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iSimangaliso’s Pronouncement on COVID-19

19 March 2020

Being a world heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park receives thousands of international and domestic visitors annually, who come to enjoy various activities in the Park – which stretches from Maphelane on the south of St Lucia up to Kosi Bay at the border of Mozambique.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 around the world, and in the country, therefore presents a great threat due to the mobility of visitors coming from many different corners of the world. Whilst being mindful of the fact that tourism is the backbone of economic activities in this area, it has become necessary to put measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. In keeping with pronouncement made by President Ramaphosa, and the guidelines from the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Creecy, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has taken the following steps:

Issuing of permits for group gatherings in the Park has been suspended. This will include gatherings such as weddings, public meetings etc. Permits already issued will be reviewed and may be revoked. More stringent measures will be implemented during the upcoming Easter period. Safety monitors will work in partnership with other security agents at our beaches to ensure crowd control. In the interest of public safety, visitors to the Park will be subjected to hygiene protocol. Travel of iSimangaliso staff outside of KZN Province is suspended; essential travel may only be approved by the CEO of iSimangaliso. The above measures have been taken in light of the current situation, and may be reviewed in line with the developments in the country and the world. We will continue monitoring the situation.

We join together with the rest of the world in hoping that this Coronavirus will be contained, and eventually be eliminated, as the alternative is too ghastly to comprehend.

We call upon everybody to play his or her part, and take responsibility – young and old, we must unite if we are to topple this challenge. Let us go ‘back to basics’ and adhere to essential hygiene practices.

We shall work together with the South African Government in playing our part to contain this disease!

Issued by:

Prof Nzama Board Chair of iSimangaliso Wetland Park

For more information please contact Bheki Manzini Communication and PR Manager iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority

Tel: +27 35 590 1633 Fax: +27 35 590 1602 Cell: +27 60 533 2082 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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