SANParks rejects graft allegations

A letter published in your newspaper on December 12 – “Corruption within National Parks is rife” – cannot go unchallenged.

13 December 2011 | REYNOLD THAKHULI general manager of SANParks

Charges of corruption within SANParks are false, writes SANParks media general manager REYNOLD THAKHULI.

A letter published in your newspaper on December 12 – “Corruption within National Parks is rife” – cannot go unchallenged.

SANParks would like to state that the issue of rhino poaching is not limited to national parks only, as the author suggests, but is also experienced in private reserves around the country.

In fact this is a global crisis, as some countries have had their rhinos wiped out completely.

It is important to also note that more than 200 poaching suspects have been arrested this year, a significant increase from the 165 of the previous year.

While SANParks has had rogue employees in the past, we are hard at work to ensure that we root out any such elements, if any exist.

Rangers do not work alone; they are supported by the SAPS Organised Crime Unit and the SANDF.

Although one cannot rule out foul play, the chances of rangers being heavily involved in poaching without being detected are very slim.

It is a fallacy to say that there is rampant corruption within national parks.

The author of the letter must also note that the Kruger National Park covers a land area of more than 2- million hectares, so it is impossible to cover every inch of the park all the time.