Questionable Buffalo and Hippo culling in Kruger

[H. erectus]

Well done RP and Gump! and Dr. Joubert as well!!
Would have loved to be there,..

[Lisbeth]

[Richprins]

meeting done! Learned a lot and have even greater respect for H. now!

[stefan9]

Excellent

[PennyinSA]

We all agog to hear some feedback from today!

[Lisbeth]

[Richprins]

Some real eye-openers.

All issues were brought up and handled. A big crowd with all of Kruger's top brass, including Park Chief, Chief ranger, Chief Vet officer, Mr Mabasa, Chief scientist...REALLY impressive and something to be appreciated indeed on their day off!

A similar number of stakeholders, maybe 15+

By far the most realistic and calm members were those from the neighbouring communities, mostly teachers and principals. It is probably not especially representative, but:

They entirely understand the benefits Kruger brings to communities, and have no problem with the place, but also understand the complexities involved. Also no worry about whether meat is once-off or not, they understand the point of the exercise.

Also absolutely NO political slurs or posturing from anyone...one can really work with this mutual respect and realism in the future, although it may be very different regarding other regional meetings.

One retired community teacher sort of stunned the crowd by stating his concern that Kruger's mandate seemed to be social upliftment ahead of conservation, and other Gov. departments should be and are taking care of school food and redress, which is exactly what we are saying.

We in our ivory towers maybe underestimate the knowledge and maturity of a large segment of community leaders, but once again, that may differ from region to region. The principals involved were all from "meat-receiving" schools, but made no bones about that, to excuse the pun.

I was however not the only one to state that the meeting had not made me feel better, rather worse.

To cut to the chase, it seems Kruger management are also in an ivory tower, and despite the initial promise by Mr Phillips that mistakes would be acknowledged, that seemed far from possible in reality. A slideshow presentation was given waffling on about greater to mini-management strategies, very nice and presented by smart ladies. In fact the marketing scientific ladies were brilliant!

But it all eventually, after too long, got to the actual topic, which is better for future meetings. Rather have two-hour specifically topic-related discussions than trying to gloss over various random issues as they come to mind? (Against the brief background of all issues being related, obviously)

There was a disconcerting, for me, amount of "we are learning", and "we are experimenting" and "it will take time" from the top brass, which I stated. I also stated that Kruger provides an incalculable input financially to the community already via supply chain revenue, which seems to be rather lost on some management?

Anyway, the points were made, and Elize will give a full summation soon.

Points sent to me by members:

How many animals authorised for culling this year: 400 buf 200 hippo

From what budget: Internal SP budget

How are the animals killed: Shooting

Any tenders awarded for the entire process: Only abbatoir upgrade, now completed

Who bears responsibility should any person be affected by infected meat: SP insurance cover

More to come!



As said, an eye-opening meeting, with little reassurance regarding SP management at all. It seems all is rosy, end of story, and statements conflicted.

[H. erectus]

It seems all is rosy, end of story, and statements conflicted.

You are a star RP, you and Gump, feet on the ground!!!

So very well appreciated!!

You're on top of a greater cause that will secure their
cause for income derived!!!

Takwandelaar, huggss,..

[leachy]

who has kidnapped the real richprins ????

[Alf]

Thank you guys

You are all stars