TACKLING THE POACHING DILEMMA

Sir,

Thank you Mr Editor for allowing me space in your esteemed newspaper to pen down my concern over the reports of the growing numbers of alleged poachers slain by rangers in the country.

Such numbers are not only a call for great concern, but are hugely disturbing; weighing the price of an animal over that of a human being. Yes, poaching is, by law, a criminal offence warranting arrests and facing the courts. The Siphofaneni member of Parliament, honourable LaZwide Simelane, pointed out to the honourable Prime Minister, Russel Dlamini, during a constituency tour, that so many lives are lost at game and nature reserves around the country and pleaded with the premier to do something to curb the dire situation.It must be noted that, in response, the premier expressed it point blank that infringement of the game protection law is not pardonable. That means, anyone found to have violated and found poaching will face the consequences.

Root cause

If one may consider the reasons behind the violation of the game laws, it may be uncovered that it is deeper that what it appears to be at face value. Socio-economic challenges are pushing and stretching them beyond their limits. The lack of jobs and growing needs around the home has driven people to cannabis farming and of course, poaching. Unfortunately, the law does not consider the push factors leading one to commit and violate the game laws. A comprehensive root cause analysis should be carried out by the authorities so that the situation may be viewed in another perspective. this may influence reconsideration in the manner the game law violation issue is addressed. Who knows, maybe we may see more arrests than killings! After all, should we really value an animal life over that of a human?

Tourism

Animals play a significant role in improving our tourism industry. As the country boasts of numerous species in fauna, it remains a fact that it needs to be protected for not only the coming generation to see it, but also to boost our ailing economy through tourism. It is for that reason that communities, particularly those bordering protected areas, are well capacitated on game protection laws. That could minimise the plight of the many emaSwati whose fate remains unknown, as they wake up to face the socio-econonic challenges on a daily basis, resulting in them being killed by rangers.

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