SANParks celebrated second SA National Parks Week

THABAZIMBI – For the second year running, South African National Parks (SANParks) opened the gates to most of the National parks free of charge to all South African residents. This was done over the period 17 to 21 September. This National Park Week was aimed at showcasing the best of South Africa’s national parks and also to give South Africans an opportunity to experience the pride and joy of South Africa’s natural assets. Reinforcing last year’s message, the theme remained “Know your National Parks”, and focused on three key elements “Educate, Participate and Experience”. Most of the ru ral schools in the vicinity of Marakele Na tional Park, joined in the fes tiv i – ties with traditional dance on Wednes day dur ing a cer e mony that was held at Marakele Na tional Park. Mabogopedi Sec ond ary School (photo right) was also there with their Gumbootdancers. At Marakele National Park, close to Thabazimbi, this action coincided Wednesday 19 September with the official opening of the subway that connects the Kwaggasvlakte section, where the main gate is located, with the rest of the park on the other side of the Hoopdal road. Local schools, bordering the park were also invited and entertained the official guests with tribal dances. Since the park is located on both sides of the road linking Hoopdal with Thabazimbi, closure of this road would have caused mayor inconvenience to the local population, since it would have cut off their closest link to the town of Thabazimbi. The subway also separates the Big-Five section of the park from the rest of the park were the caravan and camping section as well as the picnic areas are located. These areas are not fenced in and by installing the electric gate at the subway, dangerous animals like lion and elephant are kept out. The mere push of a button allows visitors to open the gate to the other section of the park. Keys are no more necessary to enter the other section, nor the gate watchers to check day visitor’s permits. A total of 56km of roads were also constructed as part of upgrading the accessibility of the park to visitors. In his welcome, Mr Fhatuwani (Hendrik) Mugwabana, Park Manager, said that the geographical location of Marakele must be used to attract more visitors to the park. The park has already implemented programs directed at primary school learners where local businesses are involved. The teenagers should also become involved and here the Thabazimbi Municipality can expect that there will be looked upon them for more participation in future. Mugwabana also mentioned that the impact of Marakele must be felt locally, especially by local business and the community that is directly affected by the park. Local business must be BEE registered in order to do business with the park. Mr Dirk Laufs, chairman of the Marakele Park Forum, said that the forum gives everybody with some interest in the further development and running of the park the opportunity to become involved. On 7 December an open meeting with Park management will be held and he urged all interested persons, with a special invitation to the Afrikaans community, to attend this meeting. Further information and notice of the venue will be supplied in Die Kwêvoël.