SANParks and the COVID 19 pandemic

[Mel]

I was at the receiving end of those having to cancel or being cancelled with my March trip.
It's only common sense that we're trying to get out of our October trip now since it won't happen
anyways. Either we still wouldn't be allowed to enter SA or to leave Germany or we would't
want to even if we were allowed because we deem airtravel not very safe for now and the time being.

It's not that I wouldn't have wanted a refund on my forced cancellation either, but it was the
choice between bad or worse - accept the credit or lose it all.

But I will have to admit that it's only inconvenient for us but not so bad that we suffer because
we don't get our money back. And I'm fully aware that that in itself is a privilege already and I feel
for all of those who are way more impacted.

[Klipspringer]

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/30157/

As lockdown measures are lifted, what measures will be put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19? Will the public be screened prior to entering parks?

Mr Mketeni responded ...

SANParks has a Standard Operating Procedure and guidelines in place to address screening of employees and the general public once lockdown restrictions on national parks are lifted. Staff members were trained by the DoH to ensure they were able to perform screening of visitors at the entrances. The entity had already established a programme with the DoH to refer any suspected cases of COVID-19 for further testing and isolation.

[Lisbeth]

The Covid-19 has not yet arrived at the summit in SA, so it is a bit premature to talk about opening

[Richprins]

SANParks cash reserves:


In the last financial year, as at 31 March 2019, SANParks generated cash resources of R1.8 billion. Cash resources as at 31 December 2019 were approximately R2.2 billion. SANParks is not only serious about financial sustainability, but also maintains a healthy balance sheet for the organisation. SANParks presented a financial strategy which had been approved by the Board. Through that guidance, SANParks was looking forward to maintaining the financial sustainability of the organisation

https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic. ... 8&start=30

[Lisbeth]

Cash resources as at 31 December 2019 were approximately R2.2 billion.

How much do they receive from the state? I suppose that amount is included and is less than R2.2 billion. If this is the case, why do they receive financial help from the state

[Richprins]

They say they don't get much from the state but immense aid comes in the form of "social works projects", ie infrastructure/ (Flood relief, hotel building etc.)

[Lisbeth]

"much" is very relative

[Richprins]

It was about 180 million in that thread I think.



One thing I wonder is whether existing bookings postponed until after September will actually require more money as SANParks generally increase their prices by around 10% every year then anyway...

I don't think so, though!

[Lisbeth]

I wouldn't be surprised

[Klipspringer]

https://lowvelder.co.za/624407/kruger-l ... next-year/

Kruger Lowveld Tourism offices open for bookings for next year
Prospective clients will be allowed to make bookings for July 1 onwards, but need to bear in mind these may be cancelled if lockdown restrictions are extended.
4 hours ago


MBOMBELA – The Kruger Lowveld Tourism offices will be officially reopened for new SANParks bookings made from June 2.

Prospective clients will be allowed to make bookings for July 1 onwards, but need to bear in mind these may be cancelled if lockdown restrictions are extended.

Kruger Lowveld Tourism will also assist with bookings for the accommodation of essential service providers, according to the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism’s (KLCBT) Linda Grimbeek.