By Estie Senekal | DA Councillor Dihlabeng Local Municipality
Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estie Senekal
During an oversight visit to the Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve outside Bethlehem in Dihlabeng Municipality, the DA delegation noticed a decline in the management of the wildlife populations and the infrastructure. The reserve remains a key environmental and recreational destination for residents and tourists. The reserve was also used for equestrian activities and remains an asset and source of income for the Municipality.
A question by the DA in the Free State Legislature to the MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Human Settlements, Mr. T. Mokoena, provided key updates on the reserve’s management, income, security, wildlife sustainability, and visitor amenities. The DA’s experience on the ground does not support the replies supplied to the MEC by the Municipality regarding the management of the reserve and its resources.
The MEC indicated that SANPARKS will assist the Municipality in managing animal populations through ethical removal methods, including catching and culling of game, where necessary.
The Democratic Alliance will hold the Dihlabeng Local Municipality accountable, as Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve stands as a vital ecological and recreational asset, providing a safe haven for wildlife and an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.