LIMPOPO – Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa will soon visit Matsila village to launch the Matsila Wildlife Economic Project that will create 50 permanent jobs near Elim.
The Project Director, Chief Livhuwani Matsila of the Matshila Development Trust said it is a Sanparks project aimed at transforming the wildlife industry so that black people participate in this industry.
“Five buffalo, 10 eland and 16 impala will be accommodated. The project will create about 50 permanent jobs and more than 200 temporary jobs adding to the 500 employees already working under the Matsila Community Development Project.
“We are happy about the opportunity presented to us by Sanparks and the Department of Environmental Affairs, as this allows us to access and participate in the wildlife industry. For us this is a ground-breaking initiative which serves as evidence that radical economic transformation is within reach if all of us work hard. We hope that government and Sanparks rolled out this project into the other rural communities with potential for game farming. We therefore look forward to the official launch of the project as soon as possible,” said Chief Matsila.
“In addition, SanParks has donated a Science Laboratory to our trust for free use by learners from various schools at Matsila Village and its neighbouring communities which include more than 10 villages.
This initiative bodes well for the growth of domestic tourism which is essential in growing the local economy while creating jobs and eradicating poverty in rural communities.
As the year 2017 is a momentous achievement during which we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Matsila Community Development Trust, government and private sector support and leadership in this initiative has greatly inspired us to continue with our mission of eradicating poverty in our communities,” said Matsila.
