Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife board members suspended

waZulu-Natal’s eco-tourism facility, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, has had its entire board members suspended.

The suspension came amid investigation into its financial affairs.

In a statement issued by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, on Tuesday, said she had notified the provincial portfolio committee on conservation and environmental affairs about the suspension.

The organization overseen by chair William Mngoma, who was appointed in 2018 amid allegations of mismanagement, is responsible for overseeing conservation, wildlife and eco-tourism facilities in the province.

According to Dube-Ncube, the suspension was taken after “robust and honest reflection” on the entity’s financial affairs in April during a budget hearing and presentation of the annual performance plan, and with a view to ensure the stability of the conservation body that has been financially challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The MEC said the suspension came “as a result of the prima facie allegations against the board as a collective”.

She said she told the provincial finance MEC, Ravi Pillay to institute a forensic investigation to be conducted by an external party.

“After allegations of maladministration were published by media houses, I assured the people of this province of my commitment towards transparency and accountability,” said Dube-Ncube.