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South African National Parks says security has been beefed up ahead of the busy festive period expected at its 21 national parks across the country.
This is one of several interventions announced by SANParks as it gears up for a holiday influx.
"Whilst variant across national parks and regions due to unique circumstances, 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 spokesperson, JP Louw, in a statement on Tuesday.
He said various other interventions will be conducted such as safety campaigns, "intense" routine patrols, fire safety awareness, and water saving and safety initiatives among others.
SANParks also announced the introduction of the Table Mountain National Park volunteer safety services, which is a partnership with interested and affected civil society organisations, to improve the response to crime.
Louw says it will operate as a coordinated, collaborative, and accountable mechanism that ensures civil society’s contributions are embedded in the national park’s overall safety and security strategy and approach.
He said it will also assist SANParks with a framework for the "further and ongoing establishment, governance, and operation" of joint efforts in promoting both visitor and user safety in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
"Where hiking is allowed, SANParks encourages visitors to do it in groups of four or more, making sure that your phone is fully charged, that you carry a fully charged power bank along on your hikes, carry sufficient water and other supplies whilst wearing appropriate gear and to always be vigilant, especially when visiting known crime hotspots."
Meanwhile, SANParks also boasted about progress made following an additional infrastructure allocation of R700 million from DFFE in 2023/2024 which increased the available budget for the 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 to R 1.1 billion.
"In this regard significant work has commenced and some even completed in national parks like Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park and West Coast National Park.
"With specific reference to Kruger National Park, reference was made to developments like refurbished Skukuza Rest Camp Rondavels, the Wild Fig Guesthouse as well implementation of a cashless payment system," Louw said.
