Inclement weather over KwaZulu-Natal led to a dramatic decline in the number of visitors to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority in 2024.

The park presented the first and second quarter reports for the 2024/25 financial year to the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Last week, the committee conducted an oversight visit to the park to inspect the infrastructure upgrades at Charters Creek. The committee needed to ascertain progress towards the R4 billion commercialisation strategy, designed to drive the park's financial independence and see the completed and ongoing infrastructure projects.

The committee viewed the park's water reservoir tanks and went on the St. Lucia boat cruise. These upgrades included significant renovations and maintenance. From 2019 to 2024, over R500 million was invested in capital projects, including refurbishing iSimangaliso headquarters, upgrading the park's road network and fencing (improving visitor access), and constructing and renovating lodging units, resorts, campsites, staff housing, and water infrastructure.

In the report, the number of paying visitor entries annual target was 215 000, with the target in the first quarter set at 44 000 visitors. However, there were only 34 437 paying visitor entries. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Chief Financial Officer Qhamkile Mntambo said the target was not achieved due to the severity of weather conditions in March 2024.

Revenue to the park generated annual target was R27 500 000, and the first quarter target was R5 347 222.22. However, only R5 044 133.44 revenue was generated.

“Severe weather conditions in March affected the tourism industry in KwaZulu-Natal and damaged infrastructure in the Park,” Mntambo said.

In the second quarter, 76 568 paying visitor entries were recorded. This brought in R7 157 861 in revenue to the park.

The park reported that over 300km of park boundary fences were maintained. Mntambo said investments to attract local and domestic tourists were the construction of Charters Creek Resort pavilion and entertainment project. The refurbishments of the Field Ranger camps at Nine Mile and Kosi Mouth were also among them.

Mntambo said the refurbishment of the Sodwana Bay Craft market and maintenance of staff accommodation were in progress

Another challenge the park endured was the Groen Sebenza Internship Programme, where only 78 people were employed. The programme fell under the Expanded Public Works Programme. This programme has been put on hold in the department while awaiting the approval of the Appropriation Bill by the National Treasury in Parliament by July 31, 2024.

Due to no budget availability, the Anti-poaching and Ranger Services Strategy was not conducted.

Mntambo said the service provider will be appointed to provide a draft strategy and undertake a workshop on the strategy. This includes Workplace Skills Plan training interventions. Both could be implemented in the third quarter, depending on the allocation of the budget

Mntambo said an unauthorised land encroachment strategy has been implemented for Mnyayiza illegal plantations near Lake Shengeza Complexities.

“We have an increase of R10,7m as a result of staff accommodation that has been capitalised in the current period and additional furniture for Dredger Harbour Offices. Investment Property is based on additions of construction in progress at the Sodwana market,” she said.

“The actual park revenue for the first quarter is R4.3m against R6.8m budgeted for. More international visitors are expected due to seasonal changes,” she said.

Narendh Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said he was proud of the park's achievements and acknowledged that there were challenges and they will be addressed.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

isimangaliso wetland park

Severe weather slashes visitor numbers at KZN's iSimangaliso Wetland Park