An overview of South Africa's diverse game industry
Farmer's Weekly|March 08, 2024
Cobus du Plessis takes a look at how South Africa's game industry has changed over the years.
Cobus du Plessis
An overview of South Africa's diverse game industry

South Africa’s game industry is a fascinating blend of conservation, ecotourism, and sustainable resource management. The term ‘game’ in this context refers to wild animals, both those targeted for hunting and those existing within protected areas for viewing and photographic safaris. Beyond simply providing wildlife experiences, this industry generates substantial economic benefits and provides significant employment opportunities across South Africa.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GAME INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Since South Africa’s transition to democracy in the early 1990s, the game industry has transformed into a multibillion-rand business. Previously, the law distinctly separated domesticated animals (livestock) from undomesticated ones (wildlife), with the state granting hunting rights for the latter.

Since the 1960s regional conservation bodies have been encouraging farmers to keep wildlife on their land, and have provided game animals to those interested. However, it was in 1991, during the transition period in South Afirca, and three years before the first democratic election, that Parliament enacted the Game Theft Act, which laid the groundwork for the effective privatisation of wildlife.

FAST FACTS

The Game Theft Act laid the groundwork for the effective privatisation of wildlife. 

Half of South Africa‘s existing game farms are in Limpopo.

Hunters are drawn to the country‘s incredible diversity of wildlife, including over 45 plains game species and the legendary Big Five.

Denne historien er fra March 08, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 08, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA FARMER'S WEEKLYSe alt
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Farmer's Weekly

The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa

Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
Farmer's Weekly

Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake

This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
Farmer's Weekly

Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25

In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Farmer's Weekly

From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story

Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Farmer's Weekly

Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat

Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.

time-read
1 min  |
March 07, 2025
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
Farmer's Weekly

Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals

For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 07, 2025
The origin of the Bonsmara
Farmer's Weekly

The origin of the Bonsmara

The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
Farmer's Weekly

The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice

While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
Farmer's Weekly

Age catches up with the Nissan Navara

The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025
Growing onion sets
Farmer's Weekly

Growing onion sets

Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 07, 2025