The Department of Tourism notes with concern the fake news published and circulating on social media platforms alleging that Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe supports Rhino Poaching.
Contrary to what has been reported, Deputy Minister Thabethe has not issued a statement nor has she expressed pro-poaching views to any media or at any platform.
Thabethe condemns rhino poaching and all forms of environmental crimes and transgressions particularly the spate rhino and other endangered species poaching, and continues to support the efforts of our sister department - the Department of Environmental Affairs - in the pursuit to reduce such criminal activities.
"We continue to work effortlessly as government to not only secure , protect and develop our protected areas and species but to also promote the sustainable use and community beneficiation from tourism activities in parks and all forms of nature-based tourism" said Thabethe
"We believe this advent of "fake news" continues to deny our people and consumers of such content the right to access developmental information as provided and shared on a consistent basis by our government and we pledge to continue to seek recourse through existing internet governance mechanisms and processes " she added
The Department cautions the public to be mindful of fake news reports, and to corroborate any suspicious statements linked to its principals with the official media releases that are accessible on its
www.tourism.gov.za website.
Enquiries:
Mr Blessing Manale
Chief Director Communications and Departmental Spokesperson
Department of Tourism
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 444 6607
Cell: +27 (0) 78 149 7901