Xenophobic attacks could undo Transfrontier successes: SANParks

The recent spate of xenophobic attacks has been accompanied by “a number of booking cancellations from neighbouring countries”‚ South African National Parks (SANParks) said in a statement today.

“A large proportion of guests to our national parks are international visitors and we appear to be sending a message that foreigners are not welcome in our country‚” SANParks said.

SANParks also raised concern that the violence “could also undo years of successful work done in the establishment of the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs)”.

These‚ the authority explained‚ are managed as part of cross-border relationships in the research‚ tourism‚ cultural heritage‚ science and conservation functions.

But‚ TFCAs are about more than just conservation‚ said SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni‚ “they are also about building bridges within southern African society and breaking down the artificial barriers that were created between people by our colonial history”.

“We fear that the current wave of attacks on our fellow Africans will undermine the good work that has been done in this regard‚” Mketeni said.

“It is for this reason that we call on all South African’s to take time to reflect on the negative impact these attacks have on our sense of humanity and our standing within the broader international community.”