The Injisuthi Camp in Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg will remain closed until further notice following a wildfire that spread quickly through the park on Saturday, August 15.
MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube said in a statement that staff accommodation, consisting of 11 rondavels, a workshop and laundry were destroyed by the blaze.
‘A wildfire moved quickly through the fenced Park on Saturday and destroyed staff accommodation – 11 rondavels, a workshop and laundry. The extent of the damage is still being assessed by officials from our entity Ezemvelo Wildlife,’ said Dube-Ncube.
‘Ezemvelo staff residing in those rondavels lost everything as only three rondavels were saved. I am however comforted by the fact that our guests and staff members were not harmed. I wish to express my appreciation to those who risked their lives in an effort to contain the fire,’ she continued.
Dube-Ncube explained that the fire occurred just as the the game resorts were reopening, under the entity Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
‘Over the past few weeks we have been receiving thousands of telephone calls from tourists from different parts of the province, the country and the globe. We have assured nature lovers and the public at large of unparalleled experience of the wildlife and eco-tourism.
‘Ezemvelo manages more than 114 protected areas and close to 42 facilities that provide accommodation to 6500 people per night.
‘I wish to reiterate once again that despite the major setback on the tourism front caused by COVID-19, our vision remains that of building a strong and sustainable tourism sector that improves the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
‘I have stated previously that we have resolved to use our entity, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife as part of efforts to attract tourists to the province of KwaZulu-Natal,’ she concluded.
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