The ANC government in KwaZulu-Natal has failed to protect its citizens. People living in the areas surrounding Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park have lost their lives, as well as livestock.
As the IFP, we are calling for the Public Protector’s Office to intervene.
Former Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, inspected the quality of the fencing around Hluhluwe IMfolozi Park in 2014, but unfortunately a conclusive report was not delivered.
The IFP Caucus in the KZN Legislature, accompanied by local IFP leadership received a first-hand account of events at the iNhlungwane at ULundi Municipality as last week, where they embarked on a listening campaign. The leadership was left speechless as locals unpacked the accounts of their suffering over the past two decades.
In contrast, MEC Sboniso Duma’s visit did not yield any results; nothing concrete was reported from the meeting. In our view, it was merely another PR stunt; something that his preceding MECs have attempted in the past. Unfortunately, the affected communities continue to be victims of negligence on the part of the ruling party. This, as another video of a lion roaming the streets of uKhukho went viral and residents of these communities continue to live in constant fear.
Locals laid the blame at the feet of the unstable management of Ezemvelo Wildlife, where Board Members have been chopping and changing over the years. They didn’t spare Department of Economic Development and Tourism Affairs either, as one victim claimed former MEC Ravi Pillay promised to assist him after losing his livestock.
As the IFP, we will continue to highlight the plight of these communities and do everything possible to ensure that they are able to live in safety.
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Contact:
Mr Blessed Gwala
IFP Caucus Chief Whip in KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
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