Anglers decry iSimangaliso decision over Ezemvelo Rhino Card

Zululand anglers and other regular visitors to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park are up in arms over the conservation authority’s decision to stop affording Rhino Card holders discounted park access.

The decision was seemingly taken in April, and will come into effect on 1 April 2024.

“The notice was discovered at Enseleni Nature Reserve, an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife park,” said Barry Tedder, who serves on the Zululand Shore Angling Association committee.

“As you can understand we, as an organised angling fraternity and who visit the park regularly, are up in arms, and I’m sure the public would be too if they get wind of this.”

The Rhino Card is a paid-for Ezemvelo loyalty card of sorts, which allows the cardholder to enter Ezemvelo-run parks for free.

In years gone by, the Rhino Card was accepted at all gates of entry into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, from Cape Vidal to Kosi Bay and everywhere in between, including Mkhuze Game Reserve.

About seven or eight years ago, iSimangaliso took the decision to review this policy annually, finally bringing it to a halt altogether at this year’s annual review.

Come April, with no discounted park access, visitors can expect to pay more than R200 for a day trip into Cape Vidal.

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