Issued by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
22 November 2001
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa, today announced the terms of reference for a commission of inquiry into the runaway fire that led to the unfortunate loss of 23 lives in the Kruger National Park on 4 September 2001.
Announcing the terms of reference approved by Cabinet, Moosa said that the commission of inquiry would put an end to all speculation and ensure the "speedy healing of the painful scars of the bereaved families".
The commission of inquiry will be headed by Mr David Dlamafa Ngobeni, a chief magistrate from the Nelspruit magisterial region, who has been appointed the sole member of the commission.
The events following the fire at the Kruger National Park necessitated the minister to appeal to the President to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry in terms of Section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution and Section 1 of the 1947 Commissions Act.
The approved terms of reference mandates the commission to inquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations regarding the fire. "It is further expected that the commission will recommend how to avoid and/or minimise such hazards, and further report on the extent of the liability of SA National Parks," Moosa said.
Meanwhile, the Kruger Fire Relief Fund has been able to generate R444 000, with R244 000 from public donations and R100 000 each from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and SA National Parks.