The Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve : envisaging a socio-economic development partnership

Abstract

The Gauteng Province has directed its socio-economic development focus towards pursuing a number of innovative projects that should transform its urban-rural infrastructure significantly. One such project is the envisaged Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve in the north-eastern part of the Province. An important founding principle of the project is that a unique mutually beneficial partnership agreement should be negotiated in which local communities (historically disadvantaged), land owners (smallholdings and farms), the business sector and the respective local, district and provincial authorities are involved to establish a conservation area and tourism destination of note. Feasibility studies have indicated that if such an entity should be established, it could enhance Gauteng’s social development and economic growth trajectory exponentially. In this article, aspects relating to different forms of partnerships, and the intricacies associated with planning such partnerships in such a project are explored. Although no final agreements have been reached yet, the value of documenting this case rests in its contribution to a Public Affairs body of knowledge (PABOK), which may inform similar current and future development projects. The research is of a longitudinal nature and progress that is made with finalising this project is constantly being monitored and documented.