More disturbing times at Cathedral |
| Drakensberg - Security | ||||
| Thursday, 13 March 2008 20:14 | ||||
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Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife would like to inform visitors who intend travelling to the Didima Camp in the Cathedral Peak area of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site that a tense situation exists between two neighbouring communities along the Winterton/Bergville - Cathedral Peak road. While these communities have indicated that visitors are free to travel along this route, EKZNW strongly advises visitors to travel the route with extreme caution. "We are addressing this situation at the highest level and have the co-operation of the SAPS who are already patrolling the route" said EKZNW CEO Mr Khulani Mkhize. Visitors to Didima Camp who require further information may call the following EKZNW staff: The Hospitality Manager at Didima Camp - 036 488 1332 The Regional Ecotourism Manager - 084 556 9198 The Senior Conservation Manager - 084 629 1647 The Executive Director of Commercial Operations 033 845 1515 or after hours on 084 490 6046
AJG/ Media Release No: 2008 - 02 Media: For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax 033 845 1299. From the IAfrica website the following: (Forgive the overlap) A tense situation exists between two neighbouring communities near the Drakensberg in northern KwaZulu-Natal and travellers are advised to use caution, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife said on Thursday. Wildlife spokesperson Jeff Gaisford said there was a land issue between two communities living near the Didima Camp in Cathedral Peak. "One community is accusing the other of encroaching onto their land and this dispute has been ongoing since 1989," he said. The organisation's chief executive, Khulani Mkhize, said visitors were being urged to use caution when travelling in this area. "While these communities have indicated that visitors are free to travel along this route (Cathedral Peak Road), we strongly advise visitors to travel with extreme caution," Mkhize said. The situation between the two communities was being addressed, he said, and police had been monitoring the situation. They have told us they don't care about tourists or our organisation and that they are only concerned about their land". Sapa Note from Domsmooth: It is regretful to note that one Ezemvelo staff member from the kitchen at the Didima restcamp has already lost his life due to this senseless tragedy! All at VE hope that this situation can be sorted out soon, and that all concerned can move on without more life loss.
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 07 May 2010 15:27 ) | ||||
While I have searched the news channels for information updates, I have yet to find news confirmation of the phone call. However, just for those planning to go to the Cathedral area this weekend, to be aware of the situation, and keep eyes open. I have also contacted the Didima camp and no issues had been reported
, but caution should prevail!Previous reports had indicated that the feuding land claimants had no issues with the tourists passing to Didima and Cathedral Peak Hotel, some caution might be advisable while passing along the road.
For further info, the Didima camp can be contacted on: (036) 4888000
I dont imagine that this is the end of the trouble though it has now been mediated by government officials even, see this statement. I know that extra policemen have been staying in Winterton for some time and my understanding is that they are there because of the problems.
Some other info I've read on the net is that this conflict started in 1989 already! It's between the Magangangozi and Mhlwazini communities. My guess it that it's in the general area of the store at Brotherton, where the Mhlwazini river joins the Mlambonja. The Magangangozi clan have apparently been building houses on land belonging to the Mhlwazini clan.
Five people have been killed since January and more violence erupted just before Easter resulting in 20 houses being burned down, people were injured and an employee working at Didima lost his life.
I'm confident that they mean no harm to the tourists as far as this conflict is concerned. The Cathedral Peak Hotel did not close over this period. One can never be assured of safety though should there be violence along the road, so best to be cautious.
I'm sure though that members of these communities are working with the Basutho dagga smugglers and have also been responsible for the long-standing theft problems at the Cathedral Peak campsite. Both activities take place in this area.
I guess it is safe to say that you are probably safer on this road, than most roads in say, Jhb, CT and Dbn! Although, your timing may be wrong.
I will shortly be doing an article for the site on the moved campsite at Cathedral and the proposed moving of the day visitor site and why... Stay tuned! It should make an interesting read!
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