The MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr Pitsi Moloto, called upon the residents of Limpopo to visit the nature reserves across the province, so that they can experience tourism through wildlife. This was during the launching of the “Experience Tourism through Wildlife” campaign held at Nwanedi Nature Reserve a fortnight ago.

Moloto said the people of Limpopo were losing out an opportunity to experience wildlife, even though it was available a stone’s throw away from home. “It is surprising that we see hundreds of international tourists travelling thousands of kilometres to our prov-ince to visit our nature reserves, while many of our people never set foot in these priceless natural resources,” he said.

He appealed to the people of Limpopo to visit nature reserves, so that they can understand the environment around them. In the past, these nature reserves were not used maximally. However, with this call we hope the people of this province, given the amount of value they will get from visiting these nature reserves, will visit them in numbers and enjoy the best festive season,” said Moloto, adding that the gates of all Limpopo´s 47 nature reserves will be open for holidaymakers this festive season. It was during this launch that members of the media joined MEC Moloto in a game drive to experience wildlife through tourism.

Moloto said in these difficult financial times, saving became a major priority to the people. At the same time, people still need time to out to relax, celebrate and have fun after a difficult and demanding year. It was also revealed during the event that the government was working towards merging the Tshipise Aventure Resort, Kuduland Safari Game Reserve and Nwanedi Game Reserve. According to Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board´s Malan Du Toit, they are in a process of erecting a fence that will cover the three reserves at a cost of R10 million, so that animals can move freely along the reserves.

“This is a government initiative that will cost more than R30 million, as we are also planning to build a five-star hotel in the reserve,” he said.