SANParksCity Press reports that an investigation has been launched into widespread allegations of racism and arbitrary torture of black staff in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

In March City Press reported on the state of affairs in the park where black employees had been complaining about being assaulted, maimed and internally charged on baseless allegations of rhino poaching by their white superiors.

No white employee, according to the complainants, had been accused of rhino poaching and subjected to the same torture or disciplinary action. They alleged white employees were often let off the hook for serious offences while their black colleagues were often roasted for minor or baseless issues.

SANParks had repeatedly denied that black rangers and other black employees were being targeted. It defended its disciplinary actions, saying they were properly done with every procedure followed.

This week SANParks’ spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, confirmed that an investigation had been commissioned but declined to give more details.

However, City Press can confirm that SANParks has appointed advocate Boyce Mkhize to probe these allegations.

“Yes there is an independent investigation commissioned by SANParks to verify the allegations and your source is correct, there have been interviews with employees,” Phaahla said.

He said he could not comment further because the investigation was an internal matter between employees and the employer.

“It would be improper and prejudicial to comment on this matter. As stated before, these are highly regulated processes which are confidential. The privacy of the parties involved has to be respected,” Phaahla said.

“SANParks is therefore not at liberty to discuss any aspects related to the ongoing process with any third party, including the media. As explained above, SANParks does not aim to compromise this highly regulated process and render it either procedurally or substantially flawed by disclosing any information related to the probe,” he said.

Mkhize declined to comment and referred questions to SANParks.  “We are not at liberty to make any comments to the media regarding the investigation at KNP. Please kindly direct your enquiries to SANParks.”

In March City Press reported about letters that concerned black employees had written to Parliament and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The alleged racism incidents, which employees told City Press about, included:

Some employees at the park told City Press they were happy now that their complaints were finally being taken seriously. “This is finally happening after such a long time of denial by SANParks,” said one employee. “We would like to see all the racist people being dealt with,” he said.

The original of this report by Sizwe Sama Yende appeared on page 12 of City Press of 26 May 2019


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