A New National Park in the Northern Cape
17 August 2006
Vaalbos National Park has been closed and a new park, still to be named and officially opened, has been established just south of Kimberley on the N12 (Cape Town Road). |
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The history, and reasons behind the move are as follows:
- In November 1997 and December 1998 reports were received of a Land claim that would be lodged against Vaalbos by the Sidney on Vaal claimants.
- Taking the above into consideration, in July 1998 SANParks decided to investigate 5 possible alternative areas to replace Vaalbos. The report indicated Wintershoek in the Plooysburg area to be the best option.
- In May 1999 the University of Pretoria also did a similar exercise and their report also indicated same area.
- In November 2002 the Land Claim was officially gazetted.
- SANParks accepted the validity of the claim.
- In November 2004 the negotiation process with the land owners was officially launched.
- In November 2005 the land owners of Wintershoek accepted the offer and the planning regarding the exit strategies and the translocation of game started.
- The submission report was forwarded to Minister T. Didiza of Land affairs and was signed on 30 May 2006.
- The sales agreement was signed on 15 June 2006.
- SANParks took over the management of Wintershoek on 29 May 2006.
- The first animals from Vaalbos to Wintershoek were offloaded on 22 June 2006. (5 Giraffe)
- SANParks is planning to go operational on the new property as soon as possible.
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