Latest news with #SANationalParks
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- The Citizen
Poor PR at Travel Indaba
The travel indaba expo was held in Durban last week. One of the best things about being in media is the experience. It's also – without question – one of the worst things. You get invited on a 'trip' only to be used as an unpaid PR intern. Case in point: the travel indaba expo in Durban last week by SA National Parks, a government entity. On paper, this sounded like an informative jaunt into the travel industry's current state. What did we get? A press release with legs and a suspicious agenda. The experience kicked off with what should've been casual introductions and insightful chats with experts. Some were warm while others looked at us like we'd wandered there without permission. 'Please wait for a formal introduction from SANParks comms,' they barked. Protocol, darling. Then came the kicker. We were flown down 'to interview the CEO' But just before the presser, we were informed: 'No interviews. Just bring your smartphones. We need photos of a memorandum being signed.' ALSO READ: Are more South Africans travelling again since the pandemic? Tips for travel agencies to stay ahead In case you forgot what press freedom looked like – it certainly wasn't there. There's a curious irony in how government bodies treat the media: they invite us, then act like we crashed the party. We had to hunt for the SANParks stand ourselves, no signage, no greeting, just cold shoulders. The staff seemed less interested in hosting and more in herding. Disdain dripped from every interaction. The press conference, which started late, only drove the point home. The panel? A testosterone-heavy line-up in a country that loves to parade the word 'transformation' like a shiny medal. Where were the women? The fresh voices? Instead of engagement, we got indifference. Instead of collaboration, condescension. It's a shame, because if government entities truly want their message heard, they must start by treating the messengers like professionals, not intruders. Oh, and for the record: the Nigerian PR firm that hosted us in Dubai for the Dubai expo? Respectful, transparent, and professional. Maybe we can swap a rhino for a few manners. NOW READ: Travel alert: Two less visa-free entries for SA passport holders
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Rush to see rare Aussie phenomenon sparks major safety warning
Tourists and travellers hoping to catch a glimpse of an incredible natural phenomenon sweeping across massive parts of the country's south have been warned that any trip to spectate "requires careful planning and preparation". South Australia's Department of Environment reported last week that 600 to 1000 gigalitres of water are flowing into Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in South Australia from western Queensland, after a 2,000 kilometre band of rain swept across the country in March. The deluge saw parts of the Queensland outback go underwater, with residents cut off for weeks. Now the water is spilling into Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, which has only filled to capacity three times in the past 160 years. The full inundation is expected to breathe life back into the salt lake's crust, its wildlife, and the surrounding vegetation. As floodwaters arrive, they trigger a remarkable transformation — rare and dormant species burst into life, and others are drawn to the lake in spectacular numbers. Speaking to Yahoo News on Friday, an SA National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson said the best way to see Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre "and the hundreds of species of birdlife that it attracts", is from the air. "But visitors can witness the spectacle of the lake from dedicated viewing points within Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park," they said. "The new management plan for the park, which was introduced in February this year, restricts recreational access to the lakebed, including visitors entering the lakebed on foot. All other recreational activities, including swimming, driving, boating and landing aircraft, are already restricted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972." Sitting 15 metres below sea level, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is Australia's lowest point and spans an immense 9,500 square kilometres. It is co-managed by the South Australian government and the Indigenous Arabana people, whose deep cultural ties to the region help guide its protection. With the return of water, brine shrimp hatch from long-dormant eggs in the soil, providing food for fish swept in by the floods. Meanwhile, millions of waterbirds, including breeding species that migrate from as far as China and Japan, flock to the lake to feed, nest, and raise their young. Viewing the rare event can be done from setting up your base at Halligan Bay Point Campground, which sits along the lake's edge. More than 10 hours' drive north of Adelaide, the site is 4WD access only. The site is flat and exposed, offering only basic amenities such as toilets and picnic shelters. For those seeking an alternative, camping is also available at Muloorina Bore, located north of Marree. Incredible photo captures 'extremely rare' phenomenon Aussie euphoric after remarkable find off jetty: 'Like nothing I've seen' Incredible image reveals little-known reality in northern Australia National Parks and Wildlife Service District Ranger Travis Gotch said visiting Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a "unique experience", but it also requires caution, especially when camping at the remote location. "Know where you're staying, drive to the conditions and make sure that you have enough food, water and resources to fully enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip," Gotch said. "Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a special place. It deserves to be seen, but also to be preserved. Visitors can help by staying on marked tracks, taking all litter home and respecting the cultural significance of the lake and surrounds. "Water will start to find its way into the north lake in early May, and there will be varying water levels for up to six months. The best times to visit would be between May and October." Amy Barham from tour operator Outback Spirit told Yahoo News the water levels are expected to swell higher than in 1974, which was a huge flood year for Lake Eyre. "Lake Eyre flooding, historically, is usually every three to four years," Barham had earlier said. "This year is set to have the most substantial water fill we've seen in the last 15 years." For the Arabana people, the lake is considered to be "sacred" and "dangerous to visit without the guidance of cultural authority". Swimming, driving off designated tracks, and boating were already prohibited when a fresh set of recreational bans came into force earlier this year, preventing visitors from walking on the lake bed. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Daily Maverick
24-04-2025
- Daily Maverick
Bail-jumping Kruger National Park rhino poacher put behind bars for 20 years
The proverbial long arm of the law has caught up with a poacher who helped to kill two rhinos in the Kruger National Park more than four years ago - and then jumped bail. Mozambican national Nelson Sandile Sambo has been jailed for 20 years for rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park. Sambo (43) was arrested by SA National Parks field rangers in December 2020 after he and an accomplice shot and then hacked off the horns of two rhinos in the Stolznek section of the park. Sambo and Gabriel Chauke were granted bail soon after their arrest, but both suspects promptly jumped bail. While Chauke remains at large, Sambo was re-arrested in 2023 and has now been jailed for 20 years after he pleaded guilty to several charges in the Skukuza Regional Court this week. The regional court, located in the heart of the country's premier national park, has handed down several stiff sentences to rhino poachers – despite several attempts to have it shut it down or to transfer cases to other courts outside the park. It remains unclear which court granted bail to these two suspects. However, in a media statement on 24 April, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Monica Nyuswa confirmed that Sambo has now been sent to jail for two decades following another successful conviction in the Skukuza court. Nyuswa said Sambo had pleaded guilty to seven charges, including trespassing, killing two rhinos, as well as a number of firearm and ammunition offences. 'In aggravation of sentence, [NPA] Prosecutor Lot Mgiba presented overwhelming DNA evidence found on Chauke's clothes linking him to the rhino carcasses. Positive DNA evidence showing that the bullet was fired from a firearm found in the accused's possession was also presented,' the NPA stated. 'The NPA welcomes the sentence, and reaffirms its commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting South Africa's wildlife for future generations,' said the NPA. DM
