The Lion Ridge area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the amaZizi Traditional Authority led by Inkosi Njabulo Miya, borders the Royal Natal National Park hiking trails. The trails will be closed to the public on Thursday while Inkosi Miya and members of his council conduct a traditional hunt on their portion of the land. The hunt, which takes place twice a year, is conducted under permits issued by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
A routine announcement by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife warning hikers of temporary trail closures near Royal Natal National Park, in the Bergville area, in the foothills of the Drakensberg, has triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with some users questioning why a traditional leader and his council were being allowed to conduct a hunt in the area.
The controversy erupted after Ezemvelo informed visitors that several popular hiking trails, including The Gorge, Policeman's Helmet, Vemvaan, Lion Ridge and Devil's Hoek, would be closed for one day to accommodate an annual traditional hunt led by Inkosi Njabulo Miya of the amaZizi Traditional Authority and his traditional council.
Some social media users accused conservation authorities of endorsing hunting activities, while others questioned whether traditional leaders should be granted special privileges.
