SANParks Condemns Xenophobic Attacks

SANParks Condemns Xenophobic Attacks

South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to condemn in the harshest terms the recent spate of xenophobic attacks currently happening in various parts of our country. These attacks run contrary to everything that the struggle for liberation stood for and are undermining both social cohesion within the country and our international reputation.

A large proportion of guests to our national parks are international visitors and we appear to be sending a message that foreigners are not welcome in our country. It is worrying to note that we have already had a number of booking cancellations from neighboring countries. We are also extremely worried about these occurrences as they could also undo years of successful work done in the establishment of the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA’s) managed as part of cross border relationships in the research, tourism, cultural heritage, science and conservation functions. 

According to SANParks Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fundisile Mketeni, SANParks bought into the concept of TFCA’s,facilitated by the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF), in support of an idea of re-connecting with shared cultures which had been divided by centuries of conflict and colonialism. “We have been working tirelessly to perfect a vision of vast conservation areas cutting across national borders, even soliciting the support of our late beloved statesman, Dr. Nelson Mandela, as Chief Patron of the Peace Parks concept. The Transfrontier Conservation Areas are not just about conservation – they are also about building bridges within southern African society and breaking down the artificial barriers that were created between people by our colonial history. We fear that the current wave of attacks on our fellow Africans will undermine the good work that has been done in this regard.”

Mketeni said SANParks enjoys good working relations with countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya amongst others. “This assists in our efforts of staying abreast with current trends in conservation, tourism and related fields while our colleagues in SANParks also give advice on complex functions in our field of interest.”

SANParks currently forms part of a number of TFCA’s which includes, /Ai / Ais Richtersveld bordering Namibia, Kgalagadi TFCA with Botswana and Namibia, Maloti Drakensberg TFCA with Lesotho, Great Limpopo TFCA with Mozambique and Zimbabwe as well as Greater Mapungubwe TFCA with Botswana and Zimbabwe.  “It is for this reason that we call on all South African’s to take time to reflect on the negative impact these attacks have on our sense of humanity and our standing within the broader international community,” concluded Mketeni.