The Inkatha Freedom Party is shocked by the recent 11th July announcement by the Department of Environmental Affairs that it would be increasing the annual export quota of lion bone skeletons from South Africa in 2018 to 1500 skeletons.
IFP Chief Whip in Parliament, Mr Narend Singh, MP, said,”This stupefying announcement by the Department of Environmental Affairs confirms yet again, that the environment and the conservation of South African wildlife are not what drives this Department’s agenda. If anything I would have expected trade in big cat bones to be shut down in South Africa, not increased by this government,”
“The lion bone trade only fuels the fire in respect of the further commodification of this iconic African species. As result of this latest announcement there will no doubt be more African lions bred and slaughtered in captivity, or shot in canned-hunts, and their skeletons then shipped off to South East Asia to satisfy demand from the local ‘muti’ markets,”
“This industry is an abhorrence, it is a shame on the Department of Environmental Affairs, it is a shame on the current government of South Africa and its proliferation will only further damage brand South Africa as an international tourist destination,”
“The Inkatha Freedom Party will continue to fight for the African Lion and for this government to make informed and rational decisions as regards best wildlife conservation practice,” concluded Singh, MP.
Media Enquiries:
Mr Narend Singh MP
083 788 5954