, hunt and visit the country’s national parks for self-drive excursions.

Although self-drive excursions in public and private game reserves have been permitted since 1 June, not all South African parks had opened their gates.

On Monday economic development, tourism and environmental affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube announced that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife were opening the following game reserves:

• Didima Resort,
• Giant’s Castle,
• Royal Natal,
• Midmar Nature Reserve,
• Wagendrift Nature Reserve,
• Weenen Nature Reserve,
• Spionkop Reserves,
• Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park,
• Umhlanga Lagoon,
• Umlalazi Nature Reserve,
• Kranskloof Nature Reserve,
• Chelmsford Nature Reserve,
• Ithala Game Reserve,
• All game reserves under iSimangaliso Wetlands Park World Heritage Site and
• Kenneth Steinberg.

Nature lovers visiting Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park are advised that only self-drive excursions are permitted with a maximum of 3 people per car.

Staff at both gates will take only cash and Rhino Loyalty Cards.

Hides are closed but ablution facilities are open at the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa.

Many South Africans who practice individual sports remain unsure whether (and if so, how) they can practice these sports.

During media briefings in May, the National Command Council indicated that Mthethwa would provide clarity, but none was given during his most recent address on 30 May.

Justice and correctional services minister Ronald Lamola said South Africans may exercise between 6am and 6pm, as long as they do not exercise in groups.

Travel between provinces will not be permitted for recreational purposes.

South African beaches also remain closed, so no exercising on the beach.

Golf also remains in limbo.

GolfRSA confirmed on Monday that it had been given an official reprimand from the sports, arts and culture department after some golf estates and facilities opened up under the Level 3 lockdown.

Non-contact sport (like golf) is now permitted for the professionals, but no recreational or amateur sport is allowed.

Read original story on lowvelder.co.za

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