Latest news with #PeetvanderMerwe
eNCA
22-07-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Hunters benefit rural communities
POTCHEFSTROOM - Hunting tourism contributes more than R44-billion to South Africa's economy. A study by North-West University shows that both local and international trophy hunting have recovered since the Covid-19 pandemic and are now playing a key role in the economy. The benefits go beyond tourism, reaching sectors like agriculture, trade, transport, accommodation, and personal services. Professor Peet van der Merwe, a tourism management lecturer at North-West University, says hunting tourism fits well in rural areas where there are few economic opportunities and it contributes significantly to wildlife conservation and local development.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How private land is outpacing national parks in supporting South Africa's wildlife
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge. Image: Supplied Private land now hosts more of South Africa's wildlife population than national parks. This is according to a new study led by Professor Peet van der Merwe and Professor Andrea Saayman from the North-West University titled, 'Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post‑Covid analysis,' which calculates hunting tourism's annual contribution to South Africa's economy at a staggering USD2.5 billion(about R44.03 billion). They said the figure is not just large, but transformative. The study argues that hunting revenue has underwritten significant rewilding efforts. The researchers also point to a powerful conservation dividend. They said, contrary to popular belief, regulated hunting creates financial incentives for landowners to protect and repopulate wild species. Without such incentives, they said, many might revert to traditional farming, leading to habitat loss and diminished biodiversity. The analysis said hunting tourism's lifeblood flows into rural economies, often bypassed by mainstream tourism. It said provinces like Limpopo benefit enormously from the inflow, with private game farms-many converted from struggling livestock operations-thriving through sustainable use. The professors said perhaps the most striking finding is employment, as approximately 95 000 jobs in South Africa depended on hunting tourism. Many of these roles, such as trackers, farm hands and cleaners, require limited formal education, making the sector a vital source of income in a country grappling with a 32.9% unemployment rate. Over 60% of these jobs fall within low-skilled categories, underscoring hunting tourism's outsized impact on South Africa's most vulnerable workers. While to some, hunting remains morally fraught, this study emphasises that economic survival for many rural communities hinges on this industry. Importantly, its authors said the research does not gloss over ethical concerns. Instead, they said it calls for measured policy, recognising hunting tourism's proven contribution to jobs, conservation and poverty alleviation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Moreover, they said the sector's resilience post-Covid is telling as international travel resumes, South Africa has found in hunting tourism a niche that not only endures but thrives. They said this speaks to a broader shift in post-pandemic tourism: towards immersive, exclusive, and at times, controversial experiences. With sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and logistics all feeding off the hunting economy, the study urges policymakers to acknowledge and protect this value chain. It said that legislation around land use, conservation and hunting quotas must be grounded in economic realities and not mere ideological preferences. They said that missteps in that regard could jeopardise both wildlife and livelihoods. 'Hunting tourism may not be everyone's idea of a sustainable economy. Yet, in South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, it is delivering where others have faltered. It supports rural economies, funds conservation, and employs tens of thousands, many of them low-income workers with few alternatives.' The professors said that in a world seeking green growth with social equity, the rifle may be a more unexpected ally than critics cared to admit. Local hunters, who are mostly middle-aged men from provinces like Gauteng, make up the bulk of this economic activity. With each local hunter spending an average of USD3,594 per season, their collective annual spend tops USD718 million. International hunters, often affluent retirees from the United States, spend far more per trip, an average of USD32,663. primarily on game, trophies, accommodation, and daily rates. Though fewer in number, their spending adds another USD169 million to the tally. But the study said the significance goes beyond raw expenditure. It said that employing a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), the researchers found a production multiplier of 2.97. In lay terms: for every USD1 spent, an additional USD1.97 is generated in economic activity. The ripple effect spreads across agriculture, trade, accommodation, transport, and personal services. Delivering the Department of Tourism Budget Vote last week, Minister Patricia de Lille said over the past financial year 2024/25, South Africa experienced an upswing in tourism, with an increase in international visitors, reaching a peak of 9.1 million. She said domestic overnight travel continued its upward trajectory, with 40 million trips recorded, up from 37.7 million in the previous year. International tourists contributed a total foreign direct spend of R92.8 billion in the previous financial year, while domestic tourism grew by 7.6%, reaching R133.1 billion in the 2024/25 financial year. On a policy level, the department said it completed and implemented the Tourism Master Plan and finalised the Tourism White Paper and Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan.
TimesLIVE
16-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'The rifle is boosting South Africa's rural economy': NWU study on hunting tourism
Hunting tourism may not be everyone's idea of a sustainable economy, yet, in South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, it is delivering where others have faltered. It supports rural economies, funds conservation and employs tens of thousands of people, many of them low-skill workers with few alternatives. This is according to a North West University (NWU) study led by Prof Peet van der Merwe and Prof Andrea Saayman, titled 'Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post‑Covid analysis'. They calculate hunting tourism's annual contribution to South Africa's economy at about R44.03bn. Local hunters, who constitute mostly middle-aged men from provinces such as Gauteng, make up most of this economic activity. With each local hunter spending an average of R64,410 per season, their collective annual spend tops R12.86bn. International hunters, often affluent retirees from the US, spend far more per trip — an average of R585,375 — mainly on game, trophies, accommodation and daily rates. Though fewer in number, their spending adds another R3.02bn to the tally. But the significance goes beyond raw expenditure. Employing a social accounting matrix, the researchers found a production multiplier of 2.97. In lay terms: for every $1 (R17.92) spent, an additional $1.97 (R35.30) is generated in economic activity. The ripple effect spreads across agriculture, trade, accommodation, transport and personal services. Perhaps the most striking finding is employment. About 95,000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism. Many of these roles such as trackers, farm hands and cleaners require limited formal education, making the sector a vital source of income in a country grappling with a 32.9% unemployment rate. More than 60% of these jobs fall within low-skilled categories, underscoring hunting tourism's outsize impact on South Africa's most vulnerable workers. Hunting tourism's lifeblood flows into rural economies, often bypassed by mainstream tourism. Provinces such as Limpopo benefit enormously from the inflow, with private game farms — many converted from struggling livestock operations — thriving through sustainable use. Notably, South Africa's wildlife population on private land now exceeds that in national parks and the study argues hunting revenue has underwritten significant rewilding efforts. The researchers also point to a powerful conservation dividend. Contrary to popular belief, regulated hunting creates financial incentives for landowners to protect and repopulate wild species. Without such incentives, many might revert to traditional farming, leading to habitat loss and diminished biodiversity. To some, hunting remains morally fraught, but the study emphasises economic survival for many rural communities hinges on this industry. Importantly, the research does not gloss over ethical concerns. Instead, it calls for measured policy, recognising hunting tourism's proven contribution to jobs, conservation and poverty alleviation. Moreover, the sector's resilience post-Covid is telling. As international travel resumes, South Africa has found in hunting tourism a niche that not only endures but thrives. It speaks to a broader shift in post-pandemic tourism: towards immersive, exclusive and, at times, controversial experiences. With sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and logistics feeding off the hunting economy, the study urges policymakers to acknowledge and protect this value chain. Legislation around land use, conservation and hunting quotas must be grounded in economic realities, not just ideological preferences. Missteps could jeopardise wildlife and livelihoods. In a world seeking green growth with social equity, the rifle may be a more unexpected ally than critics care to admit.
Mail & Guardian
16-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
R44 billion: The big bucks of hunting tourism
* Approximately 95 000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism.* Hunting tourism contributes USD2.5 billion, or about R44.03 billion to South Africa's economy. * Hunting tourism massively benefits rural communities.* South Africa's wildlife population on private land exceeds that in national parks. Amid global debates on ethical travel and wildlife preservation, a new study from North-West University shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked sector that quietly props up South Africa's rural economy: hunting tourism. In the aftermath of COVID-19, tourism economies the world over struggled to recover. But in South Africa, hunting tourism, both domestic and international trophy hunting, has not only rebounded, it has emerged as a critical economic driver. A new study led by Prof Peet van der Merwe and Prof Andrea Saayman from the North-West University, titled: Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post‑COVID analysis , calculates hunting tourism's annual contribution to South Africa's economy at a staggering USD2.5 billion, or about R44.03 billion. The figure is not just large, it's transformative. Local hunters, who constitutes mostly middle-aged men from provinces like Gauteng, make up the bulk of this economic activity. With each local hunter spending an average of USD3 594 per season, their collective annual spend tops USD718 million. International hunters, often affluent retirees from the United States, spend far more per trip – an average of USD32 663 – primarily on game, trophies, accommodation and daily rates. Though fewer in number, their spending adds another USD169 million to the tally. But the significance goes beyond raw expenditure. Employing a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), the researchers found a production multiplier of 2.97. In lay terms: for every USD1 spent, an additional USD1.97 is generated in economic activity. The ripple effect spreads across agriculture, trade, accommodation, transport and personal services. Perhaps the most striking finding is employment. Approximately 95 000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism. Many of these roles, such as trackers, farm hands and cleaners, require limited formal education, making the sector a vital source of income in a country grappling with a 32.9% unemployment rate. Over 60% of these jobs fall within low-skilled categories, underscoring hunting tourism's outsized impact on South Africa's most vulnerable workers. Hunting tourism's lifeblood flows into rural economies, often bypassed by mainstream tourism. Provinces like Limpopo benefit enormously from the inflow, with private game farms – many converted from struggling livestock operations – thriving through sustainable use. Notably, South Africa's wildlife population on private land now exceeds that in national parks, and the study argues that hunting revenue has underwritten significant re-wilding efforts. The researchers also point to a powerful conservation dividend. Contrary to popular belief, regulated hunting creates financial incentives for landowners to protect and repopulate wild species. Without such incentives, many might revert to traditional farming, leading to habitat loss and diminished biodiversity. To some, hunting remains morally fraught. But the study emphasises that economic survival for many rural communities hinges on this industry. Importantly, the research does not gloss over ethical concerns. Instead, it calls for measured policy, recognising hunting tourism's proven contribution to jobs, conservation and poverty alleviation. Moreover, the sector's resilience post-COVID is telling. As international travel resumes, South Africa has found in hunting tourism a niche that not only endures but thrives. It speaks to a broader shift in post-pandemic tourism: towards immersive, exclusive and, at times, controversial experiences. With sectors like agriculture, hospitality and logistics all feeding off the hunting economy, the study urges policymakers to acknowledge and protect this value chain. Legislation around land use, conservation and hunting quotas must be grounded in economic realities, not just ideological preferences. Missteps could jeopardise both wildlife and livelihoods. Hunting tourism may not be everyone's idea of a sustainable economy. Yet, in South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, it is delivering where others have faltered. It supports rural economies, funds conservation and employs tens of thousands, many of them low-income workers with few alternatives. In a world seeking green growth with social equity, the rifle may be a more unexpected ally than critics care to admit. • Follow the link to the article here:
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Hunting tourism pumps R44 Billion into South Africa's economy,
Amid global debates on ethical travel and wildlife preservation, a new study from North-West University shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked sector that quietly props up South Africa's rural economy: hunting tourism. In the aftermath of COVID-19, tourism economies the world over struggled to recover. But in South Africa, hunting tourism, both domestic and international trophy hunting, has not only rebounded; it has emerged as a critical economic driver. A new study led by Prof Peet van der Merwe and Prof Andrea Saayman from the North-West University titled Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post‑COVID analysis, calculates hunting tourism's annual contribution to South Africa's economy at a staggering USD2.5 billion, or about R44.03 billion. The figure is not just large, it's transformative. Local hunters, who constitutes mostly middle-aged men from provinces like Gauteng, make up the bulk of this economic activity. With each local hunter spending an average of USD3,594 per season, their collective annual spend tops USD718 million. International hunters, often affluent retirees from the United States, spend far more per trip – an average of USD32,663 – primarily on game, trophies, accommodation, and daily rates. Though fewer in number, their spending adds another USD169 million to the tally. But the significance goes beyond raw expenditure. Employing a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), the researchers found a production multiplier of 2.97. In lay terms: for every USD1 spent, an additional USD1.97 is generated in economic activity. The ripple effect spreads across agriculture, trade, accommodation, transport, and personal services. Perhaps the most striking finding is employment. Approximately 95 000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism. Many of these roles such as trackers, farm hands and cleaners require limited formal education, making the sector a vital source of income in a country grappling with a 32.9% unemployment rate. Over 60% of these jobs fall within low-skilled categories, underscoring hunting tourism's outsized impact on South Africa's most vulnerable workers. Hunting tourism's lifeblood flows into rural economies, often bypassed by mainstream tourism. Provinces like Limpopo benefit enormously from the inflow, with private game farms – many converted from struggling livestock operations – thriving through sustainable use. Notably, South Africa's wildlife population on private land now exceeds that in national parks, and the study argues that hunting revenue has underwritten significant rewilding efforts. The researchers also point to a powerful conservation dividend. Contrary to popular belief, regulated hunting creates financial incentives for landowners to protect and repopulate wild species. Without such incentives, many might revert to traditional farming, leading to habitat loss and diminished biodiversity. To some, hunting remains morally fraught. But the study emphasises that economic survival for many rural communities hinges on this industry. Importantly, the research does not gloss over ethical concerns. Instead, it calls for measured policy, recognising hunting tourism's proven contribution to jobs, conservation, and poverty alleviation. Moreover, the sector's resilience post-COVID is telling. As international travel resumes, South Africa has found in hunting tourism a niche that not only endures but thrives. It speaks to a broader shift in post-pandemic tourism: towards immersive, exclusive, and, at times, controversial experiences. With sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and logistics all feeding off the hunting economy, the study urges policymakers to acknowledge and protect this value chain. Legislation around land use, conservation, and hunting quotas must be grounded in economic realities, not just ideological preferences. Missteps could jeopardise both wildlife and livelihoods. Hunting tourism may not be everyone's idea of a sustainable economy. Yet, in South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, it is delivering where others have faltered. It supports rural economies, funds conservation, and employs tens of thousands, many of them low-income workers with few alternatives. In a world seeking green growth with social equity, the rifle may be a more unexpected ally than critics care to admit. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
