An overview of South Africa's diverse game industry

Cobus du Plessis takes a look at how South Africa's game industry has changed over the years.

- Cobus du Plessis

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.