The South African National Parks’ (SANParks) 21 functioning parks are geared up and ready to welcome visitors this festive season.
These protected areas are known for receiving an influx of visitors during the warm summer months, offering locals and tourists the chance to explore South Africa in extraordinary ways.
SANParks said it would be relying on technology, its k9 units and aerial support to fight and curb crime. A number of attacks have been reported across several parks in recent months. The organisation has thus made another appeal to the public visiting the national parks to hike in groups of four or more, to ensure phones are fully charged, to carry enough water, and more.
“All safety and security measures are based on the use of technology, K9, aerial support and a partnership model that includes provincial and local authorities, civil society formations and communities,” said SANParks spokesperson JP Louw.
Louw said joining ties with the above-mentioned law enforcement agencies and other organisation will bolster the organisation’s crime-fighting efforts.
“Success stories recorded include awareness raising campaigns and community mobilisations, arrests and stringent convictions. Various interventions will be conducted during the festive season such as safety campaigns, intense routine patrols, fire safety awareness, water saving and safety initiatives, aerial support (air services) and emergency centre service activations,” said Louw.
In addition, the organisation announced the introduction of the Table Mountain National Park Volunteer Safety Services (VSS). This partnership with interested and affected civil society organisations will work to promote visitor and park user safety in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). Victim support and trauma counselling will also be facilitated.
TMNP also received funding of R1.94 million for the training of 25 new Sea, Air, and Mountain (SEAM) special operations ranger recruits. The aim is to boost the fight against environmental crime and threats to visitors whilst SANParks Honorary Rangers committed more than R600 000 for the selection process of the new recruits.
READ MORE: SANParks defends safety on Table Mountain amid crime concerns
