Krantzkloof reserve remains closed

EVEN though restrictions were eased when the country moved to level 4 lockdown, allowing residents to extend their exercise routines to the roads, the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve remains closed to the public.

The reserve’s manager, Waldo Bekker, said, “There is an increased illegal entering of the public into the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve since the nationwide lockdown was moved to level 4 on 1 May. Even though there are numerous signs indicating that, the reserve is closed to the public. People are still entering the reserve illegally to run and walk on the trails inside the reserve. In the same way the public is not allowed to exercise on the beach, people are not allowed to exercise in the reserve.”

He warned that any member of the public who is found entering the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve illegally and ignores the official information and warning signs would be in contravention to the regulations under the Disaster Management Act Regulations and the Regulation under the Protected Areas Act.

ALSO READ: Springside Nature Reserve remains closed to visitors during lockdown

The Disaster Management Act’s regulations for alert level 4 during the Covid-19 lockdown, as per Section 24, published in Government Gazette 43258, states that it is closed to the public. (below)

Notice boards are on display at the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve that indicate no entry is allowed. This is in line with regulations for the Proper Management of Nature Reserves under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003, Section 54. (below)

The regulation reads:

Section 24. Places and premises closed to the public:

24. (2) Any place or premises normally open to the public or where people may gather, are prohibited. These include-

(a) public parks, sports grounds and fields, beaches and swimming pools…

(g) private and public game reserves

The Act reads:

Section 54:

offences and penalties 54. Any person who –

(b) fails to comply with any Protected Area Notice, an internal rule, or other document issued or displayed in terms of these Regulations;

(c) fails to comply with any lawful instruction, prohibition, rule or order given, imposed or issued in terms of an internal rule or these Regulations… will be guilty of an offence.

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