- Say a trophy hunting ban would lead to more unemployment
- One trust made P3m in profit from trophy hunting last year
- Govt issued 400 elephant hunting licences in December last year
BONGANI MALUNGA
Community trusts have appealed to the government to preserve trophy hunting because the proceeds are mainly used for community building in development projects that create jobs in their areas of influence.
The trusts have noted that banning trophy hunting would result in more unemployment, saying the 2014 ban affected the industry and its beneficiaries negatively.
Addressing a press conference in Mababe recently, the Mababe Zokotsama Community Development Trust stated how a trophy hunting ban would lead to youth unemployment and migration to urban areas.
P3 million in profit
The trust revealed that they made more than P3 million in profit last year. The Manager of Mababe Zokotsama Community Development Trust, Vusi Khumalo, disclosed that they established dividends of P3000 per household to ensure that their small community is able to purchase basic needs.
They have also been able to set up a funeral and burial fund of up to P15 000 plus tents and vehicles.
They have established pension funds of P700 per month for elderly members of the Mababe community. The same amount is extended to people living with disabilities, orphans and the needy.
$50 000 for a licence
The trusts believe that if a trophy hunting ban is adopted and enforced, the effects will be felt by the communities and increase their dependence on the government for handouts.
The trusts will be buoyed by the fact that in late December last year, the government approved issuance of 400 elephant hunting licences for 2025.
The hunting period, which runs from April to November 2025, will see hunters from around the world paying up to $50 000 to purchase a licence from the community trusts in order to hunt an elephant.