Durban – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has called on all guests booked at its Giant's Castle Resort to delay their trip as they try to resolve the grievances of the community who have embarked on a protest outside the resort over jobs on Monday.
The resort is in the central part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, about a six-hour drive from Johannesburg via the N3 and about three hours from Durban, according to the website.
On Monday, Ezemvelo said it had been informed that some community members in Mahlutshini had blocked the road to the resort.
“The community is demanding job opportunities,” said Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Musa Mntambo
Mntambo said the police had been informed and would be at the scene soon, along with representatives from Ezemvelo.
“We appeal to all guests booked at Giant's Castle to delay their trip until further notice,” he said.
He added that guests could also call the head office at 033 845 1000 for updates or check out Ezemvelo social media platforms for updates.
In August, “The Mercury’s” sister publication, the “Sunday Tribune” reported that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife had closed the Cengeni Gate of Mfolozi Game Reserve in the Ulundi section, north of KZN, because of a community protest.
According to the report, the protest was related to the escape of two rhinos and two lions.
Ezemvelo recaptured one rhino. The other one was shot at by a community member.
Ezemvelo said in its confused state, and thanks to its short-sightedness, the rhino ran towards a nearby homestead where it trampled a 45-year-old woman. It also caused damage to nearby homes. It was later recaptured.
One lion has since been destroyed after it killed four cows.