The partnership between the Makuleke community in Phafuri, Limpopo, and South African National Parks (SANParks) has resulted in positive changes for the previously displaced community.
The community reclaimed their own land after they were forcefully removed in 1969 by the apartheid government. It has partnered with SANParks and businesses in a bid to enhance the lives of the villagers for the better.
During the forced removals, a lot of people from the village fled to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Through the Land Restitution Act, they managed to reclaim the communal land in 1998, which was incorporated into the Kruger National Park in Pafuri.
Acting Chief, Humphrey Magakula, says this restored the dignity of the Makuleke people.
“Some of the people who were forcefully removed had to escape to Zimbabwe, and it’s about 15 15-minute walk from where they were removed. We have lost identity because some of the guys had to flee to Mozambique and Zimbabwe. When they got there, they were bound to change their surnames but most importantly, we lost our dignity during the removal, hence we have to celebrate Human Rights Day.”
As part of the settlement agreement, SANParks is responsible for the day-to-day conservation activities while the community is responsible for all tourism activities. Community members are also trained in conservation and tourism matters. SANParks Regional Ranger, Richard Mowry, says they will be commencing with a livestock herding project which will benefit the impoverished community.
“There is no any other better way to grow the economic status than by working with your communities and well-herded livestock. The herding project is something we are starting to work on here. We have had a lot of discussions and engagements with communities and we hope it’s something we can get going all around the park. And it’s a win win for everyone. Win for the environment, win for the lions, win for the people economically.”
The community is focusing on attracting more business to the area, which boasts 80 percent of the park’s biodiversity. It has partnered with a luxury safari accommodation group, which has three establishments in the communal land, employing 70 permanent staff.
General Manager, Godfrey Baloyi says, “As we speak now the whole management in the area is from Makuleke. We have the right to go and outsource a skill if not found in the community. We are doing well. We are not working here, this is the home and area of our own ancestors.”
Magakula says the expansion of commercial partnerships is very important for the survival of the community.
“CPA has been given a mandate to manage this area, not the traditional council. “We reside in the village and let individuals work. Our expectation from them is to contribute money to the community. We want to witness them prosper financially, so we look for experienced individuals and bring in commercial partners to work in our area.”
