LIMPOPO – Livestock farmers in Mahlathi village are worried that the proposed development in their area will reduce the grazing land available for their animals. The project, proposed by the Kruger National Park (KNP), aims to create a buffer zone by enclosing a portion of land inside the village to be integrated into the park.

According to the farmers, the fenced area is intended to serve as a recreational area where tourist facilities would be developed. While they recognize that this could create employment opportunities, they fear it will have a negative impact on their pastures.

“We brought this issue to their attention and even suggested an alternative development area, but they insist on using the land where our animals graze,” said Soyaphi Mabunda, one of the farmers, speaking during their weekly meeting on Wednesday.

“We have had many meetings with them to discuss this issue, but we fear that someone might twist things behind our backs to make it look like we agreed to the proposal,” said another farmer, Victor Baloyi. One person they are worried about is Musa Chavalala, who they believe wants to build his cabin in the park.

When asked about this, Chavalala denied that the development was for his benefit, saying it was meant to benefit the entire community.

“What is happening here is not the work of one person; it is a community-led initiative that started in 2017 with the construction of tent camps,” he explained.

“Unfortunately, our financiers have run out of money, but that has not stopped our plans to develop the area as it benefits many people,” he continued, adding that the park does not overlook the farmers. He explained that there are plans to divide the area into two sections, with one part for growing animal feed, which the park will manage for local farmers. Most of the community understands this. Only a few older people object, and if you ask them how many jobs they created with their 96 kraals or how many children they helped send to school from those kraals, they won’t have an answer,” he continued, insisting that development is needed to create jobs.

He added, however, that if the village stakeholders do not reach an agreement, a community resolution will be implemented. “Since we live in a democracy, the only option left if all else fails is a community resolution, where everyone will have a chance to vote on which side they support,” he said.

President Mahlathi also supported the idea of ​​a community resolution, saying his village cannot be held back by a few individuals.

“Anyone who disagrees with the resolution will have to pack up and leave. Remember, it’s not just livestock farmers and other people need opportunities, and that can happen through the job creation that comes with this project,” he said.

KNP’s general manager of socio-economic transformation told the Herald that the creation of a buffer zone is something that has significant potential to benefit the entire Mahlathi community, including livestock farmers.

“The buffer zone is not just about setting aside land for conservation; it is also designed to accommodate various activities that contribute to the wildlife economy. In addition, we set out to create what is known as a ‘pasture’ – an area where grass would be grown and managed specifically for livestock grazing. This would ensure that community livestock in the area have a sustainable source of food, contributing to the stability of agriculture while protecting the environment,” explained Mmethi.

He added that it is important for communities with land to take advantage of the wildlife economy because it provides far more benefits than many other economic activities in rural areas.

“Beyond preserving ecosystems, it creates opportunities for ecotourism, job creation and sustainable agricultural practices. It also helps diversify income streams for communities, reducing their reliance on a single sector and promoting a more resilient local economy. In Mahlathi’s case, the buffer zone could be a key driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship, bringing lasting benefits to both people and land,” she continued.

She gave the example of designating the area as a hunting ground, explaining that it could attract people from all over the country who might not otherwise visit the area. “The concept of tourism goes beyond the simple construction of cabins. Before such developments can begin, there must be a base of tourist attractions to make the area attractive, such as designating it as a prime spot for activities such as hunting. In that case, temporary tents could be set up which are more suitable for such experiences,” she said, suggesting that Mahlathi is one such area.

“If the buffer zone is established, conservation land used for raising wildlife could be put into community ownership. This would ensure that the benefits of the wildlife economy, such as revenue from hunting, biltong production or other related activities, would flow directly to the local community, rather than solely benefiting the park,” she explained.

Mmethi also appealed to the communities in the areas bordering the park to embrace the development brought by Sanparks to help boost their local economies.

“We are facing a similar challenge in Magona village (around Vhembe area) where a community in another village is opposing the development on the grounds that it does not fall within the Magona tribal office. Unfortunately, when such problems arise, it is the innocent, unemployed people who suffer the consequences,” she said.