KNP looks into ways to unlock economic opportunities for the public
“We have been elected to serve our people and create opportunities for them. I expect officials to facilitate the programme to awaken Limpopo which is a sleeping giant,” were the words of the MEC of LEDET.
Traditional leaders, civil society and NGOs attended a historic two-day workshop of the Greater Kruger Strategic Development Programme.|
The event looked at ways in which the Kruger National Park (KNP) could be used as a catalyst to unlock economic opportunities for small and medium businesses and ordinary people. It was held in Tzaneen on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 March.
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The meeting emphasised cooperation of all participants to make sure that the initiative benefits people living along the western boundary of KNP.
SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni, told delegates that it was time to change perceptions that KNP was an island and that it should be viewed as a catalyst for development.
“Studies have shown the social impact that KNP has but that is not enough. We need everybody to put in an effort if we are to succeed with this framework by working with traditional leaders, local municipalities, social grouping and national departments. We need to mobilise resources to make this a reality within the frameworks of government as outlined in the National Development Plan,” stated Mketeni.
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He urged government representatives to facilitate local businesses. He lamented the fact that services and products within the park were being supplied by companies based outside the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Mketeni indicated that community based entrepreneurs need to be supported by relevant government departments.
MEC of LEDET, Thabo Mokone, said he fully supported SANParks in the initiative and urged all parties to work together to improve the lives of people in the province.
Timelines have been set up on the consultation programme and to come up with realistic plans to implement the initiative outlined. A similar consultation session with Mpumalanga based stakeholders will be held in the near future.
