By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has expressed deep concern over the increasing clashes between game rangers and poachers, which have escalated in recent weeks.
Minister Jane Mkhonta has issued a statement addressing these altercations where she highlighted the severity of the issue and its impact on both the environment and communities.
Mkhonta noted that these confrontations, often involving gunfire, have become a near-weekly occurrence, drawing significant attention from His Majesty’s Government.
“This has become a major point of concern for His Majesty’s Government,” the minister emphasized. She called for immediate efforts to enhance peace and cooperation.
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The Minister recognized that the tensions are rising as human settlements continue to expand which blurs the boundaries between game reserves and local communities.
In response to these frequent confrontations, the Ministry urged communities to respect private property, particularly game ranches.
Mkhonta stressed that poaching violates both legal and ethical standards which she said jeopardizes the delicate balance between conservation and community livelihoods.
She pointed out that some community members depend on game ranches for their sustenance but warned that such activities must be conducted within legal frameworks.
“Entrance agreements should be adhered to, as some communities sustain their livelihoods from these properties, but it has to be legally managed and enforced,” she explained.
Mkhonta further urged communities to report individuals in possession of illegal firearms to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), as these weapons are frequently used in poaching and other criminal acts.
The REPS has launched a “Shwele” period, offering illegal gun holders an opportunity to surrender their firearms without facing legal repercussions.
This initiative, according to the Minister, is essential for reducing the violent encounters between rangers and poachers.
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“We encourage everyone to take advantage of this period, which will eliminate the conflicts,” she added.
The Minister further distinguished between legal hunting, known as “Kutingela”, and illegal poaching.
She expressed that while traditional hunting has a place within Eswatini’s cultural heritage, it must not be confused with poaching, which violates both the law and community trust.
“Hunting ought not to be confused with poaching and it cannot be done outside the guiding parameters or by utilising illegal arms. Akutingelwa endzaweni yebantfu lebiyelwe maSwati,” Mkhonta stated.
Additionally, the Minister called on communities to refrain from using hunting or poaching as a means of settling personal or social disputes.
Instead, she encouraged those facing conflicts to seek assistance from REPS, which is equipped to mediate and resolve such issues in a lawful and non-violent manner.
Furthermore, the Ministry announced plans to engage with local media outlets to strengthen collaboration between communities and park owners.
These discussions are expected to focus on finding sustainable solutions that will benefit both conservation efforts and local livelihoods.
In the interim, Mkhonta urged all parties to cooperate and support one another in addressing this pressing issue. “We seek continued support and cooperation from all parties concerned,” the Minister concluded.