South Africa launches R37m fencing project to curb human-wildlife conflict near Kruger
South African authorities are implementing a co-ordinated stakeholder engagement process and a R37 million fencing project to address rising human-wildlife conflict in the Nsikazi South area, adjacent to the Kruger National Park's Stolznek Section and Mthethomusha Nature Reserve. The initiative involves the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), and Kruger National Park, targeting eight affected villages where increasing incidents of elephant and lion incursions have raised serious safety concerns. The fencing project, presented at a recent public meeting at Sipelanyana Community Hall, is expected to be completed within 12 months and will also serve to curb poaching.
The urgency of the intervention was underscored by a recent incident in which a man narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a lioness, which was subsequently killed by community members after it was found feeding on livestock. MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube noted that as communities settle and farm closer to wildlife habitats and movement corridors, the risk of dangerous interactions increases significantly. The stakeholder engagement process will focus on re-establishing buffer zones, strengthening environmental awareness among traditional leadership structures, and creating platforms for communities to raise concerns around livestock losses, crop damage, and responsible land-use practices.
Source: Citizen
