On Monday, 5 September, community members from Mtititi were picketing on the D40 road from Mtititi to Malamulele, demanding that the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism open the Shangoni gate of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
This, however, seemed to come as a surprise to the department, who said that the issue of opening this gate was still ongoing. "There are still consultations going on between the Collins Chabane and Giyani Municipality, as well as local traditional offices," said the department's spokesperson, Mr Zaida Kalla.
According to Kalla, the Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) had intended to hold a meeting with the community in July this year, but this meeting had apparently been disrupted by the traditional leaders. "As a department, we are now waiting for CoGHSTA's response, so that we can continue to engage all stakeholders for an amicable solution."
The community members claim that this gate, which is currently being used by the KNP staff members, will offer them the chance to run their small- and medium-sized businesses.
"Opening the gate will benefit the community. We have come to realise that residents near the Punda Maria gate benefit well from the flow of tourists who visit the area. But the Punda Maria gate is very far from us. We would also like to enjoy the same advantages from the Shangoni gate," said Oscar Chauke, one of the community members.