The Inkatha Freedom Party applauds the efforts of the Minister of Environment. Hon. Minister Barbara Creecy for taking decisive action against the abhorrent practice of captive-bred lion hunting in South Africa.
The release of the ministerial task team report this morning, along with the Cabinet’s approval of its recommendations for implementation, marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s conservation efforts and animal welfare standards.
The ministerial task team, appointed in December 2022, has worked diligently towards charting a new course for managing, breeding, hunting, and handling majestic elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
Their comprehensive report succinctly outlines the closure of the captive breeding system, including keeping lions in captivity and using captive-bred lions or their derivatives for commercial purposes. It also paves the way for voluntary exit options and pathways from the captive lion industry.
The task force must be commended for its focus on engaging with key stakeholders, auditing existing facilities, developing a voluntary exit strategy, and identifying funding mechanisms for this transition underscores a thoughtful and inclusive approach to this complex issue.
The IFP will continue to urge government to protect our rich biodiversity and ensure the ethical treatment of our wildlife, both of which are firmly rooted in our constitutional duty to safeguard the environment for current and future generations. Together we must preserve and utilise our natural resources sustainably.
The ministerial task team’s recommendations, encapsulated within the extensive White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use framework, mark a pivotal advancement in fulfilling this duty.
As we anticipate the enactment of these recommendations, particularly the phased ban on captive lion breeding, we express our gratitude to Minister Creecy, the ministerial task team, and all parties involved. This measure secures the well-being of our lions and reinforces our national pledge towards conservation and sustainable progress.
The Inkatha Freedom Party will continue to collaborate with the government and other entities to ensure the successful realization of these initiatives. Together, we will protect South Africa’s natural legacy for generations to come.
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Contact
Hon. Narend Singh, MP
Chief Whip and Member on the Portfolio Committee of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
083 788 5954
