02 Aug 2020

Given the increase in the poaching of certain species over the past few years, government is working on transforming the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in order to ensure that it is adequately resourced to deal with poaching.

This was revealed by the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng, while responding to a motion tabled before the National Assembly on Friday by Selibe Phikwe East Member of Parliament, Mr Kgoberego Nkawana.

The motion was for Parliament ‘to request government to consider re-arming the Department of Wildlife and National Parks so that they could effectively and efficiently carry out their anti-poaching duties.

While giving her response during the debate, Ms Kereng told Parliament that her ministry was aware of the need to equip the Anti-Poaching Unit to carry out its mandate of protecting wildlife, and this would be done with a comprehensive review of legislation.

“Efforts are underway to address the legislative gaps that have constrained the unit to carry semi-automated weapons in their duties. It is anticipated that the proposed legislation will be tabled before this honourable house in due course,” Ms Kereng said.

Acknowledging that the poaching of species such as rhinos had markedly increased over the past two years, Ms Kereng said there was a need for an appropriate response that included increasing various resources and manpower.

“It requires a holistic approach including the implementation of anti-poaching strategies. 

This involves deployment of tracking technologies, strengthening intelligence gathering and provision of information communication technology infrastructure in remote areas to improve monitoring,” Ms Kereng said.

As such, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks would be reconstituted as a wildlife service that would be governed by requisite legislation for this purpose, Ms Kereng said.

“An appropriate legal framework supported by clear conditions will be put in place.  The legal framework is expected to provide for the establishment of a disciplined wildlife service; conditions of service of officers employed under that service; and the code of conduct governing the possession and use of the weapons, amongst others,” Ms Kereng revealed. Ends