The Northern Cape provincial government has issued a stern warning to people who are illegally selling endangered species.
Nothern Cape MEC of agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development and land reform Mase Manopole recently led a team of experts and scientists to the Namaqualand area, where the poaching and collection of protected plants and animals is on the rise.
The MEC’s spokesperson, Zandisile Luphahla, said the scourge of plant and animal poaching was a thorny issue. The MEC initiated a stop and search to counter this.
According to Luphahla the roadblocks were held on the N7 Namibia-Cape route in Garies. It follows a recent incident in which a middle-aged male was served with a warning for being in possession of and transporting restricted plants without a permit.
Collaboration on ending illegal activities
According to Luphahla it was important for the department to act as soon as possible on the illegal activity ahead of the end of the year festivities.
“MEC Manopole has challenged all South Africans, particularly the Northern Cape community, to join hands in stopping the collection, buying and poaching of indigenous plants, animals and reptile species. In most instances [these species] are either [classified as] threatened or protected in the terms of national environmental management biodiversity act,” he said.
Meanwhile Manopole said the awareness campaign was aimed at sensitising the community to the fact that partaking in such activities will put them on the wrong side of the law.
“The Northern Cape province is home to a great variety of plant and animal species. Many of these species occur only in our region, through special adaptation over time to survive in a hot and dry landscape.
“The removal, possession, transport, trade and breeding in indigenous plants and animals – of which some has special protection status – as well as disturbance of their habitats without a permit, is illegal.”
Northern Cape MEC Mase Manopole
Speaking at a meeting with community members, Manopole said it was everyone’s responsibility to protect their natural heritage at all costs.
Officials from SANParks, Black Mountain mine, the Namaqua National Park, South African National Biodiversity Institute and the South African Police Services accompanied Manopole.
SANParks spokesperson Rey Thakhuli said any type of poaching is a concern to them.
“One [species of] fauna and flora lost [could] be catastrophic. National parks are specifically created for preservation of our country’s natural and cultural assets not found anywhere else in the world,” he said.
South Africa is considered a mega diverse country, and its conservation success story helps safeguard that status. “Therefore illegal activities are not helping in any way. We call upon everyone to report these illegal activities to the police or to park authorities,” Thakhuli said.
Manopole said that the previous generations before did a sterling job of protecting succulent plants and animals.
“We are here today because of the great work they did. Ours is to take the baton and pass it to the next generation with pride, knowing that we have done our part in preserving our ecosystem,” she added.
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