The NSPCA will not give up on the fight for justice for animals who have suffered at the hands of government-run nature reserves.
The NSPCA has been at the forefront of the fight with the Nkomazi Local Municipality, pressuring it to improve the management of Marloth Park. Following a blanket interdict in 2017 by a home owner’s association against culling in the park, an increasing overpopulation of wildlife and overgrazing has resulted in illness, starvation and death amongst animals at Marloth Park. In November 2024, the NSPCA made application to the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, which ordered the urgent implementation of humane population control strategies. Tragically, the Municipality has failed to take any action.
As a result, the NSPCA has been forced to issue a final demand to the Municipality, as they are in contempt of Court, which is in the process of being served by the Sheriff.
Starvation and illness is resulting in the numerous deaths of wild animals in Marloth Park
Moving to Madikwe Game Reserve, the NSPCA is in process of serving a demand on the Premier of the North West Provincial Government, as well as the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, who stand at the helm of the North West Parks and Tourism Board. Despite relentless pursuits, contact information for these public officials have either been incorrect or non-existent.
The authorities will given five days to respond to the letter, failing which, action will be taken if no response or an inadequate response is received.
The management of Madikwe follows similarly alarming inefficiencies as seen at Marloth Park. Following a complaint received towards the end of 2024, NSPCA Inspectors were appalled at the condition of the environment and animals at the reserve. Multiple carcasses hinting at starvation, with emaciated elephants, wildebeest, and giraffe languishing amongst the almost barren landscape suggested a complete lack of care for the welfare of the wildlife in the reserve.
The NSPCA continues to work persistently to achieve justice for the animals left to suffer at the hands of uninterested officials. Thank you for standing with us and the animals in this fight.
A dying elephant calf is the result of overgrazing and mismanagement at Madikwe Game Reserve
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