Parliament, Thursday, 24 October 2024 – The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has expressed concern that the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is being exploited as a corridor for organised crime.
The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources conducted a comprehensive oversight visit to the national park in the Free State. The committee is on a week-long joint oversight visit to the Free State with the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade.
This visit was undertaken to assess pressing management challenges pertaining to illegal land occupation, a co-management agreement with the Dithabeng Communal Property Association (CPA) and the smuggling of illegal goods, particularly stolen cattle and drugs, through the park.
During the visit, the committee inspected the Maluti picnic site and surrounding facilities, strategically located near the border with Lesotho. The committee expressed concern regarding a house situated on park land that has been illegally occupied. Access to this property, which is intended for the accommodation of firefighting personnel, was initially blocked by the illegal occupant, who has since been convicted on an unrelated criminal matter and is currently incarcerated. Unfortunately, family members of the illegal occupant swiftly moved in post-arrest, further complicating the situation. This illegal occupation not only hampers visitor access to the picnic site but also restricts SANParks’ ability to provide essential accommodation for staff amid rising demand.
The committee learned that SANParks successfully secured an eviction order against the illegal occupant, only for it to be rescinded without prior notice. In response, SANParks is actively pursuing legal avenues to enforce the eviction and remove other illegal occupants from park properties.
During the onsite visit, the committee heard that the park has become a corridor for highly organised criminal syndicates involved in the transportation of stolen cattle and horses from neighbouring commercial farms into Lesotho. This issue extends beyond the park’s boundaries, adversely impacting upon local communities and agricultural operations.
The committee noted the R712 provincial road, which traverses the park, connecting Clarens and Harrismith. Access control measures that were previously in place at park entrances have been compromised due to theft and vandalism, leading to unmanned entries. Plans are underway to restore these access controls, with SANParks exploring more robust solutions to prevent future incidents. Currently, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is present along the road to aid in border management.
The committee visited land claimed by the CPA, where a co-management agreement with SANParks is in effect. The CPA envisions a variety of future tourism and economic activities, such as overnight camping, music concerts, horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and cultural experiences, which are expected to generate revenue for its members.
In light of the findings from the site visits, the committee has put forth several key recommendations, including referral to the Select Committee on Security and Justice for coordination on illegal occupation and transportation of illicit goods, as well as addressing the need for enhanced traffic law enforcement along the R712 provincial road.
Committee Chairperson Mr Mpho Modise said the committee is working with various stakeholders and is committed to protecting the integrity of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and addressing the various challenges it faces.
The oversight continues. Link for the oversight programme https://tinyurl.com/2jxdekv5
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND MINERAL RESOURCES MR MPHO MODISE
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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