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The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
The metro continues to fight vandalism at Groenkloof reserve
The metro continues to fight vandalism at Groenkloof reserve The Tshwane metro is working to combat criminality at its oldest conservation facility, which is currently celebrating its 130th anniversary. Groenkloof Nature Reserve has had to bear ongoing vandalism threats. The reserve was proclaimed by former President Paul Kruger on February 25, 1895, and was the first game sanctuary on the African continent. It was established to protect game species from overhunting and remains a vital natural space in the capital Tshwane spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said despite conservation efforts, vandalism of infrastructure in the reserve remains a concern. 'Security guards have been deployed to curb criminality, and members of the public are urged to report any incidents to Tshwane Metro Police on 012 358 1906,' he said. The metro hosted a small event to mark the anniversary, where local stakeholders pledged to reintroduce species such as the oribi and bushbuck that once roamed the area. Mashigo said the reserve has been proclaimed under the National Environmental Management of Protected Areas Act. 'Initiatives like alien invasive plant removal are ongoing to protect the unique transitional vegetation between grassveld and mixed bushveld,' he said. According to Mashigo, plans are in place to replace missing signage and improve visitor facilities, while R202 388 has been allocated for repairs and maintenance this financial year. However, the security funding is centralised under Tshwane's Asset Protection Unit. He said activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, and 4×4 trails are managed under a detailed action plan to balance public access with conservation. For Groenkloof resident Francois Geringer, the reserve is an irreplaceable community asset. 'It's a treasure that must be protected. It's a privilege to have such a beautiful reserve at our doorstep in the middle of the city,' he said. Geringer, who visits the reserve with his family every two months, said he has noticed positive changes in recent years. 'The reserve is very safe now. Walking and mountain bike trails are well maintained, and the new management team is very involved with upkeep and conservation,' he said. While mountain biking had declined in the past due to security concerns, he said cyclists are slowly returning and the reserve's hiking community has grown. 'It's great to see a much more diverse group of people from all over the city enjoying the trails.' However, Geringer believes more could have been done to mark the 130th anniversary and engage the community. He said the metro's celebrations are often overshadowed by politics, so people don't know about them. 'With all the new housing developments in Pretoria turning nature into concrete, Groenkloof is one of the last reminders of what we've lost. 'It's extremely important to preserve it for future generations. There's also lots of opportunity for school camps and programmes to get children involved.' ALSO READ: Bogus police make off with R10 000 after robbing man at gun-point in Silverton Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- The Citizen
Kruger urges holiday visitors to book ahead and follow rules as park braces for school break rush
Kruger urges holiday visitors to book ahead and follow rules as park braces for school break rush During the school holidays, the Kruger National Park (KNP) is anticipating a large number of visitors as families seek relaxation and time to enjoy nature. Mpumalanga News reports that Reynold Thakhuli, spokesperson for KNP, says South African National Parks (SANParks) urges visitors to book in advance and adhere to park rules during the school holidays, which run until July 21. To manage the expected increase in traffic, gate quotas will be implemented. Visitors are strongly advised to book their entry online ahead of their visit. Gate quota time slots: Time slot 1: 06:00 to 08:00 Time slot 2: 08:00 to 10:00 Time slot 3: 10:00 onwards 'Plans for increased visibility of both traffic officials and visitor management personnel to monitor speeding, after-hours travelling and general behaviour on the roads are being implemented. Management is urging visitors to co-operate with officials who will be on duty and to report any bad behaviour to the gate officials or call the emergency call centre number on the entry permits.' Thakhuli emphasised that motorists with temporary vehicle registration plates are encouraged to provide documentation at the gates, and vehicles with missing number plates will not be permitted to enter or exit the park. 'Any vehicle found inside the park with missing number plates will be impounded and the driver will be charged under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 of 2003, and fined,' he warned. Thakhuli said SANParks Ranger Services, Environmental Crime Investigations and Protection Services Units and the South African National Defence Force will be out in full force to ensure compliance. He added that tourists are urged not to remove 'No entry' signs as such actions can pose a danger to others. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips carefully, allowing sufficient time to enjoy the bush, relax and arrive safely at their destination. For updated information on road closures, visitors should consult camp and gate receptions or visit the park's social media platforms. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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The South African
04-07-2025
- The South African
SANParks outlaws drones in Kruger Park [video]
South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a stern reminder to the public that flying drones in any national park is illegal, regardless of the intended purpose. In an official statement, SANParks clarified that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – commonly referred to as drones – are prohibited under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMA). The legislation stipulates that no aircraft, including drones, may fly below 2 500 feet above the highest point within a national park without prior written permission from SANParks. Read the full version of the ' SANParks issues reminder of DRONE use in Kruger Park' article. 'All national parks in South Africa are legislated protected areas with restricted airspace, making them no-fly zones for all unauthorised aircraft,' SANParks said. The reminder comes as reports increase of illegal drone use in popular reserves, which SANParks warns can disturb wildlife and negatively affect the experience of other visitors. Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
The South African
03-07-2025
- The South African
SANParks issues reminder of DRONE use in Kruger Park
South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a stern reminder to the public that flying drones in any national park is illegal, regardless of the intended purpose. In an official statement, SANParks clarified that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – commonly referred to as drones – are prohibited under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMA). The legislation stipulates that no aircraft, including drones, may fly below 2 500 feet above the highest point within a national park without prior written permission from SANParks. 'All national parks in South Africa are legislated protected areas with restricted airspace, making them no-fly zones for all unauthorised aircraft,' SANParks said. The reminder comes as reports increase of illegal drone use in popular reserves, which SANParks warns can disturb wildlife and negatively affect the experience of other visitors. The presence of drones can startle animals, disrupt their natural behaviours, and in some cases, cause distress or injury. Moreover, flying drones in these protected areas can also infringe upon aerial filming rights and violate SANParks' filming and photography policies. SANParks has made it clear that violators will face serious consequences. 'Anyone caught operating a drone in any national park will be arrested on the spot, and their equipment will be confiscated,' the agency warned. The public is also encouraged to help enforce the regulations by reporting illegal drone activity to SANParks' Emergency Call Centre at the following numbers: 📞 013 735 4064 📞 013 735 0197 📱 076 801 9679 (mobile) SANParks reiterated its commitment to protecting South Africa's natural heritage and maintaining the integrity of the visitor experience. 'We appeal to all nature lovers and drone operators to respect these laws. National parks are sanctuaries for wildlife, and we must do everything possible to keep them that way.' For more information about filming or drone usage permissions in national parks, visitors are encouraged to consult the SANParks Filming and Photography Policy available on their official website. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- The Citizen
Kruger National Park announces school holiday access rules and important regulations
During the school holidays, the Kruger National Park (KNP) is anticipating a large number of visitors as families seek relaxation and time to enjoy nature. Reynold Thakhuli, spokesperson for KNP, said that SANParks urges visitors to book in advance and adhere to park rules during the school holiday period which runs from Saturday, June 28 to July 21. To manage the expected increase in traffic, gate quotas will be implemented. Visitors are strongly advised to book their entry online ahead of their visit. ALSO READ: Anti-poaching K9 Camp opens in Kruger National Park Special attention is also drawn to operational times concerning these gate quotas: • Time slot 1: 06:00 to 08:00 • Time slot 2: 08:00 to 10:00 • Time slot 3: 10:00 onwards 'Plans for increased visibility of both traffic officials and visitor management personnel to monitor speeding, after-hours travelling and general behaviour on the roads are being implemented. Management is urging visitors to co-operate with officials who will be on duty and to report any bad behaviour to the gate officials or call the emergency call centre number on the entry permits.' ALSO READ: The Kruger National Park implements quotas for Easter weekend Thakhuli also emphasised that motorists with temporary vehicle registration plates are encouraged to provide documentation at the gates, and vehicles with missing number plates will not be permitted to enter or exit the park at any gate. 'Any vehicle found inside the park with missing number plates will be impounded and the driver will be charged under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act No. 57, 2003 and fined,' he warned. Thakhuli also said SANParks Ranger Services, Environmental Crime Investigations and Protection Services Units, as well as the South African National Defence Force, will be out in full force to ensure compliance. Thakhuli added that tourists are urged not to remove 'No entry' signs as such actions can pose a danger to others. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips carefully, allowing sufficient time to enjoy the bush, relax, and arrive safely at their destination. For updated information on road closures, visitors should consult camp and gate receptions or visit the park's social media platforms. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
