09 May 2020

Four community trusts in the Ngamiland District have been allocated hunting quotas following lifting of a hunting ban.

The trusts are Xhauxhwatubi Development Trust in Phuduhudu, TMS Development Trust (Tsau, Makakung and Semboyo), Mababe Zokotshama Community Development Trust and Xaixai Tlhabologo Community Trust.

The trusts were allocated hunting quotas following their applications. However, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the hunting, which was scheduled to start beginning of April.

In an interview, regional wildlife coordinator, Mr Dimakatso Ntshebe, confirmed that four community trusts had applied for the hunting quota in the district.

He appreciated that all the necessary steps were completed such as allocation of quotas, advertising and awarding of tenders but stated that the extreme social distancing regulation hindered the exercise.

Mr Ntshebe said trusts were allowed to apply if they had concessions for hunting use and if application was approved, wildlife officers would visit the said concession to count the numbersof species and give a quota to utilise.

He said some trusts did not apply because they did not meet the requirements. Some of the requirements included submission of returns and annual general meeting report, among other things.

However, some trusts such as Sankoyo Tshwaragano Management Trust alleged that they showed interest and were surprised that they were not allocated a quota, despite having a vacant concession for hunting.

The trust assistant manager, Mr Nkgololang Samakata, said they intended to approach the relevant authority to see how best they could be assisted since they had identified low value concession proposed for hunting.

 “We will follow the issue because we believe we have a chance to practice hunting in order to boost our financial muscle,” he added. Ends