Questionable Buffalo and Hippo culling in Kruger

[Lisbeth]

They are still learning not really knowing what they are doing

[Richprins]

Neither Ralph nor Richprins said all those things at the meeting...there was not THAT much time allocated...

(So some comment garnered afterwards by media, just to make it clear.)

But Ralph is very sharp, and impressed Ranger Funda.

Anyway, one important thing was that Mr Phillips firmly promised that Gauteng, Cape Town and KZN would be included in future Stakeholder discussions, after we explained that All of SA were s takeholders in Parks, not just communities! (And the rest of the world, for that matter). Once again, the community representatives had no problem with that comment!

This pertains more immediately to impending stakeholder meetings regarding the 10-year management plan for Kruger.

A couple of strong points were made regarding poor communication from SANParks regarding stakeholder matters, which was also promised to be addressed. Social media seems to be the biggest irritation to management, where the most foul things are said, but a couple of us said we don't bother with social media, and after all, that should not be a formal channel of communications regarding administrative arrangements long term, IMO?

Also, IMO, there is a problem with the forums of SANParks themselves. Little robust debate is allowed there, as SP have directed that only good news is allowed to be told. That is fair enough, but SP should then not in the same breath direct prospective visitors to the Forums there regarding assistance, from their home page? I think the censorship there leads to more frustration on social media, forums are well-moderated in general and keep organised records and conversations from a decade ago, or more. there were a couple of SP forum representatives there, but without any input.

My starting point was stating a concern that there was a "trust disconnect" between SANParks and a significant portion of its patrons. This seemed to come as somewhat of a surprise to management, and caused concern which resurged later in the meeting too. But points were made, which were taken.

As said, most of Kruger's top brass were there, and all had an opportunity to respond to certain questions pertaining to their fields of expertise.

I was somewhat disappointed by some of these responses, I must say, not just because the conversation sidetracked to other issues.

The Large Mammal Ecologist, when elephant numbers were raised by a stakeholder, for example referred to "his elephants", and bizzarely stated that the high ellie numbers along the Crocodile River were due to the fact that they could only use one side of the river, as it is on the boundary?

A very respected scientist, when the conversation turned to rhino poaching, stated that poachers also read the newspapers, and media should rethink when scolding China, and ask them not to stop using rhino horn, but rather "illegal medicinal products". Maybe this makes sense?

Mr Mabasa was late, and gave a curious instruction for all scientists to stand up, which they reluctantly did, and pointed out that they were all white, so that justified the sponsoring of science laboratories at schools in the communities.

A rather cringeworthy statement was made by one of the senior scientists with regard to communities handling escaped animals, saying that said neighbours were "more intelligent than one may think". (Once again, these guys are not politicians!)

The CEO launched into an attack on mainstream media in general, but the two media representatives there pointed out that they reported fairly about a whole range of SP topics, and felt a bit affronted, upon which the CEO said he wasn't talking about them.

There was also a bit of a heated exchange between myself and the CEO regarding his statement that HIS Park did not have to consult with the public, as they were mandated to run Kruger, and where was I when there was a stakeholder meeting in the past regarding management plans, as I lived nearby. I told him to play the ball and not the man, and that the fact that this specific buffalo topic warranted a new meeting and was after the fact of the meeting he mentioned, which I don't know of anyway. I told him that I pay his salary once when I come through the gate, and again when I pay my taxes. ( Which was a bit childish on my part! )

So as said, not a very uplifting feeling after the meeting for me and others at all...

Except for the realistic and polite and positive inputs from community members, most of whom are colleagues in teaching!

[H. erectus]

Well done RP, you're a star!!! These idiots seem
to think that they are privileged to stand above us!!
yet cannot quite figure how the hell they got there
in the first place!!

[Lisbeth]

Social media seems to be the biggest irritation to management, where the most foul things are said, but a couple of us said we don't bother with social media, and after all, that should not be a formal channel of communications regarding administrative arrangements long term, IMO?

Also the President of the United States use social media, but that is certainly not praising for them

Who is the CEO now?

A very respected scientist, when the conversation turned to rhino poaching, stated that poachers also read the newspapers, and media should rethink when scolding China, and ask them not to stop using rhino horn, but rather "illegal medicinal products". Maybe this makes sense?

Is this what he said? You should have asked him to translate

The Large Mammal Ecologist, when elephant numbers were raised by a stakeholder, for example referred to "his elephants", and bizzarely stated that the high ellie numbers along the Crocodile River were due to the fact that they could only use one side of the river, as it is on the boundary?

This needs explanation Never heard such nonsense

A rather cringeworthy statement was made by one of the senior scientists with regard to communities handling escaped animals, saying that said neighbours were "more intelligent than one may think". (Once again, these guys are not politicians!)

Racism?

Mr Mabasa was late, and gave a curious instruction for all scientists to stand up, which they reluctantly did, and pointed out that they were all white, so that justified the sponsoring of science laboratories at schools in the communities.

Maybe Mr. Mabasa is not very sure of himself

Except for the realistic and polite and positive inputs from community members, most of whom are colleagues in teaching!

Maybe Sanparks should ask their opinion before deciding what is good for the communities

[Modestus]

Can someone please tell me who were considered to be 'stakeholders' when this meeting took place.

[Lisbeth]

IMO the population of South Africa, but maybe somebody will say only the visitors to Kruger

[Richprins]

Those that state themselves to be stakeholders, Modestus...mostly public. Rather vague...

[H. erectus]

Can someone please tell me who were considered to be 'stakeholders' when this meeting took place.

A rather long shot at determining whom the culprits would be, them
challenging,..Modestus I reek very little modesty in your approach!!

[Modestus]

I see that the 'community' consider themselves to be stakeholders. Since when does the community have a say in conservation issues like culling? If a community happen to live next to a game reserve, does it imply that they have a say, except where they are directly affected like when their crops are raided? Does a community have to benefit directly from conservation?

I have no problem with food being distributed to schools, which will obviously benefit the learners, but to dish out food at random will only exacerbate the problem of impoverishment. If big brother next door keep me well fed, why do I have to go and look for work.

A lot of these contentious issues cannot be discussed on the Sanparks official website. Your post will be deleted and the topic locked before you even have a chance to state your opinion in full.

Most of you have seen the present debacle around payment of social grants. At every SONA, we hear ad nauseam about eradication of poverty, job creation etc, but nothing is mentioned about the estimated 8 million economic refugees in our country, who competes with our citizens for jobs, food and all. Nothing is mentioned about family planning. About two weeks ago, there was a news clip on SABC TV about a new TV transmitter that was built in the Eastern Cape. As expected, everybody was happy including this lady of about 50 years old. She thanked the government for this improvement in her life but she wanted to know if the government can assist her in building a house. She said to the reporter that she is unemployed, poor and have 7 children.

With our rate of unemployment, only two of her children will have a realistic chance of finding a job. The rest will become the 'community' who now must look towards our National parks for food.

[Lisbeth]

Welcome to the AW forum, Modestus

She said to the reporter that she is unemployed, poor and have 7 children.

Family planning is actually a very important point. I do not know if it has been dealt with by the present government. What I do know is the number of single mothers around with 3 to 7 children that they cannot possibly maintain