The Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve in Bethlehem, a vital ecological asset in the Dihlabeng Municipality, is reportedly on the brink of collapse due to years of neglect and mismanagement.
Cllr. Estie Senekal, a Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, has raised an alarm about the deteriorating state of the reserve, calling for immediate intervention from the Free State Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as well as the Department of Environment.
At a recent Community Services Portfolio Committee meeting held on July 2, alarming statistics that highlight the severity of the crisis were presented.
According to a game count conducted by SANParks, the reserve’s game population has exceeded its ecological carrying capacity by a staggering 150%.
With the wildlife suffering and the ecological balance in jeopardy, urgent measures are recommended, including the removal of 1,200 blesbok and 40 elands.
“The window for action is dangerously short. If we do not act swiftly, we risk losing not only the biodiversity of this reserve but also its potential as a revenue-generating asset for our community,” says Senekal.
Despite numerous requests from the DA for updates on culling or tender processes, the municipality has reportedly been slow to respond. A glaring concern emerged from a municipal statement in October, which declared that officials were “waiting for the supply chain to advertise.”
The repercussions of this inaction are severe. Overpopulation of game is not only degrading the veld, but it is also threatening the welfare of the animals themselves. Reduced biodiversity and habitat destruction could undermine the reserve’s potential as an attractive destination for tourism and eco-activities, ultimately affecting local revenue streams that could benefit the community.
The Democratic Alliance has committed to holding the Dihlabeng Municipality accountable through rigorous oversight and advocacy, pushing for a comprehensive strategy aimed at restoring Wolhuterskop as both an ecological and economic asset.
