Riverbed cycle challenge in Kgalagadi

[Jesse]

I think it is a fantastic outcome, no riverbed cycling, and still exposure for the SANParks.

[Flutterby]

At least it's been moved out of the riverbed!

Exposure for Sanparks in what way, Jesse?

[Mel]

Can you put the full statement up for those of us naughty ones not allowed to play there anymore?

We're not allowed, RP.

Jesse, I think, SANParks should see exposure with an activity like that in a different park.
You've just been to KTP (again) and should now how delicate the environment is there compared to other SANParks.

[Lisbeth]

I wonder about the exposure that lasts for more than a week How many people in Cape Town and surroundings have mountain bikes?

[Jesse]

Mel, I do agree, KTP is not for a cycle challenge, but at least the overnight stops are there already, and roads are going to be used, not the riverbed.

Hopefully this will not be a show that SANParks are just going on like they want, but a show, that the OWNERS of our heritage can make a difference. Some guys like WolfAvni, etc. did awesome work.

[Richprins]

Can you put the full statement up for those of us naughty ones not allowed to play there anymore?

We're not allowed, RP.

Oh nonsense! It's an official statement!

[Sprocky]

Re: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Dessert Classic Cycle Tour

With reference to the above matter, the South African National Parks would like to apologise for not responding timeously. We do understand that the time taken to respond to the matter may have further frustrated many of our loyal customers and stakeholders; however it was important as an organization that we adopt an objective, fact-finding approach rather than a quick solution that could further inflame the situation.

Our goal in finding the solution was simply to get a handle on the facts in order to prevent a recurrence of a similar issue in the future. It has to be noted that most operational decisions are taken at a park level therefore it became imperative to study the proposed plans as well as the concerns raised by you our customers in an effort to arrive at a balanced solution.

Secondly, it has to be noted that the project in question is the brainchild of SANParks. The project was initiated at a park level and the SANParks Honorary Rangers (A SANParks recognized volunteer organization) were simply requested to assist with the event in question. The members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers receive no financial benefit from this event and not a single person of those who have entered this event is a member of the Honorary Rangers. The work of SANParks Honorary Rangers remains an important part of SANParks operations which includes initiating and assisting with fundraising for a number of sustainable and responsible projects in any of the national parks managed by SANParks.

In an effort to resolve this matter amicably, SANParks management recognized the concerns raised by many of our customers and stakeholders and therefore it was imperative that a number of options be looked at.
During the review process the option to move the event to another route was suggested. The new proposed route proved to be more feasible as it also provided more opportunities and offered even greater diversity for those participating in the event. The proposed new location is within the existing tourist route in the south of the park and is proving to be logistically easier when compared to the previous route.

The new route will be on the tourist road from the airlift at Twee Rivieren to Gemsbok Plein (Day 1), from Gemsbok Plein across the dune road to Kij Kij (Day 2), and then back to the airfield at Twee Rivieren on the tourism road on day 3.
The other important thing to note is that this event is not a race, but a tour. There are no prizes to be won. This event is simply designed for nature lovers to experience the park in a different way, notwithstanding SANParks core mandate of conserving nature and supplying responsible tourism activities.

It also has to be noted that the zoning in the current Park Management Plan for Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has made provision for activities of this nature. The zonation along the riverbed is zoned for low to medium intensity motorized access. In addition to this properly controlled tourism activities, are permitted in the riverbed.

It must therefore be clearly stated that there is nothing foreign with an activity of this type. However as a caring organization, your views are respected. Hence a decision to move the event to a new proposed location. As an organization, SANParks has a responsibility to attract various markets as enshrined in its vision statement ‘SANParks Connecting to Society’.

It is our belief that some of these activities will assist in the realization of connecting to various members of society, while also providing a different activity, marketing exposure and diversity for our client base amongst others.

In order to have a sustainable and responsible event, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) on the new route is currently being compiled by an independent consultant and a more detailed report will follow as soon as it becomes available.
Thank you for your candor and feedback, which we view as essential to improving our products and services. We express hope and optimism for a stronger relationship between SANParks and you our valued customers.

Please do not hesitate to contact SANParks on 012 426 5170/5315 or e-mail rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org or isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org for any clarity.

Compiled jointly by:
Mr. Glenn Phillips
Managing Executive: Tourism Development and Marketing

Dr. Howard Hendricks
Senior GM: Policy & Governance
Conservation Services

Mr. Paul Daphne
Managing Executive: Parks

[Richprins]

We can pull this apart bit by bit...

But interesting that top brass, ie Mr Phillips, have replied and referred comments back to Mr Thakhuli?

Weird, in the spirit of communication!?

[Richprins]

We do understand that the time taken to respond to the matter may have further frustrated many of our loyal customers and stakeholders; however it was important as an organization that we adopt an objective, fact-finding approach rather than a quick solution that could further inflame the situation

Mr Phillips, or whoever wrote this, you are highly-paid proffessionals, and there should have been an objective fact-finding approach in the first place...

This is not the first SanParks "situation" that has become "inflamed"...maybe there is a message there?

[Richprins]

Our goal in finding the solution was simply to get a handle on the facts in order to prevent a recurrence of a similar issue in the future. It has to be noted that most operational decisions are taken at a park level therefore it became imperative to study the proposed plans as well as the concerns raised by you our customers in an effort to arrive at a balanced solution.


Bulldust. Your first goal is simply to try and get the media and "stakeholders" problem to go away. Once again, how on earth can you claim that you need to "get a handle on the facts" MANY months after the project began? Madness! If most operational decisions are taken at a "parks level", shouldn't they cc you a copy of those decisions? This is scary stuff...relevant KTP staff should then be severely reprimanded for allowing this embarrassment without telling you?

That is what would happen in most companies?

Please check with and warn other National Parks to toe the line in future!

This is by no means a balanced solution, and provides one concession, so to speak, but does not address the many other queries regarding the event.