Corruption Allegations in SANParks Tender: AfriForum Takes Aim at Minister Dr. Dion George
Johannesburg – AfriForum has voiced its frustration over the lack of response from Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, concerning an urgent letter about alleged tender corruption at the South African National Parks (SANParks).
In a statement issued to The Bulrushes, AfriForum stated, “it is disheartening that Dr. Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, has chosen to remain silent on the issue of tender corruption within his department instead of taking responsibility and launching an investigation into these fraudulent activities.”
AfriForum noted that despite formally acknowledging and reviewing its urgent letter regarding the billion rand tender scandal at SANParks, his office has failed to respond.
“His silence says a lot,” remarked Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum’s Head of Environmental Affairs.
“The absence of communication on this matter is not just a minor oversight; it reflects a concerning pattern.
“AfriForum has been requesting a meeting with the minister for over a year to discuss essential issues in environmental governance, including corruption, the worsening infrastructure in national parks, and the alarming management of mining applications near the Kruger National Park. Sadly, our efforts have only been met with continued silence.”
AfriForum has previously called on the Minister to take action and investigate the procurement processes of SANParks, following a recent court ruling that deemed a R1 billion IT contract awarded by the conservation authority unlawful, unconstitutional, and significantly unfair.
The court condemned SANParks’ actions as disgraceful, stating that they breached procurement standards to improperly award a substantial contract to a selected company.
Despite this, the Minister, who supervises SANParks, has been unable to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.
“We can only conclude that the Minister is indifferent to corruption,” De Klerk added this week.
“His inaction in the SANParks issue, his silence on mining threats to the Kruger National Park, and his disengagement on conservation matters indicate a worrisome reluctance to take charge.”
AfriForum deems the minister’s lack of response “an affront to the public, conservation staff on the ground, and every citizen who cares about the protection of our natural heritage.”
AfriForum further emphasized: “When billions of rands are wasted and oversight crumbles, silence does not mean neutrality; it indicates complicity.
“AfriForum is dedicated to intensifying its efforts to hold SANParks and the Department accountable.
“The public deserves answers and action from those responsible for protecting South Africa’s national parks.”
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