As public discussion continues around the recently concluded CT27 Hunting Rights Agreement, Lotsane Safaris says the partnership represents a long-term investment in conservation, education, employment and rural development, extending well beyond the regulated utilisation of wildlife.
The 15-year agreement, concluded with the four Community Trusts that collectively manage Controlled Hunting Area CT27, will become operational on 1 January 2027 and provides for an initial annual payment of approximately P1.65 million, increasing by 5 percent annually to exceed P35.6 million over the life of the agreement. The financial consideration is separate from investments in infrastructure, conservation, employment, skills development and community projects.
Company representative Mr. Knight said the agreement was conceived as a rural development partnership rather than a conventional hunting concession.
“Wildlife should create lasting opportunities for the people who live alongside it. Our vision has always been to build a partnership where conservation supports education, employment, enterprise and community development for many years to come,” he said.
Although hunting activities under the agreement will only commence in 2027, Lotsane Safaris has already undertaken several projects within the CT27 communities over the past year. These include refurbishment works at Semolale Primary School, restoration projects at Gobojango Junior Secondary School following fire damage, the installation of Starlink internet connectivity at Mathathane Primary School, internet connectivity for customary courts, support to traditional leadership institutions, donations of office equipment and community support during the foot and mouth disease outbreak.
In a letter issued on 5 August 2026, Chief Isaya Madema of Semolale described Lotsane Safaris as playing a significant role in the development of Bobirwa District, citing investments in schools, digital connectivity, traditional leadership institutions and humanitarian support to communities.
“All these were done despite the fact that their contract with the four trusts in Bobirwa has not commenced. This shows reliability and honesty on their promises,” Chief Madema said.
In a letter of appreciation, the Bobirwa District Council commended the company’s proactive approach in supporting education and improving learning environments for local children. Mathathane Primary School also acknowledged that Starlink connectivity would improve teaching, learning and access to digital educational resources.
The Bobirwa District Council and the chief’s letters mirror broader programmes already underway across CT27, including classroom refurbishments, rehabilitation of schools and customary courts, support for dikgosi, donations of office equipment, food assistance, and plans for local employment and anti-poaching, boreholes, tourism, infrastructure and accredited skills development over the 15-year partnership.
Traditional leaders in Bobirwa similarly recognised donations of ceremonial chairs, walking sticks and office equipment, saying the support had strengthened the functioning of customary institutions and enhanced service delivery to communities.
Beyond existing projects, the company says the partnership has been structured to stimulate local economic participation over the next 15 years through employment, procurement and tourism.
Plans include construction of an eco-conscious tented camp, recruitment of employees from CT27 communities, accredited hospitality and conservation training, local procurement programmes, anti-poaching initiatives, borehole development, road maintenance and improved access infrastructure.
The broader vision also includes attracting international conservation funding to support education, wildlife protection, water infrastructure and community development projects.
A proposal submitted to the Dallas Safari Club Foundation outlines programmes focusing on anti-poaching, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, digital connectivity for schools, water infrastructure and agricultural resilience across the 2.2-million-hectare landscape.
Knight said transparency and accountability would remain central to implementation.
“Communities will ultimately judge this partnership by what is delivered on the ground. We welcome that. Our responsibility is to honour our commitments, report on progress and ensure that conservation creates measurable value for local people,” he said.
Under the agreement, Lotsane Safaris will report regularly to the Community Trusts on operational performance, employment, conservation activities and community development initiatives, with provision for independent verification of community development expenditure where requested.
As discussion around CT27 continues, the company says it remains committed to working collaboratively with the Community Trusts, government institutions, conservation partners and local communities to ensure that the concession delivers lasting environmental, economic and social benefits.
