Another news article

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Timbavati hits back at UDM
14/03/2005 12:59 - (SA)

Cape Town - The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR) has rallied against comments by United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa that the commercial hunting of game in the TPNR that roams from the Kruger National Park (KNP) constitutes a "major threat to a national environmental asset."

In an open letter to Limpopo environment and tourism MEC Ohm Chabane on March 10, Holomisa asserted that since the removal of fences between the KNP and TPNR, the commercial hunting of roaming game constitutes "the destruction of a national asset for the commercial gain of private institution, and the pleasure of a select group of rich hunters."

TPNR chairperson Thomas Hancock on Monday responded, "Bantu Holomisa shows an ignorance of the common law and legislation governing sustainable utilisation of natural resources in South Africa."

Hancock asserted that all hunting practises in the TNPR are, in fact, legal and governed by state legislation through the issuing of permits.

"It would appear that Mr Holomisa has not read the agreement between the National Parks Board and the Timbavati," said Hancock.

"The agreement in no way prohibits commercial hunting within the Timbavati. Furthermore, the Timbavati's own constitution specifically allows the association to conduct commercial hunting.

He added that the TPNR felt Holomisa's statements were "defamatory" and that the organisation is considering legal action against Holomisa.

"He's welcome to take legal action against us, but there will be no apology," Holomisa told News24.

"After being approached by citizens, and as a public representative, I have a right to ask the ministers concerned to investigate the matter."

Holomisa asked what gave the TPNR the right to "mow down those animals", asking, "Is that the policy of our new government?"

"If they want to lecture us on legal understanding, show us the document that was drawn up after the fence was taken down, saying they're allowed to kill those animals. That's what we want from them."

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1676136,00.html