Dispute about where to put new KNP gate finally gets settled

Date: 15 March 2024 By: Kaizer Nengovhela

The dispute about where the Kruger National Park’s newest gate, the Shangoni gate, will be situated, has been resolved and work can now continue, said the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Amos Fish Mahlalela. He formed part of the delegation that visited the site near Mtititi village to observe the progress made.

The visit took place last Wednesday (6^th) and was attended by Collins Chabane Mayor Shadrack Maluleke, the acting mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, Cllr Tintswalo Bila, and Mopani Executive Mayor Pule Shai.

In 2016, the Department of Tourism allocated R25 million to fund the construction of the Shangoni gate, but the project was halted because of disputes between the Collins Chabane and Greater Giyani Municipality as residents of both municipalities were looking forward to benefiting from this gate.

“The position of the proposed location is less than one kilometre away from the current management gate used by SANParks staff,” said Mahlalela last week. He explained that this gate has been used by Kruger National Park (KNP) staff for many years and is presently located on the northern banks of the Shingwedzi river, near Altein village. This village, where the Mtititi community lives, is situated 53km east of Thohoyandou and 31km northeast of Giyani and within easy reach of towns such as Louis Trichardt, which is 126km away.

The deputy minister mentioned that a stakeholder meeting took place on 5 March at the KNP’s Mopani rest camp, where a final resolution was reached in which all parties agreed on the position of the gate. “The meeting also agreed that a sub-committee will be set up with representatives from all concerned parties to ensure that the surrounding communities reap the benefits of the opening of this new gate,” he said.

Mahlalela used the opportunity to thank SANParks Board member Chief Livhuwani Matsila for helping to facilitate the matter. “An agreement was reached to allow construction of the reception area to continue without interruption. Various meetings have been facilitated between Mtititi-Madonsi Shangoni Gate Combatants, Department of Tourism, and SANParks, where an agreement was also reached that a project advisory committee will be established to oversee the project during construction and will meet monthly,” he said.

Mahlalela said that the project was supported by all parties concerned as it would catalyse local economic development for both the Vhembe and Mopani District Municipalities by providing job and business opportunities for the local communities through improved access to the KNP, especially from the northern side.

He said that the contractor had been appointed to construct the gate, and work would begin soon. Mahlalela said that the construction of the reception area was at more than 90% completion, while construction of the guest lodge had also begun.

He stated that they would engage with Road Agency Limpopo to construct a 49km road to the Shangoni gate.

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Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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