NC dept donates game to historically disadvantaged beneficiaries

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, in collaboration with South African National Parks (SANParks), donated game to 35 organisations at Rolfontein Nature Reserve in Vanderkloof, to the value of R3.6 million.

Department spokesperson Phemelo Manakong said the donation included game worth R2.5 million and capturing expenses amounting to R1.1 million.

“This initiative is part of a two-part programme that includes a game meat donation programme,” said Manakong.

MEC Mase Manopole highlighted how the programme would foster growth, sustainability, and conservation of flora and fauna in the Northern Cape, while also promoting the inclusion of historically-disadvantaged black game farmers.

She also believed that the programme would contribute towards the long-term survival and sustainable use of these game species.

Media liaison officer Bongani Silingile added that the live game donation and meat scheme/programme would redress the historical exclusion of the previously disadvantaged communities from the game farming industry.

“Black game farmers can establish their own wild enterprises. The department, in line with relevant national policy imperatives, donated surplus game to reduce surplus game in the provincial nature reserves to meet these reserves’ ecological management objectives,” said Silingile.

“The culling operation provides the department with an opportunity to donate carcasses/meat to local community feeding schemes and other charitable organisations in the district.”