Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has condemned the shooting of tourists involved in the elephant poaching incident that took place at the Jozini Dam, KwaZulu-Natal.
Tourist
According to media reports, five Germans, two Americans, one Australian and four South Africans were gunned down on a double-decker tour boat on Wednesday, in a wider drama involving the slaughter of around 25 elephants from a wandering herd.
The tourist was attacked shortly after 10.30am on the eastern shore of the Jozini/Pongolapoort Dam on the southern border between SA and eSwatini.
NOW READ: Jozini Dam: Tourists are caught in the crossfire as a poaching war escalates
Tourism plays a major role in SA
Sisulu said the incident was an attack on the country’s economy as tourism plays a major role in the country’s GDP.
“Tourism creates thousands of jobs in the country and this attack is a direct attack on our economy,” he said.
The tourists have relocated and the lodge owner said he was traumatized by the incident, with no injuries.
Sisulu also said tourism and wildlife authorities are working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to tackle elephant poaching on the banks of Lake Jozini in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
“South Africa, including KZN, is a safe destination for tourists and incidents like this have a negative impact on the reputation of the valuable tourism industry. We are working with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure the safety of tourists in the country,” said Sisulu.
Elephant poaching comes from anger
KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife spokesperson Musa Mntambo said elephant poaching is on the rise due to public anger over the growing number of human-animal conflicts that resulted in the trampling of residents in September 2022.
The land surrounding the dam is a combination of provincial reserve areas managed by Ezemvelo Wildlife (including Pongola Nature Reserve) and private game reserves.
The matter should be forwarded to the highest government
Speaking to Daily Maverick, Heinz de Boer, MPL Democratic Alliance (DA) and provincial party spokesperson on environmental affairs, also condemned attacks on tourists and elephants and called for national intervention.
“The DA has also now received video and photo evidence of tourist boats being set on fire by armed gangs who continue to place illegal gill nets in the lake.
“The lawlessness and decimation of flora and fauna in this community has been highlighted for a long time, with the conflict going on for years. However, until now, the government has failed to secure this tourist spot and wildlife.
“The DA will escalate the fight against poaching to the highest levels of government and demand the swift arrest of those who believe they are destroying the natural heritage and the tourism sector. The situation cannot continue any longer.
Compiled by: Siphemelele Khumalo