Fishing, hunting as well as self-drive visits to game reserves and national parks are permitted under lockdown Level 3, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries said on Monday.
“All fishing, including recreational fishing, is permitted with the exception of charter fishing,” Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed in a statement.
“Fishers must ensure that they have a valid permit. All regulations relating to social distancing, health protocols, movement and the prohibition of groups and gatherings apply.”
According to the department, wildlife auctions can take place online, while live auctions comprising a maximum of 50 people are permitted should online auctions not be possible.
Subsistence hunting for food with the necessary permits would be allowed.
Self-drive excursions in public and private game reserves are permitted, the department said, while SANParks will publish a list of access-controlled parks that will be opened to visitors in the coming days.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on Monday started preparing for reopening.
Once compliance requirements are met and the facility has been declared safe for visitors, seven days’ notice will be given for its reopening for self-drive excursions.
“While we understand that many nature lovers are keen to get back to our national parks and game reserves, it would be prudent to wait until the relevant authorities are comfortable with their state of preparedness to welcome visitors,” Creecy said.
“All the usual protocols with regard to social distancing, hand-sanitizing, and the wearing of masks will apply at all times.”
The import and export of live or dead plant or animal specimens or products will be allowed subject to directions issued by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, the department said.
The recycling sector is now also allowed to operate.
According to the statement, more details on the directions that will be published this week in the Government Gazette.
In other news – SAD: Amanda Du-Pont’s Grandmother has died
The actress shared the sad news about the passing of her Granny on her social media platform, Instagram. Amanda Du-Pont is in agony over her grandmother’s passing on Sunday.
Describing their relationship she says that her grandma was her favourite person and her death has left her in pain. The actress penned a sweet message on Instagram wishing her granny a peaceful rest. She revealed how her granny planned on passing after witnessing Amanda’s wedding. In her message she revealed that she is married. continue reading
Source: The Citizen