Talks around the reopening of the Bloemfontein Zoo have sparked mixed reactions among Mangaung residents, as the rehabilitation plan is set to start soon. While some residents welcome the move, hopeful that the zoo will once again become a thriving tourism and economic attraction, others remain sceptical, expressing concerns that the facility may once again fall into mismanagement, leading to the misuse of taxpayers’ money.
Bloemfontein Courant sat down with the Head of Community Services, Thabang Thinda, who provided an update on the progress. He clarified that R30 million has been allocated over three years for infrastructure upgrades, improved amenities, and restoring the zoo’s operational capacity. “The approved amount is R30 million spread over three years, not R20 million as previously reported. We have appointed a consultant, and he is busy designing the first phase of refurbishment,” Thinda said.
Last week, Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Thomas Ferreira raised concerns about the municipality advertising internal positions for the zoo despite its continued closure. Speaking on the matter, Thinda noted that it is all part of the plan for operational readiness. “It is important to begin onboarding technical and support staff early, particularly specialists such as veterinary technicians, environmental officers, and facilities maintenance personnel. This ensures that as infrastructure work progresses, the right expertise is available on-site to advise, supervise, and eventually manage day-to-day operations. Delaying appointments until physical work is completed would create further bottlenecks in reopening. Hence, this phased staffing approach is both strategic and necessary,” Thinda said.
During a recent parliamentary oversight visit by the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi addressed concerns about the zoo’s sustainability. “The plan is to operate the zoo in a way that it generates its income and becomes self-sustaining through commercialisation,” he stated.
Clement Matroos
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