Stewards Of Ancestral Lands, Makuleke Tribe Runs Ecotourism Hub In S. African National Park

By Murat Ozgur Guvendik

PAFURI, South Africa (AA) — Nestled within South Africa's Kruger National Park, the Makuleke tribe have put together conservation and economic vitality, transforming their ancestral lands into a thriving ecotourism hotspot, with the help of local wildlife authorities.

According to South African National Parks, Kruger spans over 19,000 square kilometers (about 7,335 square miles) and serves as a diverse sanctuary for wildlife. Since March 2023, nearly 1.6 million people have visited the park.

The park's northeastern corner, known as the Pafuri triangle, is also where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique meet.

For centuries, the area has been home to the Makuleke, once forcibly displaced during the era of apartheid. Today, they have returned to their land and become a model of success in wildlife tourism.

Cooperation between national park, Makuleke

Speaking to Anadolu, Chief Solomon Maluleke recounted his tribe's resilience.

"We were removed from here in 1969 by the apartheid government forcefully. During the introduction of democracy in 1994, the government allowed people who were forcefully removed from their land to return to their lands.

"So, we (went) back to our land in 1995, and after the negotiations, in 1998, the land was given back to the community," said Maluleke, who represents his tribe's roughly 12,000 members.

Upon their return, the Makuleke initially engaged in agriculture and mining. But later, upon the recommendation of the Kruger National Park, they turned to tourism to help preserve the region's ecosystem.

Underlining his tribe's collaboration with the management of Kruger National Park, Chief Maluleke said park authorities are responsible for the conservation of the region, while his people manage and operate the area.

He also mentioned that the tribe runs two tourist accommodation centers in the region and also has a facility to train wildlife guides. Together, he said, these establishments provide employment for more than 110 tribe members.

99% local employment

Godfrey Baloyi, the general manager of the tourist facility called Return Africa Pafuri Camp, managed by the Makuleke, said this business was established in 2015 and has a 45-year contract with the tribe.

"In our agreement, we employ people from the community of Makuleke. I am so happy to say that 99% of the staff who work here are from the community," he said, highlighting that the entire management staff are members of their tribe.

"We are so happy because we are working and earning (a living) in our lands."

Covering an area of approximately 260 square kilometers, Pafuri Camp serves as a habitat for three quarters of Kruger's biodiversity, according to Baloyi, who also said visitors could expect not only a unique natural experience but also a journey into human history.

Combatting poaching through local involvement

Richard Sowry, a park ranger at Kruger National Park, said getting the local community involved in tourism is the best way to curb poaching.

Pointing out that the development of tourist facilities, farms, and industry offers locals a major source of income, Sowry said this was of great importance for the natural environment's sustainable conservation.

He said that as a result, the community, now earning significantly more than they would have poaching, fully supports authorities' counter-poaching efforts.

Crooks Corner

Crooks Corner, located at the southern end of Makuleke lands, is the tri-border area between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Once a smuggling hotspot, it now offers visitors an impressive view overlooking the Limpopo River winding through the wilderness.

The Pafuri Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe is also located just a few kilometers south, while numerous giant Baobab trees stretch their branches towards the sky.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan -