Kruger Park racism probe under wraps

An investigation into racism, torture and the killing of black rangers, as well as their arbitrary dismissals and suspensions from Kruger National Park is allegedly being swept under the carpet. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) in 2019 began probing the game reserve after whistle-blowers wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa and leaked information to the media about how black staff members, particularly field rangers, were often targeted with false accusations of rhino poaching and other offences, and then suspended and dismissed unfairly. City Press reports that the complaint also implicated the Skukuza police for allegedly colluding with the white managers of the park to charge black employees without any evidence. The HRC conducted the investigation jointly with the CCMA. HRC Mpumalanga manager Eric Mokonyane presented the investigation report to park management on 18 October, but not to the victims who gave evidence or their unions. Mokonyane told City Press this week that the report is still being ‘processed’. ‘The HRC/CCMA report has to be signed at national level and tabled at different forums with labour, employees (and other parties),’ he added.