03 Dec 2024

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism, through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, is currently reviewing compensation rates and guidelines for damages caused to crops, livestock and property by wild animals.

The statement was made by Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi when fielding a question from Bobirwa MP, Mr Taolo Lucas in Parliament. 

Minister Mmolotsi explained that the review was being conducted alongside the development of National Human-Wildlife Conflict Strategy and Action Plan, which, currently was at an advanced stage.

Mr Mmolotsi requested additional time to reconcile the two processes in order to come up with a comprehensive product that would holistically addresses human-wildlife conflict issues.

He noted that the strategy was strong on compensation options and that it was prudent to allow the process to conclude before reviewing the rates.

Other species including hyena have been included for consideration in the ongoing compensation rates and guidelines review, Mr Mmolotsi explained and assured MPs that government was committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.

He said preparation of the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Strategy and Action Plan followed a countrywide consultative, participatory and inclusive approach. He said the strategy was a vehicle in the realisation of the aspirations of human-wildlife mitigation and associated compensation needs. 

Mr Lucas had wanted the minister to give an account of the review of compensation rates for damage caused by wildlife as well as a review of compensable species. Ends