Development
19 September 2006
"The 75th anniversary of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park provides us with
an opportunity to reflect on South Africa's history of success in both
conservation and transformation. Initially established to protect wildlife, and
in particular migratory game such as gemsbok, the park has in recent years
expanded into a transfrontier conservation area (TFCA) and broadened its agenda
to include community development," said Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk.
The park was first proclaimed in 1931 by the Minister of Lands, in response
to the concern voiced by locals over the increased killing of wild animals. The
focus on conservation remained a priority in the ensuing years, and due to the
park's location, as well as the migratory habits of the wildlife, a
collaborative relationship was established with the Botswana government as far
back as 1948. A milestone in this relationship was the 7 April 1999 bilateral
agreement signed by the presidents of South Africa and Botswana, which united
the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Gemsbok National Park, to create the
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the first of its kind in Africa. Covering an area
of 38 000 kilometres square of pristine land, the combined park is one of the
largest conservation areas in the world.
The abundant wildlife of the park belies the image of the Kalahari as a
barren desert. The park is currently host to 11 000 gemsbok, as well as other
migratory game. It is also a prime location for viewing a variety of raptors,
and predators such as cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena and
black-manned lion.
In the words of Minister van Schalkwyk, "The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
benefits the people of both South Africa and Botswana, especially the local
communities adjacent to the park. The names of various landmarks within the
park reflect its long history as a crossroads of many cultures, which over time
have included the San, the Mier, the Huguenots and the Scottish. I am pleased
to announce that plans are well underway to create another access route to the
park, which will culminate in the opening of the Mata Mata gate next year. This
will incorporate a border post with Namibia and ties into a broader tourism
development strategy for the Southern African region."
The Minister indicated that, "the impressive track record of the Kgalagadi
Transfrontier Park is likely to continue in the coming years. The park has been
identified as a priority for implementation within the first phase of the
Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) 2010 strategy, which in an official
Southern African Democratic Communities (SADC) initiative. The Mata Mata access
road and gateway is integral to the strategy, and constitutes a segment of an
envisaged coast-to-coast transfrontier tourist route being developed for the
2010 World Cup. As a tourism border post, Mata Mata will increase revenue for
the TFCA by capitalizing on the new TransKalahari Highway, and attracting a new
stream of visitors from Namibia."
As a peace park, Kgalagadi's goals include increased tourism and economic
development. The park has made significant achievements in these areas,
attracting close to 22 000 visitors in the 2005/06 season. Since 2002,
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) social responsibility
programme has invested more than R40 million in the park. In terms of local
economic development, 25 small, medium and micro enterprises were established
through the programme. In addition, the programme has ensured that 17 local
contractors benefited from its activities, during the course of which 1 201
temporary jobs were created and 7581 days of training were provided. Activities
ranged from construction of facilities to upgrading of infrastructure and
accommodation, and the manufacture of furniture providing workers with generic
skills and experience that can be applied in other settings. Most of the
programme's beneficiaries were from the neighbouring Siyanda Municipality.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South African National
Parks, Pick 'n Pay and the Department of Education (DoE) are proud of our Kids
in Parks programme. The programme provides environmental education to students,
in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them with the
requisite knowledge and skills to manage the environment. According to the
Minister, "Kids in Parks aims to enhance cultural resource management and
indigenous knowledge, as well as strengthen community relationships. Since last
year 643 students, guided by 31 educators, visited the Kalahari Gemsbok
National Park from around the country, covering an average distance of 3 460
kilometre in 2005 and 1 890 kilometre this year. To enhance the experience of
these young people, the park management established a youth centre. This centre
is due to be upgraded as part of the Social Responsibility Programme."
With the recent improvements to the rest camps and facilities and further
upgrades in the pipeline, the park will be more than ready to receive both
local and international tourists who are arriving in increasing numbers.
Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp
Cell: 083 778 9923
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
19 September 2006
