STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL

Statement issued by the office of the minister of environmental affairs and tourism, marthinus van schalkwyk, on the 75th anniversary of the kalahari gemsbok national park, 19 september 2006

20 September 2006 - Statement issued by the office of the minister of environmental affairs and tourism, marthinus van schalkwyk, on the 75th anniversary of the kalahari gemsbok national park, 19 september 2006
New Developments Set to Boost Kgalagadi Tourism and Development

"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 April 7, 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 km2 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-maned 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 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 2005/6 season. Since 2002, DEAT's 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 1201 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 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 3460 km in 2005 and 1890 km 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.