Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698925279174.pdf (South Africa)
PUSHING BACK POVERTY THROUGH CONSERVATION & ECOTOURISM ANNUAL REPORT 2022/2023 TABLE OF CONTENT PART A: GENERAL INFORMATION 1.

Public Entity's General Information ..................................................................................................................................... 2.

List Of Abbreviations/ Acronyms ...................................................................................................................................... 3.
Foreword By The Minister .................................................................................................................................................... 4.

Foreword By The Chairperson............................................................................................................................................ 5.
Chief Executive Oﬃcer's Overview.................................................................................................................................... 6.

Board Members ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7.

Statement Of Responsibility And Conrmation Of Accuracy For The Annual Report............................................. 8.
Strategic Overview................................................................................................................................................................ 9.

About Isimangaliso Wetland Park....................................................................................................................................... 10.
Legislative And Other Mandates....................................................................................................................................... 11.

Organisational Structure..................................................................................................................................................... PART B: PERFORMANCE INFORMATION 3 3 4 6 1.
Programme 1: Corporate Support Services ....................................................................................................................... 2.

Programme 2: Biodiversity Conservation............................................................................................................................ 3.

Programme 3: Tourism and Business Development........................................................................................................... 4.
Programme 3: Socio-Economic, Environment and Development.................................................................................... 20 26 32 40 PART C: GOVERNANCE 1.

The Accounting Authority / Board....................................................................................................................................... 2.
Board Charter......................................................................................................................................................................... 3.

Board Composition................................................................................................................................................................ 4.
Committees............................................................................................................................................................................. 5.

Corporate Governance.......................................................................................................................................................... 6.
Audit Risk Committee............................................................................................................................................................ 7.

Internal Audit........................................................................................................................................................................... 8.
Risk Management..................................................................................................................................................................... 52 53 54 55 60 62 63 63 63 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 1 TABLE OF CONTENT PART C: GOVERNANCE 9.

Environmental Management................................................................................................................................................. 10.
Social Management.............................................................................................................................................................. 11.

Communication.................................................................................................................................................................... 12.
Safety...................................................................................................................................................................................... 13.

Information and Communication Technology.................................................................................................................. 14.
Organisational Structure..................................................................................................................................................... 15.

Remuneration....................................................................................................................................................................... 63 63 64 64 64 64 64 PART D: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 66 1.
Human Resource Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 2.

Board Approved Staﬀ Establisment / Organogram ............................................................................................................ 3.

Workforce Proﬁle As Of 31 March 2023 ........................................................................................................................... 4.
Staturory Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................ 5.

Appointment of Employees .................................................................................................................................................. 6.
Terminations ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7.

Training and Development .................................................................................................................................................... 8.

Gender Based Violence & Other Challenges Aﬀecting Women ..................................................................................... 9.
Bursaries Awarded to iSimangaliso Employees ................................................................................................................... 10.

Performance Management .................................................................................................................................................. 11.
Policies and Procedures ....................................................................................................................................................... 12.

Employee Relations .............................................................................................................................................................. 13.
Employee Health and Wellness Programme .................................................................................................................... 14.

CEO Mr SE Bukhosini’s Staﬀ Brieﬁng ................................................................................................................................. 15.
Occupational Health and Safety in The Workplace ......................................................................................................... PART E: FINANCIAL INFORMATION 67 67 69 64 65 72 72 75 76 76 76 77 77 77 77 78 1.

Audit Report ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2.
Annual Financial Statement for the Year ended 31 March 2023 ...................................................................................... 79 87 : A T R A P G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N LEGAL FORM OF ENTERPRISE Established by Regulation 1193 of 24 November 2000, under the World Heritage Convention Act 49 of 1999.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is a Schedule 3A Public Entity.
NATURE OF BUSINESS The iSimangaliso Authority's business is to conserve the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and to create jobs and benets for communities living in and adjacent to the Park through optimal tourism-based development.

iSimangaliso is, therefore, in the business of conservation, local economic development, and tourism.
NAME: iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority REGISTRATION NUMBERS The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is a Public Entity established in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004 (No.
10 of 2004) HEAD OFFICE ADDRESS: Dredger Harbour, St Lucia Estuary, 3936 POSTAL ADDRESS: P/Bag X05, St Lucia Estuary, 3936 CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER: 035 590 1633 EMAIL ADDRESS: info@isimangaliso.com FACEBOOK: iSimangaliso Wetland Park WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.isimangaliso.com EXTERNAL AUDITOR: Auditor-General of South Africa BANK: First National Bank 2 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSingaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 3 01 AFS AG APP APO ARC BEE B-BBEE CCMA CEO CFO CPI DAFF DEA DEFF DTI DWS EAP EIA LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Annual Financial Statements Auditor-General Annual performance plan Annual plan of operation Audit Risk Committee Black economic empowerment Broad-based black economic empowerment IT KZN MLRA MoU MPA MTEF MTSF Information Technology KwaZulu-Natal Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act 18 of 1998) Memorandum of understanding Marine Protected Area Medium-Term Expenditure Framework Medium-Term Strategic Framework Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration NDLTF The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund Chief Executive Oﬃcer Chief Financial Oﬃcer Consumer price index Department of Forestry and Fisheries Department of Environmental Aﬀairs Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Department of Trade and Industry Department of Water and Sanitation Economically Active Population Environmental Impact Assessment EZEMVELO Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife FY GDP GEF HR IDP ISA IMP Financial Year Gross
 Domestic Product Global Environment Facility Human Resources Integrated Development Plan International Standards on Auditing Integrated Management Plan iSimangaliso iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority NDP NGO NPO PAA PARK PFMA PPE PR National Development Plan Non-Governmental Organisation Non-Prot Organisation National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003) iSimangaliso Wetland Park Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999) Personal Protective Equipment Public Relations RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Water Fowl Habitat 1971 RLCC SAPS SCM SEC SEED SMME TFCA Regional Land Claims Commission South African Police Service Supply chain management Social Ethics Committee Socio-Economic Environment Development Small, medium and micro-enterprise Trans-frontier conservation area UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientic, and Cultural Organization VUCA WHCA Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity World Heritage Convention Act 1999, (Act No 1 of 1999) 4 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 5 MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES, AND THE ENVIRONMENT Ms BARBARA CREECY, MP Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment It is a pleasure to present to you the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report for the 2022/23 nancial year.
In the past year the Park made signicant strides in its relationship with adjacent communities and in implementing corrective measures related to the management of the St Lucia Estuary.

The Panel of Experts appointed in 2021 to review the Scientic Basis for Breaching of the Mouth of Lake St Lucia Estuary made a number of recommendations related to the future management of the Park.

Among these was a review of the existing management plan and the development of a new Estuarine Management Plan.
It had also recommended that concerns related to the backooding of the farmlands linked to the river system be addressed.

The review of the existing management plan is being undertaken and will recognise estuary dependent economic activities and the inter-dependency between the wetlands, forests, wildlife, the marine ecosystem and tourism, and livelihoods dependent on shing and other forms of bioprospecting.
The Estuary management plan is also being developed to ensure all future decisions related to conservation management are science-based.

Also among the Panel's recommendations was the commitment in 2022 that St Lucia Lake, which is protected and managed by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, would no longer be managed as an isolated system.
Regular discussions have been held with community members and their representatives, and farmers with the aim of improving the relationship between the Park and its immediate stakeholders.

Through these meetings concerns related to backooding are being addressed.

Among regular meetings with shing cooperatives are those with the local Thembe community in the Kosi Bay area.
Last year Government allocated R340 million to iSimangaliso for infrastructure projects, including road construction, the nalisation of an oﬃce block, new staﬀ quarters for eld rangers and the development of new lodges in the Park as part of its commercialisation drive.

This funding was linked to job creation given the fact that iSimangaliso is situated in one of the country's most economically depressed areas.
The Groen Sebenza programme created 2 000 jobs for local youth in the 2022/23 nancial year, as well as the creation of 600 full-time equivalent jobs in various elds, of which 55% were women and 59% youth.

Through the Park's training of SMMEs under the Rural Enterprise Programme the rst 35 participants were selected in the 2022/23 nancial year.

The majority of participants, who live in uMkhanyakude District municipality, attended training sessions as Sodwana and St Lucia.
Since 2019 the Park has employed 1 588 people through the Expanded Public Works Programme's initiatives to clear alien vegetation and perform other environment-related duties.

Through the use of the 311 SMMEs 4 733 jobs have been created.

Of these 2 484 were opportunities for young people, 2 221 for women and 60 for people living with disabilities.
iSimangaliso's mission is to protect, preserve and present its World Heritage values for current and future generations while beneting communities living in and adjacent to the Park by facilitating optimal tourism and related development.

This mission statement dovetails Government's programme of improving people's lives including the lives of the people living in rural communities.
The Park's devotion to community upliftment is also evident from is involvement in the development of 39 food gardens in adjacent communities and the creation of 3 500 jobs from its arts and culture program.

As part of a commercialisation drive, tourist accommodation is being built at Chatter's Creek.

This includes chalets and camping facilities.


New oﬀ-the-grid accommodation for rangers has also been built, while the educational centre has been upgraded and boardwalks have been constructed to improve access to the estuary and surrounding wetlands.

Thirty kilometres of road and 20km of fence have also been maintained.
Nationally the DFFE has supported programmes such as the Stewardship programme, the Biodiversity Economy and sustainable use programmes linked to the wildlife economy, bioprospecting projects, environmental and oceans economy programmes, and the implementation of the ecosystems approaches that promote biodiversity conservation while contributing to improving the livelihood of communities.
As the outgoing Board led by Prof AT Nzama bows out after rendering successful work, I wish to welcome the new Board of iSimangaliso led by Inkosi Tembe the former deputy chair, the term of oﬃce commenced in April 2023 and will run until the end of the nancial year in 2026.

I wish them well as they take over this huge responsibility of exercising an oversight function over iSimangaliso.
I am optimistic that the Board will work well with iSimangaliso management team and various stakeholders in further pushing back the frontiers of poverty through conservation and ecotourism.
Ms Barbara Creecy, MP Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment 6 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 7 FOREWORD BY THE CHAIRPERSON Inkosi M. Tembe, Chairperson iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Board CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S OVERVIEW Mr S. Bukhosi, Chief Executive Oﬃcer As the new Board we are committed to ensuring that iSimangaliso deepens its eﬀort and energy towards the implementation of the Commercialisation Strategy.
Of particular interest will be to ensure that local communities do benet from the opportunities presented by this strategic direction of the Entity whilst practising good governance in the process.

This principle is underpinned by the mission statement of the Entity which highlights benetting of communities living in and adjacent to the Park as part of the critical undertaking of the Entity.
On behalf of the Board, it is a great honour to me to express our sincere gratitude to the Minister of the Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Ms Barbara Creecy who has given us the opportunity to serve the public as the new Board of iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.

Our term of oﬃce came into eﬀect as from the 1 of April 2023 and will run for the period of three years.

We are happy that we are part of iSimangaliso family.
st The involvement of various Stakeholders is another focus area the Board intends to pay a closer attention to.

As the Board we are encouraged to see that iSimangaliso has committed in its APP to meet with stakeholders such as the Traditional Authorities, and interest groups such as shing cooperatives etc, whom without their involvement successful conservation and tourism would be void.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the previous Board led by Professor A.T. Nzama who's stewardship led to iSimangaliso obtaining a clean audit opinion from the Auditor General for the 2022-2023 nancial year, leaving the Entity in a good state of governance.

As we take over the baton, we wish to pledge our commitment to build on the solid foundation laid by our predecessors.
We count on the rich diversity of skills from men and woman appointed to serve on this new Board working together with the skilled management team that has managed to achieve 100% on the Annual Performance Planned targets for three years consecutively.

Looking at the road ahead, it is very much clear that we must hit the ground running and propel iSimangaliso towards ensuring that the implementation of biodiversity economy becomes today's reality.
The stride taken by the Entity in denting and pushing back poverty levels is heart- warming.

8 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 On behalf of the Board, I wish to once again congratulate the management and staﬀ of iSimangaliso led by the CEO for obtaining a Clean Audit opinion from the Auditor General South Africa.
Inkosi M. Tembe Chairperson, iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Board i S i m a n g a l i s o We t l a n d Pa r k A u t h o r i t y adopted a three-pronged ve-year strategy, it is in its fth year of implementation now.

The three focal areas of the strategy are Conservation, Eco- tourism, and Stakeholders/ Parentships.

The implementation of this strategy needed a completely new management approach with integrity, insightfulness, and inclusivity.
Our forbearers laid a solid foundation that we are building on, including their role in the inscription of iSimangaliso as South Africa's rst World Heritage Site in 1999. iSimangaliso is surrounded by impoverished communities from the neighbouring districts with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

As iSimangaliso we asked ourselves what we can do to change people's lives, we decided that we will become a catalyst in changing people's lives in these districts engulfed by poverty.
The three-pronged strategy was in response to addressing these three challenges.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is not only about the preservation and conservation of our World Heritage Site, but it is also an important catalyst for economic development through eco- tourism.

About R349,4 million have been spent toward creating job opportunities and SMME's mainly from the impoverished communities.

2484 young people beneted from these opportunities.
The implementation of the commercialisation strategy will go a long way in creating opportunities and bring about transforming.

The communities will now own businesses such as open game drive vehicles, boats, trails etc.

The discussions about taking over of tourism facilities which are being run by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife have been nalised, and now the entity will be moving to the implementation stage.
Taking over the facilities will improve iSimangaliso's revenue from the revenue that will be generated from these facilities.

Government's MTEF allocation to iSimangaliso has grown from R38 million at inception to R84m for the year ended March 2023.

Government has also approved funding for infrastructure investment for the forthcoming MTEF period.

There is a clear trend of increases in the MTEF allocation year-on-year.
iSimangaliso has maintained a positive cash ow over the years and managed its expenses in such a manner that it has not had any cash decits in its history.

Creditors are paid consistently within 30 days, except where there are queries on accounts or other reasons for withholding payment such as retentions on construction contracts.

iSimangaliso has no loans and has no requirement for same to nance its operations.

iSimangaliso has a good track record with respect to retention of key staﬀ.
Key critical positions have been lled during the year.

The internship programme employed 200 people; this programme has brought hope to unemployed young people.

iSimangaliso is encouraged by the Clean Audit opinion received from the Auditor General, it reaﬃrms our unwavering commitment to good governance.

Our commitment to delivering on the business strategy has been conrmed by our ability to achieve yet again 100% on all the Annual Performance Plan Targets making it three consecutive nancial years.
I wish to express my gratitude to all hard-working iSimangaliso staﬀ, the Board, for the harmonious relationship and playing a crucial role in ensuring good governance, culminating to the outstanding performance of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.
Mr Sibusiso Bukhosini Chief Executive Oﬃcer, iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 9 BOARD MEMBERS INKOSI M. TEMBE BOARD CHAIRPERSON Ms T. SOSIBO DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND CONFIRMATION OF ACCURACY FOR THE ANNUAL REPORT To the best of my knowledge and belief, I conrm the following: All information and amounts disclosed in the Annual Report are consistent with the AFS Audited by ISIQU ACCOUNTANTS.
The Annual Report is complete, accurate and free from any omissions.

The Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines on the Annual Report as issued by National Treasury.

The AFS (Part E) have been prepared in accordance with the GRAP standards applicable to the Public Entity.

The Accounting Authority is responsible for the preparation of the AFS and for the judgements made in this information.
Mr G. NAIR BOARD MEMBER Prof. P. SMALL BOARD MEMBER Mr. B. MHLONGO BOARD MEMBER The Accounting Authority is responsible for establishing and implementing a system of internal control, which has been designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the performance information, the human resources information and the AFS.
Mr. B. NGOBENI BOARD MEMBER Ms. S. NGCOBO BOARD MEMBER Ms. N. MLAMBO BOARD MEMBER Mr S. NKOSI SHAREHOLDER REPRESENTATIVE In our opinion, the Annual Report fairly reects the operations, the performance information, the human resources information and the nancial aﬀairs of the Public Entity for the nancial year ended 31 March 2023.

The external auditors are engaged to express an independent opinion on the AFS.
Yours Faithfully Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Sibusiso Bukhosini Chairperson of the iSimangaliso Authority Board, Inkosi M.I Tembe 10 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 11 STRATEGIC OVERVIEW OUR VISION OUR MISSION OUR VALUES A renowned World Heritage Park where conservation, sustainable tourism and beneﬁt-sharing prevails.
iSimangaliso's mission is to protect, preserve and present its World Heritage values for current and future generations while beneﬁtting communities living in and adjacent to the Park by facilitating optimal tourism and related development.

iSimangaliso subscribes to the Batho Pele Principles.
In addition, below are our core values: Integrity; Honesty; Transparency; Accountability; Performance; and Professionalism 12 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 13 ABOUT THE iSIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK iSimangaliso Wetland Park's Timeless Symphony of Nature and Heritage With Its Sea, Surf And Sun, Sodwana Bay Is a Sprawling Open-air, All-year-round Activity Destination.
f you are looking for peace and tranquillity, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the place for you.

This Ibreath-taking haven of natural marvels is nestled along the Zululand coast in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, lled with awe-inspiring landscapes that awaits discerning travellers.
Formerly renowned as the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, this treasure trove of ecological wonder sprawls gracefully from Maphelane in the south of St Lucia to Kosi Bay in the north at the boarder separating South Africa and Mozambique, an expansive stretch of over 220 kilometres of pristine coastline.
This veritable Eden, graced by the divine touch of Mother Nature, is a harmonious blend of diverse ecosystems and captivating destinations, standing as an iridescent emblem of conservation, community empowerment, and an enchanting portal to the world of the wild.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a living testament to earth's resplendent diversity of life, unfolds like a bewitching tapestry of nature's nest achievements.
From the majestic Ubombo mountains that pierce the heavens to the serene allure of grasslands, forests that whisper ancient tales, wetlands teeming with life, mangrove sanctuaries, and age-old dunes sculpted by the hands of time, this park is nature's living kaleidoscope.

Within its embrace, eight interlocking ecosystems beckon and ten distinct destinations enthral, each a gateway to the heart of the untamed.
Venturing through this Edenic landscape, travellers are whisked away on an odyssey of discovery – a sojourn through the realms of Maphelane's mysteries, the ethereal expanse of Lake St. Lucia, the paradisal shores of Cape Vidal, the mystical allure of Charters Creek, the captivating secrets of False Bay, the mesmerizing haven of Sodwana Bay, the untamed sanctuary of uMkhuze, the tranquil haven of Lake Sibaya, the enigmatic allure of the Coastal Forest, and the unspoiled grace of Kosi Bay.
At every juncture, an exotic tableau of wildlife reveals itself.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is an orchestra where the call of the wild, led by 129 terrestrial and aquatic mammals including the revered Black and White Rhinoceros, the dignied Elephants, the enigmatic Buﬀalos, the elusive Leopards, the fabled Wild Dog, and the commanding Lion plays out in splendid harmony.

Sodwana Bay is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world.
The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of sh as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine ora and fauna.

It is also home to the Coelacanth which was discovered in the deep Jesser Canyon oﬀshore from Sodwana Bay in 2000.

Throughout the year, pods of bottlenose dolphins routinely patrol up and down the coast, just beyond the breakers.

Southern right and humpback whales visit our shores between June and November every year.
They migrate from their icy feeding grounds oﬀ Antarctica to breed in the warmer Indian Ocean and then return south with their adolescent calves.

A Journey Through Time: A Tapestry Woven with Historical Threads The annals of time unfurl within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where echoes of centuries past whisper on the wind.
Stretching back to the Later Stone Age and echoing through the corridors of the Iron Age, evidence of human habitation leaves its mark, a testament to the enduring relationship between man and nature.

Arab traders and European pioneers, their footprints indelibly imprinted on the sands of time, are mere chapters in the tale of this landscape.
Vasco da Gama's fateful encounter with these shores in 1497 set the stage for a symphony of interactions – a harmonious interplay between explorers, traders, hunters, and missionaries that wove the intricate tapestry of culture and history that adorns the region.

Conservation's roots took hold in 1895 with the establishment of the initial reserve, giving birth to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region – South Africa's venerable conservation cornerstone.
The apex of this journey unfurled in 1999, when the park was crowned South Africa's inaugural World Heritage Site.

An auspicious moment graced by the presence of the venerated Nelson Mandela, a global icon of justice and unity, marked the park's rise to global recognition.

The rebirth of the park as iSimangaliso in 2007, a name suﬀused with the essence of 'miracle and wonder,' encapsulated the very soul of this treasure trove.
A Symphony of Conservation and Empowerment: Nature's Stewards at Work The iSimangaliso Wetland Park's achievements stand as a symphony of dedication to conservation and the upliftment of local communities.

A seamless fusion of lands under a united management plan, a metamorphosis from incompatible land uses into 15,000 hectares of vibrant conservation, and the fortication of 230 kilometres of formidable Big Five fencing, are but crescendos in the symphony of ecosystem preservation.
A Spectrum of Experiences: An Overture to Wonders Journeying through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is akin to embarking on a voyage through the annals of time, a rendezvous with nature's bounty and human endeavour.

A paradise for avian acionados, the park hosts about 530 bird species, a melodious symphony that awakens the senses.

Witnessing the nesting season of Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles is an exclusive privilege woven into the fabric of this coastal sanctuary.
And beyond the famous Big Five, the Big Seven beckons – an assembly that boasts the Southern right whale and the awe-inspiring Great white shark.

Elegance and opulence unite in the haven of luxury that is Kosi Forest Lodge and Thonga Beach Lodge.

Here, immersion in nature is synonymous with indulgence, an oasis where the comfort of modernity coalesces with the raw poetry of the wild.
These lodges, nestled in nature's embrace, oﬀer a springboard to explore a realm where black and white rhinos ourish in grandeur, and each day unravels a new verse in the symphony of life.

Guardians of Heritage: A Prelude to Posterity The park's journey has been enriched by the reintroduction of game species – tsessebe, oribi, elephants, wild dogs, cheetahs, and the regal white and black rhinos – an ode to the harmonious balance that thrives within its boundaries.
A symphony of improved road networks and rened water systems create a harmonious symphony of accessibility, all while enhancing the melodic dance of the visitor's experience.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park stands as a testament to the potent melody of conservation, community harmony, and sustainable tourism.

Its inuence spreads far beyond its verdant borders, touching the lives of locals and wanderers alike.
This sanctuary's accolades as South Africa's second-largest protected area and its distinction as the nation's oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site reverberate through time, resounding as a paean to preservation.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park's economic cadence rings loud, with revenue from commercial endeavours soaring over 200% since the authority's inception.
Land claims settled over 75% of the park's expanse, their harmonious tune carried by co-management agreements, embodying the true spirit of collaborative conservation.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park's devotion to community upliftment sings through various initiatives.

From 39 food gardens that blossom as cradles of local growth to an SMME support program nurturing dreams into reality, the symphony of prosperity plays on.
Traditional arts nd their harmony within the craft program, a harmonious duet that preserves heritage while empowering livelihoods.

The culture and arts program, a chorus of 3,500 jobs, paints a vibrant picture of hope and prosperity.

This Eden's terrain, graced by mountains, bushveld, palm groves, dunes sculpted by the ages, grasslands that sway in the breeze, and coastal forests that whisper forgotten tales, cradles a menagerie of life.
Here, 129 terrestrial and aquatic mammals, 525 avian envoys, 128 reptilian wanderers, 50 amphibian troubadours, 991 marine marvels, and 48 freshwater dancers waltz in harmony.

Nelson Mandela aptly encapsulated iSimangaliso's resplendent diversity as a realm where the ancient rhinoceros shares space with the colossal elephant, where the prehistoric coelacanth converses with the titanic whale – a chorus of life that strikes at the heart of wonder.
14 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 15 An Expedition into Splendour: Unveiling Nature's Treasury For those who seek to dance to the rhythm of nature's heartbeat, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park beckons, an irresistible call to adventure.

This symphony of biodiversity, graced by the ethereal presence of the Big Five and the enigmatic Big Seven, oﬀers a symposium of unparalleled wildlife spectacles.
Yet, it's not merely the creatures that enchant visitors; the coastal grandeur, an artistry painted by the hands of nature, stands as an equal protagonist in this majestic tale.

The journey to this verdant utopia is as enchanting as the destination itself.

With daily ights knitting Johannesburg to Richards Bay, access is but a breath away.

Alternatively, the thoroughfare from major South African cities to Durban serves as another avenue.
Tour operators present the chance for guided forays into iSimangaliso, ensuring exploration wrapped in comfort.

And for the intrepid, self-drive expeditions are a beckoning possibility, an epic tale of adventure and discovery – yet for areas north of Mkhuze section of the Park and east of the N2, a 4x4 vehicle is the chariot of choice.
In the hallowed embrace of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, nature's symphony comes alive, a timeless opus played upon a canvas where each ecosystem is a note, and each creature, a lyric.

It's a place where history harmonizes with the present, where communities and conservation compose a ballad of progress, and where visitors, enthralled by the panorama of life, become part of this unfolding saga.
As the world turns, and the echoes of footsteps linger on ancient paths, iSimangaliso stands as a crescendo of reverence – a sanctuary where the chorus of nature's harmonies remains eternal.

16 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 17 LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER MANDATES LEGISLATIVE MANDATES ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ACCOUNTING AURTHORITY / BOARD The World Heritage Convention Act 1999 (WHCA) sets out the objectives of iSimangaliso.
These objectives, which have been set out below, have been incorporated into iSimangaliso's mission, namely: • To protect, conserve and present the Park • To empower historically disadvantaged adjacent communities • To promote and facilitate optimal tourism and related development in the Park The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is further subject to the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998), the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act 84 of 1998), the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999), the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act, 2008 (Act 4 of 2008), the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) and the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act 24 of 2008).
In addition, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority takes note of, supports, and, where applicable, aligns its activities with national initiatives such as the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan, the National Biodiversity Framework and the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy.
Mr S.E Bukhosini Chief Executive Oﬃcer Mrs S.Q Mntambo Chief Financial Oﬃcer Mr S. Sibiya Executive Manager Biodiversity Conservation Mr S. Sibiya Executive Manager Biodiversity Conservation Mr J. Ngubane Executive Manager Tourism and Business Development Mr C Khumalo Executive Manager Socio-Economic, Environment and Development Mr S.J Madela Executive Manager Technical Services VACANT Executive Manager Corporate Support service 18 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 19 PROGRAMME 1: CORPORATE SUPPORT SERVICES PURPOSE The purpose of the Corporate Support Services Programme is to provide eﬀective and eﬃcient corporate support services (human resources, nancial management, information technology, strategic management, research, and communications), which enable us to execute our mandate.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION The Corporate Support Services programme is implemented by two units – Finance and Support Services.

The Finance Unit is responsible for nancial management, ensuring that iSimangaliso's operations are properly funded and cost-eﬀectively managed while maintaining an appropriate system of internal control and reporting of accounting, management and statutory information.
The unit creates and maintains PFMA-compliant nancial management systems, including SCM; ensures good governance, risk management and control processes; and reduces audit ndings, resulting in an unqualied audit report.

It is also responsible for B-BBEE compliance monitoring and reporting.
The Support Services Unit is responsible for the management of information technology, oﬃce management, human resources, strategic planning and reporting, communications and PR, as well as research coordination, policy and planning.

These services provide support to the Organisation in a range of areas that are required by the Organisation to implement its mandate.
PART B PERFORMANCE INFORMATION PROGRAMME 1: CORPORATE SUPPORT SERVICES 20 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 21 Programme 1: Corporate Support Services Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Programme 1: Corporate Support Services Reasons for deviations Outcome Compliance with legislation, eﬀective nancial management and key risks Clean audit Clean audit Unqualied audit Clean audit Clean audit Clean audit Not applicable Not applicable mitigated to minimize potential adverse consequences opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion An adequately skilled and capacitated workforce which is transformed and representative of South Africa' race and gender demographics Expenditure of 95% 107% 102% 95% 95,85% 0,84% N/A An adequately skilled and capacitated workforce which is transformed and the allocated budget representative of South Africa' race and gender demographics Trade Average number 5 days 18 days 30 days 9 days Not applicable Not applicable 37 days 15 days 60 days 35 days Not applicable Not applicable Eﬀective information communication and technology systems which are supportive of the organizations core business and mandate Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023
 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Employee performance contracts Occupation Health and Safety assessment / inspection Employee performance contracts 100% of performance contracts concluded 100% of performance contracts concluded 100% of performance contracts concluded Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Number of Occupation Health and Safety assessment / inspection conducted and recommendations implemented 1 annual assessment 1 annual 1 annual Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable assessment assessment conducted and conducted and conducted and recommendations recommendations recommendations implemented implemented implemented ICT governance framework reviewed and approved ICT governance framework reviewed and approved Submit to board for approval ICT governance framework approved.


Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 100% 100% 100% 100% Not applicable Not applicable A world renowned World Heritage Park Newsashes & Number of 16 22 20 23 3 91% 98% 80% 92% 8% The target was exceeded due to additional funding.

Press Releases Newsashes & Press Releases released Target overachieved with three (3) newsashes or press releases due to additional events which happened within the Park.
Compliance with legislation, eﬀective nancial management and key risks mitigated to minimize potential adverse consequences Compliance with legislation, eﬀective nancial management and key risks mitigated to minimize potential adverse consequences Compliance with legislation, eﬀective nancial management and key risks mitigated to minimize potential adverse consequences Increased contribution of the Entity to socio-economic transformation and empowerment of previously disadvantaged community (Black, women owned and township/rural based enterprise) Creditor payment of days: Trade creditor payment Trade Debtor collection Average number of days: Trade Debtor collection Implementation of the procurement plan 100% Implementation of the procurement plan BBBEE spend on majority black owned suppliers as a percentage of qualifying expenditure 80% BBBEE spend on majority black owned suppliers as a percentage of qualifying expenditure An adequately skilled and capacitated workforce which is transformed and Workplace Skills Workplace Skills Workplace Skills Workplace Skills Workplace Skills Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable representative of South Africa race and gender demographics Plan submitted Plan submitted to Plan submitted to Plan submitted to Plan submitted to to SETA within SETA within SETA within SETA within SETA within prescribed time prescribed time prescribed time prescribed time prescribed time frame frame frame frame frame 22 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 23 SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS As part of building a strong long term relationship with diﬀerent media houses, iSimangaliso hosted Journalists from various media houses on a 5 days Park visit tour with the purpose of interacting with them in a manner that entertain and educate them about the Park, and also expose media about commercialization and investment happening in the Park.
24 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 25 PROGRAMME 2: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PURPOSE The purpose of the Biodiversity Conservation Programme is to manage the development and implementation of biodiversity and conservation strategies, which enable the Park to maintain World Heritage values in a manner that facilitates sustainable development.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION This programme is managed by the Biodiversity Conservation Unit of the iSimangaliso Authority.

The primary functions of the unit are to determine conservation policy and ensure that the day-to-day conservation management activities are undertaken in accordance with the Integrated Management Plan for the Park, as well as the Conservation Operational Plan.
As part of its biodiversity conservation function, iSimangaliso implements a Land and Coast Care Programme (including alien plant control), re management and controlled burns on the Western Shores of the Park, cleaning and maintaining day-visitor facilities and access roads, commenting on buﬀer zone applications, conservation compliance actions, and employment of environmental monitor access control.
The eﬀectiveness of compliance interventions is dependent on high levels of service delivery from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife as well as strong working relationships with the SAPS, provincial and local government, and the judiciary.

In addition, iSimangaliso issues watching briefs to support prosecutors with criminal cases and takes civil action, where necessary.

Currently, day-to-day conservation management is outsourced to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Ezemvelo receives its funding for this function directly from the provincial government but is facing resource constraints.

This plan positions iSimangaliso to take over the day-to-day conservation function and tourism management from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
PART B PERFORMANCE INFORMATION PROGRAMME 2: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION 26 02 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 27 Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Programme 2: Biodiversity Conservation Reasons for deviations Outcome Green Energy Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Programme 2: Biodiversity Conservation Outcome Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Not applicable Green Energy Programme Strategy developed and approved Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Estuary monitoring programme implemented Programme Strategy implemented as per action plan Unauthorized land encroachment strategy developed and approved Biodiversity monitoring programme implemented as per action plan.
Not applicable Not applicable Unauthorized land encroachment strategy implemented as per action plan Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 5 meetings per annum 4 meetings per annum 4 meetings 4 meetings Not applicable Not applicable Green Energy Programme Strategy developed and approved Unauthorized land encroachment strategy developed and approved Unauthorized land encroachment strategy developed and approved Green Energy Green Energy Programme Programme Strategy Strategy implemented as implemented as per action plan per action plan Unauthorized land encroachment strategy implemented as per action plan Unauthorized land encroachment strategy implemented as per action plan Meetings between KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation Board (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Number of meetings between KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation Board (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Environmental audits Number of environmental audits conduct 12 13 12 13 1 Reasons for deviations There was an environmental compelling need to attend to the unplanned additional environmental audit.
Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Environmental monitors deployed in the Park Number of environmental monitors deployed in the Park Hectares of invasive alien plants treated Number of hectares of invasive alien plants treated Cubic meters of earthworks in wetland rehabilitation project Number of cubic meters of earthworks in wetland rehabilitation project Applications for developments in the buﬀer zone commented on and feedback provided within prescribed time frame Percentage of applications for developments in the buﬀer zone commented on and feedback provided within prescribed time frame 130 120 130 130 Not applicable Not applicable 56 956,05 ha 64 843.17 ha 75 000 ha 113 302.67 ha 38 302,67 ha The target was exceeded due to additional grant funding received.
320 km 320 km 320 km Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 100% 100% 100% Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 28 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 29 Programme 2: Biodiversity Conservation Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Identied unauthorized developments/ activities Percentage of identied unauthorized developments/ activities actioned legally 100% 100% 100% Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Before After Biodiversity threats mitigated and park world heritage site maintained Number of hectares burnt in controlled burning programme 1250 ha per 1250 ha per 1250 ha per 1250 ha per Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable annum annum annum annum SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS CLEANING AND GREENING PROJECT iSimangaliso created 300 job opportunities for people from communities that are neighbouring the Park.
This comes after the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) mandated iSimangaliso Wetland Park to rollout this project in three local municipalities in KwaZulu Natal.

The DFFE has realized that more eﬀorts are needed if the environment is to be protected from pollution and has conceptualized a national Municipal Cleaning and Greening Programme.
Through this project, iSimangaliso has created employment to 186 Women and 180 Youth amongst the 300 people (100 people in each municipality) iSimangaliso is leading this project implementation at uMhlabuyalingana local Municipality, Big 5 Hlabisa local Municipality (project is implemented in Hluhluwe) and uMtubatuba local Municipality through its appointed service providers.
iSimangaliso engaged with Municipalities, Amakhosi and other community leaders to assist in identifying families and focus areas that are engulfed by poverty in each municipality.

Before After LAKE ST. LUCIA ESTUARY iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority hold meetings quarterly with Stakeholders to discuss and give updates on the implementation of the recommendations of the experts panel that was appointed by the Minister to review the decision taken by iSimangaliso to breach the mouth of lake St. Lucia.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has made a huge progress in trying to resolve the issues of the St. Lucia estuarine system.

These meetings are a platform for all stakeholders to sit around the table and engage with a common purpose in mind.

Communities and aﬀected parties also acknowledge iSimangaliso for involving them and giving them a chance to participate in resolving this complex matter.
Communities and the aﬀected parties believe that with the implemented activities, it shows that iSimangaliso is trying its level best to resolve the issues regarding the St. Lucia Estuarine system, and they hope the issue of the estuary system will be resolved soon.

uTSHWAYELO (FISH KRAALS) The local Thonga (the Tembe community) have a rich and fascinating history.
Kosi Bay is famed for the traditional, woven sh traps and palisade kraals used by the community for well over 700 years – a skill passed down from generation to generation.

The palisade sh kraals consist of a guide fence that curves in towards a sh trap, allowing sh easy entry but no escape.

The traps are designed for small sh to escape, so there's no major impact on the thriving sh population.
0230 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 31 PROGRAMME 3: TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PURPOSE The purpose of the programme is to undertake research, develop and implement tourism development initiatives aimed at positioning the Park as a destination of choice.

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION This programme is managed by iSimangaliso's Tourism and Business Development Unit.
The programme strategy includes the improvement of existing public access facilities, awarding tourism accommodation concessions to private parties with community equity, and the development and maintenance of day-visitor facilities.
The primary functions of the unit are to (a) identify revenue generation opportunities for the Park that are consistent with the parameters set out in the Park's IMP and aﬀord economic benets to claimants and local communities; (b) implement the Tourism Development Programme for the Park; and (c) market and promote the Park as a destination of choice.

Due to resource constraints, certain tourism facilities managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife are in a poor state.
Those tourism and business functions currently undertaken by Ezemvelo will be handed over to iSimangaliso, and refurbishment of these facilities will take place.

Not only will this lead to an increase in revenue but will also result in increased opportunities for participation of local communities in the programmes.

Value chain linkages will be made to create further inclusive opportunities for local community-based businesses.
There are currently 54 activity licences in the Park, which will be reviewed to ensure empowerment of historically-disadvantaged businesses.
PART B PERFORMANCE INFORMATION: PROGRAMME 3: TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 0232 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 33 Programme 3: Tourism and Business Development Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Outcome Kilometres of Number of Not applicable Not applicable 30 KM 30 KM Not applicable Not applicable roads maintained kilometres of roads maintained Programme 3: Tourism and Business Development A world renowned World Heritage Park A world renowned World Heritage Park Kilometres of Number of Not applicable Not applicable 20 KM 20 KM Not applicable Not applicable fence maintained kilometres of fence maintained 50 % Not applicable 57 % Not Applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Percentage of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife managed tourism infrastructure upgraded Tourism and commercialisation strategy implemented Tourism and commercialisation strategy implemented as per action plan Tourism and commercialisation strategy implemented 40 % 40 % Tourism and commercialisation strategy implemented as per the action plan Not applicable Not applicable Collaterals as marketing tools developed Number of collaterals developed as marketing tools 3 11 3 5 Not applicable Not applicable Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance
 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Digital engagements for tourism trade conducted Number of digital engagements for tourism trade conducted Special events to promote the Park as a destination of choice conducted Number of special events to promote the Park as a destination of choice conducted Editorials published/ broadcasted 6 Number of Editorials published/ broadcasted 6 6 6 6 3 3 5 2 6 2 20 19 6 9 3 Two (2) additional digital engagements of fat bikes were organized by the third party and trans versing in the Park to Bonamanzi Game Reserve.
Opportunistic special events were used to market the Park and to encourage investors to submit commercialisation proposals The entity was approached by editorial companies to publish stories and undertake broadcasting about iSimangaliso hence the deviation.
34 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 35 Programme 3: Tourism and Business Development Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Media Junkets hosted Number of Media Junkets hosted Not applicable 5 4 8 4 A world renowned World Heritage Park Social Media posts done across three platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) 500 568 533 500 518 18 Non-paying Number of 132 032 126 577 96 000 249 855 153 855 entries to the non-paying Park entries to the Park Programme 3: Tourism and Business Development Reasons for deviations Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 The two (2) extra media junkets were organised by a third party and iSimangaliso was invited to participate.
More social media posts were done to encourage visitors to visit the Park as part of marketing eﬀorts.

More non-paying guests accepted our invitation to visit the Park for educational purposes.
Paying visitor entries Number of paying visitor entries 161 876 216 683 180 000 261 019 81 019 A world renowned World Heritage Park Revenue to the Park Revenue to the Park R11 317 442,87 R 33,343,210 R56 320 532 R56 799 940 R479 408 The entity increased the marketing eﬀorts to market the Park in order to recover from visitor booking cancellations which were experienced in the middle of the year when the KZN Province experienced severe oods.
The reason for overachievement was the inux of visitors to the Park Park astate maintenance plan implemented Park astate maintenance plan Implemented as per action plan 100% implementation of Park estate maintenance plan 100% implementation of Park estate maintenance plan Park estate maintenance plan Park estate maintenance plan Not applicable Not applicable 36 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 37 SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS TOURISM TRAVEL INDABA COMMERCIALISATION For the very rst time being nominated, iSimangaliso Wetland Park scooped the Platinum Award in the Green Stands Exhibitors Awards small stand category on the Africa Travel Indaba (ATI) event.
The award honours innovation, freshness, professionalism, use of natural resources and product knowledge amongst others.

This year the award also honoured those tourism businesses and organisations that have advanced tourism during a time of unprecedented technological and industry change.

The winning of this award comes after iSimangaliso joined hundreds of tourism exhibitors at the Africa's Travel Indaba 2023 which was hosted in Durban.
Commercialization seeks to generate revenue for the Park while addressing the fair presentation and distribution of the tourism investment opportunities that have always been perceived to have been beneting the few.

The investment summit was an opportunity for iSimangaliso to showcase its Biological wealth and ignite interest.

The reasons behind choosing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) process it's because it's a regulatory framework for public entities.
38 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 39 PROGRAMME 4: SOCIO-ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (SEED) PURPOSE The purpose of the programme is to facilitate the development and implementation of socio-economic programmes for the benet of local communities.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION The work undertaken within the Socio-Economic, Environment and Development (SEED) Programme is integrated into the work of the Tourism and Business Development, Biodiversity Conservation, and all other support services within the organization.

SEED is directly responsible for the rolling out of training and development programmes, job creation and equity participation in tourism development among other things.
Its primary function is to improve access to job and income-generation opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals and communities who live in and adjacent the Park, including land claimant groups.
The programme includes (a) job creation through land and coast care programmes and infrastructure programmes; (b) training and capacity building for people and community-based contractors employed by the Park; (c) development programmes for rural enterprises and entrepreneurs, craft producers and artists; (d) a higher education access programme that provides tertiary education support programme; (e) environmental education and awareness programmes; and (f ) the procurement of goods and services from businesses owned by previously disadvantaged individuals.
In addition, the Directorate facilitates issuing of licenses and concessions to the previously disadvantaged groups and individuals through ensuring that the organization ringfence certain opportunities which all specify minimum ownership targets for local communities.
This programme is aligned to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's Biodiversity Economy and People and Park's programmes, where biodiversity conservation and natural assets are equitably and sustainably used to contribute to socio-economic development of local communities.
PART B PERFORMANCE INFORMATION: PROGRAMME 4: SOCIO-ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT 40 02 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 41 Programme 4: Socio-Economic Environnement Development Programme 4: Socio-Economic Environnement Development Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Improved socio-economic benets and condition of communities around the park Meetings with shing cooperatives held Number of meetings with shing cooperatives held Not applicable Not applicable People and Parks meetings attended Number of People and Parks meetings attended Not applicable Amakhosi forum meeting attended Number of amakhosi forum meeting attended Not applicable 6 25 Traditional council meetings attended Number of traditional council meetings attended Land claims & co-management meetings undertaken Number of Land claims & co-management meetings undertaken Municipalities and Ward council meetings attended.
Number of Municipalities and Ward council meetings attended.
Other community groups across the Park attended to Number of other community groups across the Park attended to Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 10 Not applicable 12 Not applicable 72 4 4 4 24 8 12 68 4 4 4 24 8 12 72 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 4 Additional requests of meetings had to be attended to address critical stakeholder engagement matters.
Improved socio-economic benets and condition of communities around the park Stakeholder engagement strategy implementation evaluated Stakeholder engagement strategy implementation evaluated Community beneciation scheme developed and approved Community beneciation scheme developed and approved Percentage of female beneciaries Supported Percentage of Youth beneciaries supported Job Creation Percentage of female beneciaries Supported Percentage of Youth beneciaries supported Number of full-time equivalent jobs Accredited training conducted Number of beneciaries who successfully completed accredited training (NQF) Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Community beneciation scheme developed and approved Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 196% 55% 55% Not applicable Not applicable Not Applicable 161% 30% 59% Not applicable Not applicable 343 561 550 600 50 More jobs were 877 1322 1250 1276 26 created due to additional funding received.
More beneciaries were trained due additional funding received.
42 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 43 Programme 4: Socio-Economic Environnement Development Programme 4: Socio-Economic Environnement Development Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Outcome Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Improved socio-economic benets and condition of communities around the park Non-accredited training conducted Skills development Rural Develepment New rst years receiving bursaries and supported Number of beneciaries who successfully completed non-accredited training Number of people participating in skills development programmes (Infrastructure, Tourism, life guides and environmental monitors) Number of people participating in rural enterprise programme (business services, training, mentoring, guiding and grants) New rst years receiving bursaries and supported Percentage of bursary students who pass their registered modules yearly.


1273 1569 1400 1430 30 285 286 200 305 105 114 118 100 118 18 More beneciaries were trained due additional funding received.

The upward adjustment in grant funding allocation resulted in more training days being allocated for the skills development programme.

More people participated in the rural enterprise programme.
83% 95% 10 10 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 72% 92% Bursary students exceeded the pass rate.
Schools visited by i Simangaliso and partners for environmental awareness Environmental awareness activities implemented participating in environmental awareness activities Participation by leadership structures in conservation awareness Number of Schools visited by iSimangaliso and partners for environmental awareness Number of youth (rhino) ambassadors participating in environmental awareness activities awareness Number of leadership structures participating in conservation awareness Improved socio-economic benets and condition of communities around the park 30 35 50 65 5 27 63 50 66 16 Reasons for deviations More schools requested to be visited by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.
More youth (rhino) ambassadors participated in environmental awareness activities.
1 2 2 2 Not applicable Not applicable 25% of stakeholder relations survey recommendations implemented 25% of stakeholder relations survey recommendations implemented Not Applicable 25% of stakeholder relations survey recommendations implemented Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 1 2 2 3 1 Key environmental calendar days celebrated Number of events celebrating key environmental calendar days (e.g., heritage, Wetland).
Three (3) environmental calendar days were celebrated due to an invitation from our strategic partner.
44 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 45 Programme 4: Socio-Economic Environnement Development Outcome Improved stakeholder relations Output Output Indicator Audited Actual Performance 2020/2021 Audited Actual Performance 2021/2022 Planned Annual Target 2022/2023 **Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Reasons for deviations Deviation from planned target to Actual Achievement 2022/2023 Number of Groen Sebenza interns deployed.


Not applicable Not applicable 200 200 Not applicable Not applicable TERTIARY EDUCATION PROGRAMME SMME SUPPORT PROGRAMME iSimangaliso Wetland Park visit schools to do career guidance to matric learners and also conduct the Environmental Education with the aim of giving learners an insight about careers within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Since its inception in 2010, iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority oﬀers a package of support to help young people from communities around iSimangaliso Wetland Park to access tertiary Education in the eld of conservation and tourism and other related courses.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is training small businesses and entrepreneurs from communities neighbouring the Park under the Rural Enterprise Programme which oﬀers a package of support that assist aspiring and existing entrepreneurs from uMkhanyakude District with business skills, incubation, and grant support.

iSimangaliso has completed the process of selecting the rst 35 participants for 2022/23 nancial year.

The majority of participants are residing in uMkhanyakude District municipality.
Leaners are given an insight to the background of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and its role towards biodiversity conservation.

Learners are also taught about nature conservation threats caused by humans and how these can aﬀect not only biodiversity but the negative eﬀect it can have upon the socio-economic development.

The environmental threats include gill netting, poaching, honey harvesting, and littering/ pollution.
The Rural Enterprise Programme was initiated in 2008 to empower local businesses and entrepreneurs within the tourism conservation space.

To date the programme has evolved and has assisted 430 enterprises with business skills development, capacity building, and grant funding.

In March 2023 all the 35 participants were inducted to the programme, outlining the benets of the programme.

Training sessions were held both at Sodwana area and St Lucia to accommodate all participants.
SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS SMALL SCALE FISHERS iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority hosted quarterly meetings with small-scale sheries.

The purpose of these meetings were to table discussions on issues aﬀecting farmers living in and adjacent to the Park, revising the regulations of shing and the do's and don'ts as stipulated by the legislation.
46 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 47 SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION In celebration of Environmental days, iSimangaliso Wetland Park through its Environmental Education Program take learners from community schools that are neighboring the Park to visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park with an aim of educating them about the importance of nature conservation and keeping the environment clean.
Some of the celebrated days include Environmental Month, African World Heritage Day, World Water Day, Wetlands Day.

This is one of the ways iSimangaliso is putting its mission in action which is to protect, preserve and present its World Heritage values for current and future generations while beneting communities living in and adjacent to the park by facilitating optimal tourism and related development.
ENKOVUKENI HUB The community of eNkovukeni use to cross the lake and travel a long distance to Manguzi town just to have computer and internet access to create basic things like CV's, apply for further learning and employment, do assignments, print documents, and do copies.

With this Hub up and running, all these community challenges are now over, community members no longer have to spend R60 to go to Manguzi town just to have computer and internet access.
This hub provides them with access to all these services and more without having to travel long distance.

eNkovukeni hub accommodates all age groups as it also provides access to sewing machines and skills training to elderly women of this community.

These women are making an income and support their families by sewing clothes, uniforms, traditional attires, graduation gowns, and wedding gowns.
The construction of eNkovukeni resource hub facility assisted in employing contractors from the community and they were given skills training in their eld of work and helped them make a living using their skills.

Youth from eNkovukeni community has been appointed to be fulltime workers at eNkovukeni Resource Hub.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has launched its rural enterprises programme to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs within uMkhanyakude District.
The aim of the programme is to support small businesses with skills and nance so that they can contribute to job creation.

The rural enterprise programme was initiated in 2008 to empower local businesses and entrepreneurs within the tourism conservation space.

To date the programme has evolved and has assisted 430 enterprises with business skills development, capacity building, and grant nancing.
As much as iSimangaliso wishes to assist every community member with employment, or give every business an opportunity within the park, this is impossible.

A programme of this nature goes a long way in capacitating businesses to grow and be enabled to seek opportunities elsewhere.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is giving assistance to the youth from communities neighbouring the Park by rolling out its programme known as the Tertiary Education Support Programme.
This programme provides academic support to access tertiary education in the elds of study related to conservation, tourism, and development.

Such programmes allow iSimangaliso to strengthen relationships with neighbouring communities.

This programme is one of the key programmes that enables iSimangaliso to change the prevalent narrative about uMkhanyakude district of being known as a poverty node.
iSimangaliso wants to ensure youth from this area is trained and equipped with the necessary skills in conservation and tourism related elds.

Since its inception in 2010, This programme has supported 157 youth from local communities to access tertiary education and provided psycho-social support to students to ensure students adapt to city life and pass their registered modules.

139 beneciaries have graduated and more than 60% of them are currently employed; 25% being employed by iSimangaliso.
48 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 49 PUSHING BACK POVERTY, THE STORY IN NUMBERS STATS ON SMMEs & JOB OPPORTUNITIES CREATED FOR THE IMPOVERISHED Item # Project Name Beneﬁted SMMEs Job opportunities created Number of job opportunities for youth created Number of job opportunities for Women created Number of job opportunities for Disabled people created Park Construction Projects EPWP Working for Programmes Guards Environmental Monitors Infrastructure Maintenance Presidential Stimulus Fence Maintenance Wild Ocean Yes Programme People & Parks Youth Champs Tourism Monitors Groen Sebenza Municipality Cleaning & Greening Total 38 99 5 N/A 31 19 59 N/A N/A N/A N/A Value R37,4 Million R60,2 Million R23,6 Million R1,7 Million R100 Million R73 Million R4,4 Million R5,7 Million R1,7 Million R8,4 Million R20 Million R13.3 Million 4733 2484 (52%) 2221 (46%) 60 (1,27%) R349,4 Million 50 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 51 THE ACCOUNTING AUTHORITY/BOARD INTRODUCTION The Importance and Purpose of the Board 1.
2.

3.

4.

The Board of iSimangaliso is the governing body of iSimangaliso, with absolute responsibility for the performance of iSimangaliso and is fully accountable for the performance of iSimangaliso.

G ove rn a n c e p r i n c i p l e s re g a rd i n g t h e ro l e a n d responsibility of the iSimangaliso Board are contained in the PFMA, WHCA, NEMPAA, the Regulations and this agreement.
The mission of the Board is to fulﬁl the mandate of iSimangaliso in accordance with the strategic objectives of the government, while achieving its commercial objectives.

The Board is responsible for the corporate governance of iSimangaliso and has two main functions, namely, determining iSimangaliso's strategic direction and controlling iSimangaliso.

Board's Responsibilities and Accountability for the Public Entity's Performance and Strategic Direction The Board is responsible to, inter alia: 1.
Develop a ﬁve-year strategy aligned to Government priorities, reﬂective of its national role 2.

Develop an APP that is aligned to the strategic plan 3.

Develop a formal charter that clearly outlines the role and responsibilities of the Board and of the members, including formal delegations to the executive management 4.
Ensure that iSimangaliso has and maintains a system of internal audit under the control and direction of an audit committee complying with and operating in accordance with regulations and instructions prescribed in terms of the PFMA 5.

Ensure that the executive management cultivates a culture of ethical conduct and sets the values of the Organisation and that iSimangaliso operates ethically 6.
Ensure that iSimangaliso has eﬀective, eﬃcient, and transparent systems of operational, risk management and ﬁnancial internal controls 7.

Ensure that iSimangaliso has and maintains an appropriate procurement and provisioning system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-eﬀective 8.

Ensure that all applicable BEE legislative frameworks and requirements are complied with 9.
Ensure that iSimangaliso has and maintains a system for accurately evaluating all major capital projects prior to a ﬁnal decision on the project 10.

Ensure that the executive management implements iSimangaliso's strategy as established from time to time 11.

Ensure the succession and approval of executive appointments 12.

Adopt a structured and intensive performance management system for the CEO and executive management.

Incentives should be strictly aligned to performance 13.
Address the adequacy of retirement and healthcare beneﬁts and the funding thereof 14.

Uphold the Batho Pele principles of government and support the vision of a developmental state to improve service delivery and access to services 15.

Provide information or a report on the activities of iSimangaliso in line with the communication strategy 16.

Adopt guidelines for stakeholder communication so that it is clear, relevant, timely, honest and accessible to stakeholders 17.
Disclose its stakeholder dealings in its Annual Report The Role of the Board 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The Board constitutes the fundamental base of corporate governance in iSimangaliso.

Accordingly, iSimangaliso must be headed and controlled by an eﬀective and eﬃcient Board, comprising executive and non-executive directors, of whom the majority must be non-executive directors in order to ensure independence and objectivity in decision-making.
The Board of iSimangaliso has responsibility for the performance of the Entity and is accountable for such performance.

As a result, the Board should give strategic direction to iSimangaliso and ensure that an eﬀective succession plan is in place and adhered to for all directors and key executives.

The Board does not appoint the CEO but runs the interviews and recommends to the Minister three suitable candidates.

The Minister, in concurrence with the Cabinet, appoints the CEO.
The Board must retain full and eﬀective control over iSimangaliso and monitor management in implementing Board decisions, plans and strategies.

The Board must ensure that iSimangaliso has and maintains a system of internal audit under the control and direction of an audit committee, complying with and operating in accordance with regulations and instructions prescribed in terms of the Act, regulations and the PFMA (as amended).
The Board must ensure that iSimangaliso is fully aware of and complies with applicable laws, regulations, government policies and codes of business practice and communicates with its shareholder and relevant stakeholders openly and promptly with substance prevailing over form.

PART C GOVERNANCE 52 02 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 53 10.
Annually, within ﬁve months of the ﬁnancial year end, the CEO, on behalf of the Board, must submit a report to the shareholder on the activities of the Entity for the year, together with the audited AFS and the Auditor-General's report thereon.

The AFS must include a report by the Directors and a full disclosure of all directors and key management's remuneration in respect of the Entity.

11.
11.

The Board must always maintain the highest standard of integrity, responsibility and accountability and ensure that it ﬁnds a fair balance between conforming to corporate governance principles and the performance of iSimangaliso.

BOARD CHARTER Provide commentary on the Board's charter and comment on the progress made on complying with the charter.
The current Board Charter was adopted on 27 March 2020 and in line with the Board Charter, the Board established three Board committees: the Audit and Risk Committee, Conservation and Tourism Committee and the Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee.

The Board also held the required number of ordinary meetings, thus ensuring that management was held accountable on a quarterly basis.

The quality reports submitted to the Board has improved and the eﬀectiveness of meetings is upheld at all times.
A Board member induction was held and training on governance was also conducted by the Institute of Directors South Africa (IODSA).

The Board tour was also successfully hosted and it was meant to complement the Board induction and also ensure that Board members understand the Park intimately.

A risk management workshop was also held, and it allowed both management and the Board to align strategic risks of the Entity and create a risk management template.
In line with the Board Charter, the Board upheld high levels of ethics and during the period under review, no Board member was found to have a conﬂict of interest not properly declared nor to have breached the ethics code.

Finally, the Board also reported to the stakeholders on a quarterly basis as required and the Annual Report was submitted on time and in accordance with legislation.

6.

7.

8.

9.
6.

7.

8.

9.

All Board members should ensure that they have unrestricted access to accurate, relevant and timely information from iSimangaliso.

Directors are required to act on a fully informed basis, in good faith, with diligence, skill and care and in the best interest of iSimangaliso, while taking account of the interests of the shareholder and other stakeholders, including employees, funders, creditors, customers, suppliers and local communities.
To this end, the Board must monitor the process of disclosure and communication and exercise objective judgement on the aﬀairs of iSimangaliso, independent of management.

In so doing, each individual member of the Board must keep conﬁdential all conﬁdential matters of iSimangaliso.

The Board must ensure that executive management prepares a risk report, which must be submitted to the Board at its meetings not less than four times per year.
Without derogating from its ﬁduciary duties, the Board must ensure that the shareholder's performance objectives are achieved and that this can be measured in terms of the performance of iSimangaliso.

In addition, the Board must ensure that iSimangaliso prepares annual budgets against which its performance can be monitored.
The Board has developed a clear deﬁnition of the levels of materiality or sensitivity in order to determine the scope of delegation of authority and ensure that it reserves speciﬁc powers and authority for itself.

Delegated authority must be in writing and evaluated on a regular basis.
COMPOSITION OF THE OUTGOING BOARD NAME DESIGNATION (IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY BOARD STRUCTURE) DATE APPOINTED DATE RESIGNED QUALIFICATIONS Prof. Antonia Thandi Nzama Chairperson March 2020 Inkosi Mabhudu Deputy Chairperson March 2020 Israel Tembe Mr Leon Lankalebalela Prof. Christopher Peter Small March 2020 March 2020 1.

PhD (Geography) – Southern Illinois University, USA (specialising in Geography, and Tourism) 2.

MSc (Environmental Management) – Southern Illinois University, USA 3.
MA (Geography) – University of Zululand 4.

MEd –University of Free State 5.

BEd –University of Zululand 6.

BA Hons (Geography) – University of Zululand 7.

BPaed (Geography, Biology and Education) – University of Zululand 8.

Secondary Teacher's Diploma (Biology and Geography) – University of Zululand 1.

Computer Studies – Hartﬁeld Business College 2.

Leadership and Good Governance Certiﬁcate – UKZN 1.

B. Comp (Accounting) – UNISA 2.

B. Comp Hons – UNISA 3.

Management Diploma - SIMA 1.


BSc in Zoology and Advanced Biology – University of Witwatersrand 2.

BSc Hons in Ecology – Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education 3.

Master's in business leadership – UNISA BOARD DIRECTORSHIPS (LIST OF ENTITIES) AREA OF EXPERTISE Academia OTHER COMMITTEES OR TASK TEAMS (E.G: AUDIT COMMITTEE / MINISTERIAL TASK TEAM) National Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forest and Fisheries Traditional Leadership Finance Conservation 1.

Audit and Risk Committee 2.


Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee 1.

Audit and Risk Committee 2.

Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee 1.

Conservation and Tourism Committee NO.


OF MEETINGS ATTENDED 6 6 6 6 54 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 55 COMPOSITION OF THE OUTGOING BOARD COMPOSITION OF THE NEW BOARD DESIGNATION (IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY BOARD STRUCTURE) DATE APPOINTED DATE RESIGNED QUALIFICATIONS AREA OF EXPERTISE BOARD DIRECTORSHIPS (LIST OF ENTITIES) OTHER COMMITTEES OR TASK TEAMS (E.G: AUDIT COMMITTEE / MINISTERIAL TASK TEAM) NO.
OF MEETINGS ATTENDED NAME Mr Gonasagren Ganesh Nair March 2020 Ms Nomagcisa Cawe March 2020 Ms Letlhogonolo Tungamirai March 2020 Conservation Conservation and Tourism Committee 6 Legal Management 1.

Conservation and Tourism Committee 2.

Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee 1.

Conservation and Tourism Committee 2.

Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee 6 5 1.

Basic Training Course for Environmental Enforcement – University of Pretoria 2.
Basic Training Course for Environmental Inspection – University of Pretoria 3.

Introductory Course in Marine Protected Area management – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan 4.

EMI Docket Management Course – Environmental Aﬀairs 5.

Introductory Course in Management of Estuaries in South Africa – Water Research Commission 1.

BA Humanities – University of Botswana and Swaziland 2.

LLB – University of Natal 3.

LLM Property Law – University of .

Witwatersrand 1.

IT Programming Diploma – CTU Training Solutions 2.


Master Network Engineering Diploma – Torque IT 3.

Management Advancement Programme – Wits Business School 4.

Postgraduate Diploma in Management – Wits Business School 5.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Wits Business School NAME Inkosi Mabhudu Israel Tembe DESIGNATION (IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY BOARD STRUCTURE) DATE APPOINTED DATE RESIGNED QUALIFICATIONS AREA OF EXPERTISE BOARD DIRECTORSHIPS (LIST OF ENTITIES) Chairperson 01 March 2023 1.
Computer Studies – Hartﬁeld Traditional Leadership Business College 2.

Leadership and Good Governance Certiﬁcate - UKZN Ms Memory Thulile Deputy Chairperson 01 March 2023 1.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) UNISA Legal Sosibo Prof Christopher Board member 01 March 2023 Peter Small Mr Gonasagren Ganesh Nair Board member 01 March 2023 Conservation Conservation 1.

BSc in Zoology and Advanced Biology - University of Witwatersrand 2.

BSc Hons in Ecology – Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education 3.
Master's in business leadership – UNISA 1.

Basic Training Course for Environmental Enforcement – University of Pretoria 2.

Basic Training Course for Environmental Inspection – University of Pretoria 3.

Introductory Course in Marine Protected Area management – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan 4.

EMI Docket Management Course – Environmental Aﬀairs 5.

Introductory Course in Management of Estuaries in South Africa – Water Research Commission NO.
OF MEETINGS ATTENDED OTHER COMMITTEES OR TASK TEAMS (E.G: AUDIT COMMITTEE / MINISTERIAL TASK TEAM) National Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forest and Fisheries 1.

Audit and Risk Committee 2.

Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee 1.

Conservation, Tourism and Special Projects Committee 1.

Conservation, Tourism and Special Projects Committee 2.
Human Recourses, Social and Ethics Committee 56 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 57 COMPOSITION OF THE NEW BOARD COMPOSITION OF THE NEW BOARD NAME DESIGNATION (IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY BOARD STRUCTURE) DATE APPOINTED DATE RESIGNED QUALIFICATIONS AREA OF EXPERTISE BOARD DIRECTORSHIPS (LIST OF ENTITIES) Ms Sibusisiwe Maureen Board Member 01 March 2023 1.
Master of Social Science (Policy and Management Ngcobo Mr Boy Daniel Ngobeni Board Member 01 March 2023 Development) Degree - University of Natal 2.

Degree in Home Economics (Development and Extension) – University of Zululand 3.

Secondary Teachers' Diploma – Indumiso College of Education 1.

B Admin – University of Limpopo 2.

B Admin Hons - University of Limpopo 3.

Advanced OD - UNISA 4.

Masters in Leadership Performance – University of Johannesburg 5.
Masters in Public Management – Regenesys School of Management Management Ms Nombuso Mlambo 01 March 2023 1.

Bachelor of Business Administration – CIDA City Campus NO.

OF MEETINGS ATTENDED OTHER COMMITTEES OR TASK TEAMS (E.G: AUDIT COMMITTEE / MINISTERIAL TASK TEAM) 1.

Human Recourses, Social and Ethics Committee 1.

Conservation, Tourism and Special Projects Committee 2.

Human Recourses, Social and Ethics Committee 1.

Conservation, Tourism and Special Projects Committee 2.
Human Recourses, Social and Ethics Committee NAME DESIGNATION (IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY BOARD STRUCTURE) DATE APPOINTED DATE RESIGNED QUALIFICATIONS AREA OF EXPERTISE BOARD DIRECTORSHIPS (LIST OF ENTITIES) Mr Bongani Mzwakhe Board member 01 March 2023 Mhlongo Finance 1.

Masters in Public Administration – University of KwaZulu Natal 2.

Certiﬁcate in Public Finance – University of Western Cape 3.

Financial Diploma – Damelin Management School 4.


Certiﬁcate in Commercial Property Practitioner – University of Pretoria 5.

Small Business Management Certiﬁcate – Intec College 6.

Bachelor of Commerce – University of Natal 7.

National Technical Certiﬁcate – Swinton College 8.

Supervisory Safety Training Course - NOSA NO.

OF MEETINGS ATTENDED OTHER COMMITTEES OR TASK TEAMS (E.G: AUDIT COMMITTEE / MINISTERIAL TASK TEAM) 1.

Audit and Risk Committee 2.


Human Resource, Social and Ethics Committee 58 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 59 COMMITTEES COMMITTEES Committee Qualications Name of members Date Appointed Committee Qualications Name of members Date Appointed Audit and Risk Committee 1.

B. Comp Honors (UNISA) 2.

Certicate in Accountancy (Postgraduate) 3.


ND: Cost and Management Accounting Ms Nonhlanhla Mzimela (Chairperson) 01 August 2020 – 31 July 2023 Human Resources, Social and Ethics 1.

B Admin – University of Limpopo Committee 2.

B Admin Hons - University of Limpopo Mr Boy Daniel Ngobeni 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 1.

Masters in Public Administration – University of KwaZulu Natal Mr Bongani Mzwakhe Mhlongo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 2.

Certicate in Public Finance – University of Western Cape 3.
Financial Diploma – Damelin Management School 4.

Certicate in Commercial Property Practitioner – University of Pretoria 5.

Small Business Management Certicate – Intec College 6.

Bachelor of Commerce – University of Natal 7.

National Technical Certicate – Swinton College 8.

Supervisory Safety Training Course - NOSA 1.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) UNISA Ms Memory Thulile Sosibo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 Mr Mxolisi Sikhosana 18 June 2020 – 30 June 2023 1.B Com Accounting (Fort Hare University) 2.
Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting (Fort Hare University) 3.Chartered Accountant (SA) 1.ND: Cost and Management Accounting (Mangosuthu University of Technology) 2.

B Tech: Cost and Management Accounting (DUT) 3.

Programme in Management Development for Municipal Finance Certicate (WITS) 4.

Project Management Certicates (Varsity College) 5.

Post Grad Diploma: Development Finance in Africa ( University of Stellenbosch) 3.

Advanced OD - UNISA 4.


Masters in Leadership Performance – University of Johannesburg 5.

Masters in Public Management – Regenesys School of Management 1.

Bachelor of Business Administration – CIDA City Campus Ms Nombuso Mlambo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 1.

Masters in Public Administration – University of KwaZulu Natal Mr Bongani Mzwakhe Mhlongo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 2.

Certicate in Public Finance – University of Western Cape 3.

Financial Diploma – Damelin Management School 4.


Certicate in Commercial Property Practitioner – University of Pretoria 5.

Small Business Management Certicate – Intec College 6.

Bachelor of Commerce – University of Natal 7.

National Technical Certicate – Swinton College 8.

Supervisory Safety Training Course - NOSA Ms Zama Soji 18 June 2020 – 30 June 2023 Human Resources, Social and Ethics 1.
Basic Training Course for Environmental Enforcement – University of Pretoria Mr Gonasagren Nair (Chairperson) 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 Committee 2.

Introductory Course in Marine Protected Area management – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 3.

Integrated Coastal management Training Course Human Resources, Social and Ethics 1.

Master of Social Science (Policy and Development) Degree - University of Natal Ms Sibusisiwe Maureen Ngcobo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 1.
Master of Social Science (Policy and Development) Degree - University of Natal Ms Sibusisiwe Maureen Ngcobo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 Committee 2.

Degree in Home Economics (Development and Extension) – University of Zululand (Chairperson) 3.

Secondary Teachers' Diploma – Indumiso College of Education 2.

Degree in Home Economics (Development and Extension) – University of Zululand (Chairperson) 3.

Secondary Teachers' Diploma – Indumiso College of Education 1.
Basic Training Course for Environmental Enforcement – University of Pretoria Mr Gonasagren Ganesh Nair 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 1.

Basic Training Course for Environmental Enforcement – University of Pretoria 1.

BSc in Zoology and Advanced Biology - 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 2.

Introductory Course in Marine Protected Area management – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 3.

Integrated Coastal management Training Course 2.


Introductory Course in Marine Protected Area management – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 3.

Integrated Coastal management Training Course University of Witwatersrand 2.

BSc Hons in Ecology – Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education 3.
Master's in business leadership – UNISA 60 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 61 COMMITTEES AUDIT RISK COMMITTEE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Committee Qualications Name of members Date Appointed Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee 1.Bachelor of Business Administration (CIDA City Campus) 2.
BCom Financial Management (UNISA) Ms Nombuso Mlambo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 The ARC is responsible for overseeing audit and risk functions, internal controls and the nancial reporting process.

The committee consists of several independent non-executive members who possess the necessary expertise and qualications.

Other members include the Deputy Chairperson of the Board as well as one other Board member.
1.Bachelor of Laws (LLB) UNISA Ms Memory Thulile Sosibo 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 INTERNAL AUDIT 1.

B Admin – University of Limpopo 2.

B Admin Hons - University of Limpopo 3.

Advanced OD - UNISA 4.

Masters in Leadership Performance – University of Johannesburg 5.

Masters in Public Management – Regenesys School of Management Mr Boy Daniel Ngobeni 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GOVERNING BODIES Corporate governance is accorded high priority by the Authority.
Its Board and staﬀ are required to conduct themselves with integrity and in the best interests of the Organisation.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT The Authority's Board believes that the Organisation has applied and complied with Treasury regulations and the principles of corporate governance in the public sector as well as the applicable management guidelines set down by UNESCO.
The organisational arrangements and systems that have been put in place to ensure good corporate governance embrace the inclusion of non-executive members on the Board, the use of audit, executive and tender committees, as well as independent (outsourced) internal audits.

Detailed nancial policies and procedures make it clear that corporate governance and nancial control are the responsibilities of every staﬀ member in the Organisation.
The Authority has received unqualied audit opinions for each year of operation.

We are pleased to present our report for the nancial year ended 31 March 2022 The Audit Committee concurs and accepts the conclusions of the external auditor on the AFS and is of the opinion that the audited AFS be accepted and read together with the report of the auditor.

Ms N.Q.
Ms N.Q.

Mzimela Chairperson of the Audit Committee iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority The internal audit function provides an independent, objective appraisal and evaluation of the risk management processes, internal controls and governance processes, and identies corrective actions and enhancements to these.

The internal audit function is outsourced.


These audits are carried out in accordance with a three-year rolling plan that is updated annually and is based on the risks identied in the risk management process.

RISK MANAGEMENT The policy on risk management embraces all signicant risks that might undermine the Authority's achievement of its business objectives.
In addition to regular reports by the executive, the Accounting Authority and the Board also receive assurance from the internal auditors and ARC on risk and internal control.

The Accounting Authority, the Board and the ARC are of the opinion that appropriate risk management policies and practices are in place, and that adequate systems and expertise are applied to achieve compliance with those policies and procedures.
Mechanisms for managing risk include, where appropriate, the transfer of risk to third parties (for example, through public- private partnerships), the maintenance of an appropriate mix of self-insurance and commercial insurance for risks that the Organisation retains, internal controls, and business continuity planning, among others.

The Authority abides primarily by the National Environmental Management Act: Protected Areas Act, and the World Heritage Convention Act as key legislation.
The day-to-day wildlife and biodiversity management is carried out by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in accordance with a management agreement between it and the Authority, pursuant to the regulations under the World Heritage Convention Act.

The Authority's environmental programmes conform to international best practice and are in line with the Park's inscription as a World Heritage Site, which was based on its outstanding ecological beauty and biodiversity.
SOCIAL MANAGEMENT The Authority has adopted Government's B-BBEE policies and has implemented a system based on dti's Codes of Good Practice and, where appropriate, on the Tourism Charter.

Prospective tourism enterprises in the Park are appraised in terms of a BEE scorecard and include local communities as mandatory equity partners in their operations and as preferred service providers in their procurement plans.

The Park also implements special community development programmes.
Further, contractors for infrastructure and maintenance contracts are required to comply with 30% of the contract value being sub-contracted to local black SMMEs.

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK iSimangaliso is situated in an area beset with high levels of unemployment and poverty, and people living in and around the Park see it as a source of economic benet, both directly in the form of employment, and indirectly through the use of its natural resources for income generation.
To manage this reality, the Authority implements special community development programmes in areas such as craft production, interpretation of culture, tourism training, art, life skills, HIV/AIDS awareness and entrepreneurship.

It also sources people from neighbouring communities in the execution of its construction and land rehabilitation programmes and provides alternatives to unsustainable practices that impact negatively on the ecology.
The Authority actively participates in crime prevention forums in the area.

At a macro level, the Authority monitors the impact of climate change on the natural resources in the Park.

It has also raised funds for monitoring the hydrology of Lake St Lucia.

62 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 63 COMMUNICATIONS The Authority maintains a policy of open communication with its stakeholders on matters of interest and concern.
Every eﬀort is made to ensure that the information furnished to stakeholders conforms to the criteria of openness, substance over form, relevance, clarity, eﬀectiveness, transparency and objectivity.

The Authority publishes regular newsashes in the form of electronic information sheets, which keep stakeholders apprised of developments.

It also maintains a website.

Quarterly progress reports on performance and the annual report are uploaded onto the website.
Public consultations and meetings are held to keep community groups, environmental NGOs, relevant public institutions and private parties informed about iSimangaliso, the challenges and opportunities it faces and the activities it undertakes.

Regular meetings are held with land claimants and traditional councils.

The Authority participates in several intergovernmental committees and forums.

SAFETY The Authority abides by occupational health and safety laws and regulations.
Staﬀ and contractors working in the Park are trained on how to deal with dangerous game and how to use and dispose of toxic chemicals, especially in the Park's alien vegetation clearing programme.

They are also contractually obliged to conform to these prescripts.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) The Authority's Strategic Planning Framework guides the Strategic ICT Plan within the Authority, which, in turn, provides an ICT roadmap to ensure that ICT investment is aligned with the business strategy.

Future core business applications identied include nancial management, document management, content management and a MIS system.

Due to the current structure and size of the Organisation, the Authority has outsourced most of the ICT functions.
The broad ICT services rendered and supported through the entire Organisation cover areas such as desktop and server management, network administration and maintenance, email and internet management as well as website management.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The Authority has ve operating units: • Socio-economic and Environment Development • Biodiversity Conservation • Tourism and Business Development • Corporate Support Services and Finance The Socio-economic and Environment Development Unit is responsible for developing and implementing sustainable development strategies, local economic development and implementing training programmes for communities.

Furthermore, it is responsible for stakeholder engagement and management.
The Biodiversity Conservation Unit establishes conservation policy and oversees estate management and the implementation of conservation aspects of a management agreement with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

The Tourism and Business Development Unit handles tourism and related development, while Support Services coordinates policy planning and research, communications, human resources, and IT functions, among others.

The staﬃng of new positions in the revised units is ongoing.
The Finance Unit is responsible for SCM and nancial management.

All units are required to develop and implement BEE strategies pertaining to their functional areas.

A joint management committee, representing the Authority and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, addresses Park management matters.

REMUNERATION The Authority is a total-cost-to-company employer.

It is not subject to Public Service scales and remunerates its employees in accordance with the prevailing dictates of the market.
Remuneration for Board members and Board committees is regulated by directives from National Treasury.

Disclosure of remuneration to managers, as required by Treasury, is made in note 29 to the AFS.

64 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 65 HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 1.

HUMAN RESOURCES OVERVIEW Human Resources Department at iSimangaliso falls under Program one (1): Corporate Support Services.
HR Department provides eﬃcient and eﬀective Human resources management functions that support the achievement of the Authority's strategic objectives.
The HR Department has primary responsibility of managing, assisting, and handling all employees related matters including functions such as policy administration, recruitment and selection process, beneﬁts administration, employment and labour laws, new employee orientation, training and development, labour relations, personnel records retention, wage and salary administration, employee wellness program and occupational health and safety.
HR works closely with various departments to support and respond to their needs.

2.

BOARD APPROVED STAFF ESTABLISHMENT / ORGANOGRAM The board approved structure consists of 98 permanent positions.

Out of the 98 positions, 51 positions are vacant, and 47 positions are permanently ﬁlled.

Out of 51 vacant positions 48 are unfunded and 3 are funded and will be ﬁlled during the ﬁnancial year 2022/23.

The following is a macro structure of the Entity.


PART D HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 66 02 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 67 WORKFORCE PROFILE AS OF 31 MARCH 2023 The table below represents the number of employees in diﬀerent occupational levels in terms of job grade and gender and race.

As of 31 March 2023, there were 382 employees in overall total.
52 permanently employed in diﬀerent occupational levels and 330 temporary employees.

The temporary employees are made up of 130 Environmental Monitors, Environmental Monitors and 200 Groen Sebenza Interns.
MALE FEMALE FOREIGN NATIONALS TOTAL W A C I W MALE FEMALE Occupational Levels Top management Senior management Professionally qualied and experienced specialists and mid-management Skilled technical and academically qualied workers, junior management, supervisors, foremen, and superintendents Semi-skilled and discretionary decision making Unskilled and dened decision making TOTAL PERMANENT Temporary employees Total EAP Provincial Job Grade A C F1 E2 D4 D3 D2 C2 C4 C3 C2 C1 B4 B2 A1 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 69 3.1.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORS PROGRAMME 4.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Environmental Monitors were employed to curb poaching and guard against biodiversity loss within the park.

Their duties involve patrolling, that is, security services, anti-poaching, monitoring, and environmental education.

The Programme is funded by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
HANDING OVER OF GROEN SEBENZA INTERNS AT MSINSI HOLDING 3.2 GROEN SEBENZA INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME The Groen Sebenza Internship Programme is funded by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment as part of the Job Creation.

The main objective of the programme is to train and mentor matriculants and graduates through host Institutions amongst which iSimangaliso is included.
The Programme aims to bring young South Africans from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and together with experienced biodiversity professionals to learn, grow and eventually gain the competence and condence to embark on rewarding and meaningful careers prioritizing careers in Biodiversity, strengthening its iSimangaliso relationships with communities neighbouring the park.

As of 31 March 2023, there were 200 Groen Sebenza Interns.
The Interns are placed at iSimangaliso and various iSimangaliso Stakeholders such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Msinsi Holdings, COGTA, Amakhosi and Municipalities within the park.

The Entity complied with legislation in terms of the submission of reports and payments that are required to be made.

There were no nes and penalties received.

The table demonstrates the reports and legislation complied with.

Name of the Report Employment Equity Report Where was it submitted to?
Department of Labour Workplace Skills Plan 2022/23 SETA Legislative Requirement Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998 Skills Development Act, 97 0f 1998 Department of Labour Compensation for Occupational injuries and Diseases Act, No Return of earnings, Declaration of earnings to determine the amount payable by employer to the Compensation Fund EMP201 Monthly Employer PAYE, SDL and UIF Declaration EMP501 PAYE, SDL and UIF Declaration Mid-Year and Annual SARS SARS 5.
APPOINTMENT OF EMPLOYEES 130 of 1993 Skills Development Levy Act 6 of 1999 Unemployment Insurance Fund Act 63 of 2001 Income Tax Act 28 of 1997 Twenty-six (26) employees were employed during the nancial year 2022/23.

The table below demonstrates the occupational level, job title, numbers in terms of gender and the status of the position.
Occupational Level Occupational Level Senior Management Executive Manager, Technical Services Job Title Job Grade Female Male Status of the Position Professionally qualied and experienced specialists and Ecologist mid-management Skilled technical and academically qualied workers, junior Research Technician management, supervisors, foremen, and superintendents Skilled technical and academically qualied workers, junior Land Care Contract Managers management, supervisors, foremen, and superintendents E2 D4 C4 C4 2 1 1 1 1 Fixed Term Contract Fixed Term Contract Fixed Term Contract Fixed Term Contract 70 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 71 Occupational Level Occupational Level Job Title Job Grade Female Male Status of the Position Skilled technical and academically qualied workers, junior Strategic Support Oﬃcer management, supervisors, foremen, and superintendents Temporary Employees Groen Sebenza Interns C3 - 1 12 Permanent 7 Fixed Term Contract 7.2 ANNUAL TRAINING REPORT 2022/23 The following table represent the 2022/23 learning interventions attended, occupational levels, number of employees trained and the benets of the learning interventions towards the Entity and the employee.
NAME OF COURSE / WORKSHOP OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS NUMBER OF STAFF ATTENDED TRAINING BENEFITS Pitman Model and Website Information System Skilled technical and academically qualied worker 2 The Pitman Model predict 20-to-50-year oods.

This will enable iSimangaliso Wetland 6.

TERMINATIONS Water Resources Course and Groen Sebenza Intern Twenty-one (21) employees exited the Entity during the nancial year 2022/23.
The table below demonstrates the occupational level, job title, numbers in terms of gender and the reason for living.

19 Interns resigned due to them getting job opportunities with other institutions and with iSimangaliso as well.

4 of these Interns who exited the programme have been employed by iSimangaliso, 1 permanent and 3 in a 5-year xed term contract.
Occupational Level Occupational Level Job Title Job Grade Female Male Reason for Leaving Professionally qualied and experienced specialists and mid-management Information Technology Manager Skilled technical and academically qualied workers, junior management, supervisors, foremen, and superintendents Rhino Monitor D2 D2 - Temporary Employees Groen Sebenza Interns 1 12 Resignation Contract Expired Resignation 1 7 7.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 7.1 WORKPLACE SKILLS PLAN iSimangaliso trained its employees on diﬀerent training and development programs during the nancial year 2022/23.

Bursaries were oﬀered to staﬀ for their educational opportunities with tertiary institutions Workplace Skills Plan was developed and submitted to SETA on 29 April 2022.
The WSP consisted of the Annual Training Report for the training and development report that occurred during the nancial year 2021/22 and the training and development needs for the nancial year 2022/23.

Through the implementation of the WSP the Entity managed to receive 20% Mandatory Grant of the 1% Levy paid during the nancial year 2021/22.

th Park to know how much water we are getting and how much water we are losing.
iSimangaliso will be able to develop climate change Adaptation and Mitigation strategies.

The duration of the training was two days (basic introduction to the model).

Training specic to wetlands, estuaries and lakes is required for iSimangaliso to use the model.

Employees learnt basic life skills such as enhanced communication, conict management, and problem-solving skills.

Understanding of the diﬀerent types of harassment and its prevention, the previous CCMA cases on harassment were discussed.
The knowledge gained will be applied should such cases come up Gender Based Violence (GBV) All iSimangaliso female employees based at the Dredger Harbour (all occupational levels) Code of good practice on the prevention and Professionally qualied and experienced specialists elimination of harassment in the workplace and mid-management 46 1 Green Energy Workshop All iSimangaliso employees at all occupational levels 83 iSimangaliso employees out of this workshop took the following steps: • Minimize harm we do on an environment.
• Preserve the planet and its natural systems and resources.

• Reduce Pollution • Conserve Energy • Print Less – Think Before You Print • Save paper – print back-to-back.

• Save Paper -Minimise Physical copies and ling – Save on Server • Use natural light during the day – lift blinds and switch oﬀ unnecessary light/s Bid Committee Training Bid committees members 24 Learners will understand the bidding process undertaken during the procurement process.
The Entity will comply with all the processes during the bidding processes.
72 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 73 NAME OF COURSE / WORKSHOP OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS NUMBER OF STAFF ATTENDED TRAINING BENEFITS NAME OF COURSE / WORKSHOP OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS NUMBER OF STAFF ATTENDED TRAINING BENEFITS Performance Management Skilled technical and academically qualied worker and Groen Sebenza Intern Conict Management Skilled technical and academically qualied worker GRAP Standard Training and Groen Sebenza Interns Professionally qualied and experienced specialists and mid-management Skilled technical and academically qualied worker and Groen Sebenza Interns HR Policies and Procedures Workshop Senior Manager, Skilled technical and academically qualied worker, and Groen Sebenza Interns Professional Business writing Groen Sebenza Interns Risk Management Groen Sebenza Interns Risk Management Workshop Senior Managers, professionally qualied and experienced specialists, and mid-management Skilled technical and academically qualied worker and Groen Sebenza Interns Personal Finance Management Training Skilled technical and academically qualied worker and Groen Sebenza Interns Microsoft Excel Workshop Skilled technical and academically qualied worker CaseWare Workshop and Groen Sebenza Interns Senior Managers, professionally qualied and experienced specialists, and mid-management Skilled technical and academically qualied worker and Groen Sebenza Interns 30 35 08 10 10 11 22 10 11 14 Attendees will understand the performance management system processes and Microsoft PowerPoint Workshop Groen Sebenza Intern how it is managed Attendees will be able to resolve issues / conicts in the workplace.
Microsoft Word Workshop Groen Sebenza Intern Understanding the GRAP Standards within Finance Public Private Partnership Training Workshop Groen Sebenza Intern 9 10 07 Understanding the basic method in how to use PowerPoint, attendees will be able to prepare advance PowerPoint presentation.

Ability to understand basic computer component and to have knowledge of Microsoft oﬃce.
Attendees will also be trained about report writing Attendees will gain knowledge in how to comply with public Private partnership policies and procedures.

Compliance with the policies and procedures of the organisation upon joining the 8.

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) AND OTHER CHALLENGES AFFECTING WOMEN entity.

Ability to write the business letters / memos and reports Ability to identify and manage the risks within the Entity and to be able to develop plans on how minimise those risks.
Ability to identify and manage the risks within the Entity and to be able to develop plans on how minimise those risks Attendees will understand the Finance management systems and how to manage nances Understanding the usage of Excel The Chief Executive Oﬃcer of iSimangaliso invited all women working for iSimangaliso at a GBV Seminar held on 25 August 2022.

The CEO emphasized that it is imperative that women are appreciated and hailed as pillars of every Society.
Specialists Doctors attended the seminar to address and provide guidance on various issues aﬀecting women.

The main topics were on challenges aﬀecting women, mental health issues and discoloration or pigmentation.

balancing career & child rearing for women and skill lessons, mental disorders and acne skin rashes treatment of prevention, and , th 74 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 75 9.
BURSARIES AWARDED TO iSIMANGALISO EMPLOYEES.

iSimangaliso awarded bursaries to its ve (5) employees during the nancial year 2022/23.

One of the qualifying criteria for bursaries include studying a course that is directly relevant to iSimangaliso' s mandate.

Employees who qualied for bursaries signed a legally binding agreement between the employer and the employee.
The following table represent the job title of the employee who received the bursary, gender, department, the eld of study, the costing, duration of study and the status.

12.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS 12.1 DISCIPLINARY HEARING There were two disciplinary hearings during the period.
In terms of iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Disciplinary Code and Procedure, the two employees allegedly committed an oﬀence, gross negligence by disregarding the Supply Chain Management processes, thus, subjecting the Entity to fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
Job Title Gender Department Field of Study Funding Requirements Duration of Study Status Occupational Level Gender Supply Chain Manager Supply Chain Oﬃcer Male Male Finance Finance Master of Business Administration Higher Certicate in Supply Chain Management R59 900,00 2 Years – part time Passed modules and has Senior Management Male R20 970,00 1 Year Professionally qualied Female Race African African No.
of employees Disciplinary Charges Sanction 01 01 Gross Negligence Gross Negligence Final Written Warning.

Final Written Warning.


registered for the 2 year nd Passed Passed Passed Executive Assistant Female Biodiversity Conservation Post Graduate Diploma in R48 350,00 Project Management Finance Post Graduate Diploma in R48 350,00 1 Year 1 Year Finance Oﬃcer Land Care Contract Manager Male Male Biodiversity Conservation Project Management Bachelor of Administration in Human Settlements Management R7 260,00 3rd Year Passed 10.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT 11.


POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The performance agreement and accompanying work plan were signed by all employees HR, Finance, IT, Communication and Strategy policies and procedures were reviewed, with their immediate Supervisors during the nancial year 2022/23.

Half yearly performance assessments were conducted.

These are used to assess whether the communicated to all employees, and approved by the Board on 30 March 2022.

The th implementation date was 1 April 2022.


This was to ensure that the Entity is run eﬃciently and st Employees met the performance expectations applicable to their jobs.

Pay progression got that there is consistency, fairness, and compliance with labour laws.

The Entity wanted to implemented during the nancial year 2022/23 as employees met their job performance ensure that employees know what is acceptable and tolerated.

These policies and procedures standards and expectations.
reect the Entity's values, making it a better environment for all employees.

13.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMME 15.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE Employee Assistance is oﬀered to Employees on life challenges they face.

Several referrals occurred during the period to Psychologists, Social Workers, Dept Counsellors.

Condentiality is maintained in all Employee related challenges 14.

CEO MR.
CEO MR.

SE BUKHOSINI'S STAFF BRIEFING WORKPLACE Health and safety are paramount in the workplace, and regular inspections are crucial to ensure that employees are working in a secure and safe environment.

Health and safety inspections are a systematic examination of a workplace to identify any potential hazards or risks to the health and safety of employees.

Health and Safety representatives at The staﬀ meetings are held quarterly.
During these meeting the CEO get an opportunity to iSimangaliso conducted these inspections during the nancial year 2022/23.

These involved provide updates on iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority strategic issues.

that aﬀect iSimangaliso a thorough examination of potential hazards in the workplace, including all equipment, were presented to staﬀ by the CEO.

The items covered were on Commercialization, Entity's facilities, and working practices.
The aim of the inspection was to identify any potential risks budget, Auditor General Report, Employee Benets and Update on the infrastructure and to take steps to mitigate or eliminate them.

The report with recommendations were development.

Staﬀ always appreciate an opportunity to communicate with the CEO and to made.

Most of the recommendations got implemented by 31 March 2023. st know what is happening within the Entity.
76 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 77 DRAFT AUDIT REPORT iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority 2022-2023 PART E: FINANCIAL INFORMATION 78 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 79 Report of the auditor-general to Parliament on the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Report on the audit of the ﬁnancial statements Opinion 1.
2.

I have audited the nancial statements of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority set out on pages xx to xx, which comprise the statement of nancial position as at 31 March 2023, statement of nancial performance, statement of changes in net assets, cash ow statement and statement of comparison of budget and actual amount for the year then ended, as well as notes to the nancial statements, including a summary of signicant accounting policies.
In my opinion, the nancial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the nancial position of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority as at 31 March 2023, and its nancial performance and cash ows for the year then ended in accordance with the South African Standards of Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (SA Standards of GRAP) and the requirements of the Public Finance Management, 1999 (Act No.

1 of 1999) (PFMA).
1 of 1999) (PFMA).

Basis for opinion I conducted my audit in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs).

My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the responsibilities of the auditor-general for the audit of the nancial statements section of my report.

3.

4.

5.

I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is suﬃcient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.

Emphasis of matters 6.

I draw attention to the matters below.


My opinion is not modied in respect of these matters.

Restatement of corresponding ﬁgures 7.

As disclosed in note 33 and 34 to the nancial statements, the corresponding gures for 31 March 2022 were restated as a result of an error in the nancial statements of the entity at, and for the year ended, 31 March 2023.

Uncertainty relating to future outcome of exceptional litigation 8.

As disclosed in note 28, the entity is a defendant in a re-claim lawsuit.
The entity has referred the claim to its legal counsel.

The ultimate outcome of the matter cannot presently be determined and no provision for any liability that may result has been made in the nancial statements.
Responsibilities of the accounting authority for the ﬁnancial statements I am independent of the public entity in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' International code of ethics for professional accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA code) as well as other ethical requirements that are relevant to my audit in South Africa.

I have fullled my other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA code.

9.
9.

The accounting authority is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the nancial statements in accordance with the SA Standards of GRAP and the requirements of the PFMA and for such internal control as the accounting authority determines is necessary to enable the preparation of nancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

10.
10.

In preparing the nancial statements, the accounting authority is responsible for assessing the public entity's ability to continue as a going concern; disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the appropriate governance structure either intends to liquidate the public entity or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Responsibilities of the auditor-general for the audit of the ﬁnancial statements 11.
My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the nancial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and to issue an auditor's report that includes my opinion.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to inuence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these nancial statements.

12.

A further description of my responsibilities for the audit of the nancial statements is included in the annexure to this auditor's report.

Report on the audit of the annual performance report 13.
In accordance with the Public Audit Act 25 of 2004 (PAA) and the general notice issued in terms thereof, I must audit and report on the usefulness and reliability of the reported performance against predetermined objectives for selected programme presented in the annual performance report.

The accounting authority is responsible for the preparation of the annual performance report.

14.

15.
14.

15.

I selected programme 2: biodiversity conservation presented in pages x to of the annual performance report for the year ended 31 March 2023 for auditing.

I selected a programme that measure the public entity's performance on its primary mandated functions and that is of signicant national, community or public interest.
I evaluated the reported performance information for the selected programme against the criteria developed from the performance management and reporting framework, as dened in the general notice.

When an annual performance report is prepared using these criteria, it provides useful and reliable information and insights to users on the public entity's planning and delivery on its mandate and objectives.

16.
I performed procedures to test whether: the indicators used for planning and reporting on performance can be linked directly to the public entity's mandate and the achievement of its planned objectives the indicators are well dened and veriable to ensure that they are easy to understand and apply consistently and that I can conrm the methods and processes to be used for measuring achievements the targets can be linked directly to the achievement of the indicators and are specic, time bound and measurable to ensure that it is easy to understand what should be delivered and by when, the required level of performance as well as how performance will be evaluated the indicators and targets reported on in the annual performance report are the same as what was committed to in the approved initial or revised planning documents the reported performance information is presented in the annual performance report in the prescribed manner there are adequate supporting evidence for the achievements reported and for the reasons provided for any over- or underachievement of targets.
80 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 81 17.

18.

I performed the procedures for the purpose of reporting material ndings only; and not to express an assurance conclusion.

I did not identify any material ndings on the reported performance information of programme 2: biodiversity conservation.

Report on compliance with legislation 19.

20.

21.
20.

21.

In accordance with the PAA and the general notice issued in terms thereof, I must audit and report on compliance with applicable legislation relating to nancial matters, nancial management and other related matters.

The accounting authority is responsible for the public entity's compliance with legislation.

I performed procedures to test compliance with selected requirements in key legislation in accordance with the ndings engagement methodology of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).
This engagement is not an assurance engagement.

Accordingly, I do not express an assurance opinion or conclusion.

Through an established AGSA process, I selected requirements in key legislation for compliance testing that are relevant to the nancial and performance management of the public entity, clear to allow consistent measurement and evaluation, while also suﬃciently detailed and readily available to report in an understandable manner.
The selected legislative requirements are included in the annexure to this auditor's report.

22.

I did not identify any material non-compliance with the selected legislative requirements.

Other information in the annual report The accounting authority is responsible for the other information included in the annual report.
The other information referred to does not include the nancial statements, the auditor's report and those selected programmes presented in the annual performance report that have been specically reported on in this auditor's report.

24.

25.

26.
24.

25.

26.

My opinion on the nancial statements, the report on the audit of the annual performance report and the report on compliance with legislation, do not cover the other information included in the annual report and I do not express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion on it.
My responsibility is to read this other information and, in doing so, consider whether it is materially inconsistent with the nancial statements and the selected programme presented in the annual performance report, or my knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If, based on the work I have performed, I conclude that there is a material misstatement in this other information, I am required to report that fact.

I have nothing to report in this regard.


Internal control deﬁciencies 27.

28.

I considered internal control relevant to my audit of the nancial statements, annual performance report and compliance with applicable legislation; however, my objective was not to express any form of assurance on it.

I did not identify any signicant deciencies in internal control.

Other reports 29.

I draw attention to the following engagements conducted by various parties.
These reports did not form part of my opinion on the nancial statements or my ndings on the reported performance information or compliance with legislation.

30.

The internal audit unit performed a forensic investigation into the allegations of fraud in respect of a service provider.

The investigation was concluded on 24 May 2022 and resulted in some employees being given written warnings.
Annexure to the auditor's report The annexure includes the following: • the auditor-general's responsibility for the audit • the selected legislative requirements for compliance testing.
Pietermaritzburg 31 July 2023 Auditor-general's responsibility for the audit Professional judgement and professional scepticism As part of an audit in accordance with the ISAs, I exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout my audit of the nancial statements and the procedures performed on reported performance information for selected programme and on the public entity's compliance with selected requirements in key legislation.
Financial statements In addition to my responsibility for the audit of the nancial statements as described in this auditor's report, I also: identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the nancial statements, whether due to fraud or error; design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks; and obtain audit evidence that is suﬃcient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal control obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the eﬀectiveness of the public entity's internal control evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made 82 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 83 conclude on the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the nancial statements.
I also conclude, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists relating to events or conditions that may cast signicant doubt on the ability of the public entity to continue as a going concern.

If I conclude that a material uncertainty exists, I am required to draw attention in my auditor's report to the related disclosures in the nancial statements about the material uncertainty or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify my opinion on the nancial statements.
My conclusions are based on the information available to me at the date of this auditor's report.

However, future events or conditions may cause a public entity to cease operating as a going concern evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the nancial statements, including the disclosures, and determine whether the nancial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
Communication with those charged with governance I communicate with the accounting authority regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and signicant audit ndings, including any signicant deciencies in internal control that I identify during my audit.
I also provide the accounting authority with a statement that I have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on my independence and, where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.
Compliance with legislation – selected legislative requirements The selected legislative requirements are as follows: Legislation Legislation Selections or Regulations Selections or Regulations Public Finance Management Act No.1 of 1999 (PFMA) Treasury Regulations for departments, trading entities, constitutional institutions and public entities (TR) Section 51(1)(a)(iv); 51(1)(b)(i); 51(1)(b)(ii); 51(1)(e)(iii) Section 53(4) Section 55(1)(a); 55(1)(b); 55(1)(c)(i); Section 56(1); 56(2); Section 57(b); Regulation 8.2.1; 8.2.2 Regulation 16A3.1; 16A 3.2; 16A 3.2(a); 16A 6.1; 16A6.2(a) & (b); 16A6.2(e); 16A 6.3(a); 16A 6.3(a)(i); 16A 6.3(b); 16A 6.3(c ); 16A6.3(d); 16A 6.3(e ); 16A 6.4; 16A 6.5; 16A 6.6; 16A8.2 (1) and (2); 16A 8.3; 16A8.3(d); 16A 8.4; 16A9; 16A9.1 16A9.1(b)(ii); 16A9.1(c); 16A 9.1(d); 16A 9.1(e ); 16A9.1(f ); 16A9.2; 16A 9.2(a)(ii); 16A9.2(a)(ii) Regulation 30.1.1; 30.1.3(a); 30.1.3(b); 30.1.3(d); 30.2.1 Regulation 31.1.2(c') Regulation 33.1.1; 33.1.3 Public service regulation Public service regulation 13(c );18; 18 (1) and (2); PRECCA CIDB Act CIDB Regulations PPPFA PPR 2017 Section 29; 34(1) Section 18(1) CIDB regulation 17; 25(1); 25 (5) & 25(7A) Section 1(i); 2.1(a); 2.1(b); 2.1(f ) Paragraph 4.1; 4.2 Paragraph 5.1; 5.3; 5.6; 5.7 Paragraph 6.1; 6.2; 6.3; 6.5; 6.6; 6.8 Paragraph 7.1; 7.2; 7.3; 7.5; 7.6; 7.8 Paragraph 8.2; 8.5 Paragraph 9.1; 9.2 Paragraph 10.1; 10.2 Paragraph 11.1; 11.2 Paragraph 12.1 and 12.2 Legislation PPR 2022 Selections or Regulations Paragraph 3.1 Paragraph 4.1; 4.2;
 4.3; 4.4 Paragraph 5.1; 5.2; 5.3; 5.4 PFMA SCM Instruction no.
09 of 2022/2023 Paragraph 3.1; 3.3 (b); 3.3 (c ); 3.3 (e ); 3.6 National Treasury Instruction No.1 of 2015/16 Paragraph 3.1; 4.1; 4.2 NT SCM Instruction Note 03 2021/22 Paragraph 4.1; 4.2 (b); 4.3; 4.4 (a); 4.4(c); 4.4(d); 4.6 Paragraph 5.4 Paragraph 7.2; 7.6 NT SCM Instruction 4A of 2016/17 Paragraph 6 NT SCM Instruction Note 03 2019/20 Paragraph 5.5.1(vi); 5.5.1(x) NT SCM Instruction Note 11 2020/21 Paragraph 3.1; Paragraph 3.4(a); 3.4(b) Paragraph 3.9 Paragraph 6.1; 6.2; 6.7 NT SCM Instruction note 2 of 2021/22 Paragraph 3.2.1; 3.2.2; 3.2.4(a); 3.4.2(b); 3.3.1; Paragraph 4.1 PFMA SCM Instruction 04 of 2022/23 Practice Note 5 of 2009/10 PFMA SCM instruction 08 of 2022/23 Competition Act NT instruction note 4 of 2015/16 Paragraph 4(1) Paragraph 4(2) Paragraph 4(4) Paragraph 3.3 Paragraph 3.2 Paragraph 4.3.2; 4.3.3 Section 4(1)(b)(ii) Paragraph 3.4 NT instruction 3 of 2019/20 - Annexure A Section 5.5.1 (iv) and (x) Second amendment of NTI 05 of 2020/21 Paragraph 4.8; 4.9 ; 5.1 ; 5.3 Erratum NTI 5 of 202/21 Erratum NTI 5 of 202/21 Practice note 7 of 2009/10 Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 4.1.2 Legislation Legislation Selections or Regulations Selections or Regulations Practice note 11 of 2008/9 Paragraph 3.1 Paragraph 3.1 (b) NT instruction note 1 of 2021/22 Paragraph 4.1 Public Service Act Employment of Educators Act Section 30 (1) Section 33 (1) 84 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 85 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial
 Statements for the Year ended 31 March 2023 86 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 87 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 General Information Country of incorporation and domicile South Africa Legal form of entity Established by Regulation 1193 of 24 November 2000, under the World Heritage Convention Act 49 of 1999.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is a Schedule 3A Public Entity.

Nature of business and principal activities The iSimangaliso Authority’s business is to conserve the iSimangalisoWetland Park and to create jobs and benets for communities living in and adjacent to the Park through optimal tourism-based development.

iSimangaliso is therefore in the business of conservation, local economic development and tourism.
Directors Business address Bankers Auditors Chief Financial ofﬁcer Contact number Email address and Website Non-Executive Inkosi MI Tembe (Chairperson) Ms T Sosibo (Deputy Chairperson) Mr B Mhlongo Ms N Mlambo Mr G.G Nair Ms S Ngcobo Mr B Ngobeni Prof C.P Small Oﬃcials Mr S Nkosi - Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Executive Mr S.E Bukhosini (CEO) The Dredger Harbour, St Lucia Private Bag X05, St Lucia St Lucia 3936 First National Bank Auditor-General South Africa Registered Auditors Mrs SQ Mntambo +27 35 590 1633 info@isimangaliso.com https://isimangaliso.com iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Index The reports and statements set out below comprise the annual nancial statements presented to the parliament: Board's Responsibilities and Approval Statement of Financial Position Statement of Financial Performance Statement of Changes in Net Assets Cash Flow Statement Statement of Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts Accounting Policies Notes to the Annual Financial Statements DFFE GRAP NIHSS PFMA PPP Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Generally Recognised Accounting Practice National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences Public Finance Management Act Public Private Partnership Page 90 91 92 93 94 95 - 96 97 - 109 110 - 153 88 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 89 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for
 the year ended 31 March 2023 Board's Responsibilities and Approval The members are required by the Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), to maintain adequate accounting records and are responsible for the content and integrity of the annual nancial statements and related nancial information included in this report.
It is the responsibility of the members to ensure that the annual nancial statements fairly present the state of aﬀairs of the Authority as at the end of the nancial year and the results of its operations and cash ows for the period then ended.

The external auditors are engaged to express an independent opinion on the annual nancial statements and was given unrestricted access to all nancial records and related information.
The annual nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with Standards of Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) including any interpretations, guidelines and directives issued by the Accounting Standards Board.

The annual nancial statements are based upon appropriate accounting policies consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates.
The members acknowledge that they are ultimately responsible for the system of internal nancial control established by the Authority and place considerable importance on maintaining a strong control environment.

To enable the members to meet these responsibilities, the board sets standards for internal control aimed at reducing the risk of error or decit in a cost eﬀective manner.
The standards include the proper delegation of responsibilities within a clearly dened framework, eﬀective accounting procedures and adequate segregation of duties to ensure an acceptable level of risk.

These controls are monitored throughout the Authority and all employees are required to maintain the highest ethical standards in ensuring the Authority’s business is conducted in a manner that in all reasonable circumstances is above reproach.
The focus of risk management in the Authority is on identifying, assessing, managing and monitoring all known forms of risk across the Authority.

While operating risk cannot be fully eliminated, the Authority endeavours to minimise it by ensuring that appropriate infrastructure, controls, systems and ethical behaviour are applied and managed within predetermined procedures and constraints.
The members are of the opinion, based on the information and explanations given by management, that the system of internal control provides reasonable assurance that the nancial records may be relied on for the preparation of the annual nancial statements.

However, any system of internal nancial control can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or decit.
The members have reviewed the Authority’s cash ow forecast for the year to 31 March 2024 and, in the light of this review and the current nancial position, they are satised that the Authority has or has access to adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The Authority is dependent on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for continued funding of operations.
The annual nancial statements are prepared on the basis that the Authority is a going concern and that the government, through Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has neither the intention nor the need to liquidate or curtail materially the scale of the Authority.
The annual nancial statements set out on page 4 to 62, which have been prepared on the going concern basis, were approved by the board on 28 May 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: Inkosi MI Tembe (Chairperson) Accounting Authority iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Statement of Financial Position as at 31 March 2023 Figures in Rand Assets Non-Current Assets Property, plant and equipment Investment property Intangible assets Current Assets Inventories Receivables from exchange transactions Receivables from non-exchange transactions VAT receivable Cash and cash equivalents Total Assets Liabilities Current Liabilities Trade and other payables Unspent conditional grants Total Liabilities Net Assets Accumulated surplus Note(s) Note(s) 2022 2023 2021 2022 Restated* Restated* iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 91 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Statement of Financial Performance Figures in Rand Revenue Revenue from
 exchange transactions Park revenue Personnel costs recoveries/fees Management fees Administration fees Interest income Other income Total revenue from exchange transactions Revenue from non-exchange transactions Transfer revenue Grants and subsidies Total revenue Expenditure Personnel costs Project costs Co-management agreement payments Professional, consulting and legal fees Depreciation, amortisation and impairment Lease rentals on operating lease Debt impairment Contracted services Loss on disposal and write
 oﬀ of assets Other operating expenses Total expenditure Surplus for the year Note(s) 2022 2023 2021 2022 Restated* Restated* (63 810 821) (62 301 932) (1 268 509) (59 027 914) (56 195 098) (1 294 614) (85 113) (96 278 094) (10 415 643) (43 567 880) (43 484 078) (61 432 954) (1 143 000) (20 251 587) (42 786 622) (79 911) (792 010) (109 700 386) (6 014 753) (23 673 763) (394 245 618) (309 359 064) 7 337 661 1 310 644 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Figures in Rand Opening balance as previously reported Adjustments (Refer to note 33) Correction of errors Balance at 01 April 2021 as restated Changes in net assets Surplus for the year Total changes Restated* Balance at 01 April 2022 Changes in net assets Loss for the year Total changes Balance at 31 March 2023 Accumulated surplus Total net assets iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 93 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial
 Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Cash Flow Statement Figures in Rand Cash ows from operating activities Receipts Park revenue Grants Interest income VAT from prior year Other income Payments Personnel costs Suppliers Net cash ows from operating activities Cash ows from investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment Purchase of investment property Purchase of other intangible assets Net cash ows from investing activities Note(s) 2023 2022 Restated* 16 14 20 110 449 473 935 695 3 453
 105 95 192 934 501 227 16 891 577 275 487 307 211 898 - 511 285 593 193 410 293 102 158 (64 377 716) (258 421 811) (42 515 541) (230 811 049) (322 799 527) (273 326 590) 26 270 393 883 (19 775 568) 5 (106 290 654) (23 181 379) (831 070) 55 015 546 ) ( (28 246 150) - (130 303 103) (83 261 696) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year (140 090 780) 62 810 842 (63 486 128) 126 296 970 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 10 202 901 622 62 810 842 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Statement of Comparison of Budget and Actual Amount Budget on Accrual Basis Figures in Rand Approved budget Adjustments Final Budget Actual amounts on comparable basis Diﬀerence between nal budget and actual Reference Statement of Financial Performance Revenue Revenue from exchange transactions Park revenue Management and Administration fees and personnel cost recovery Interest revenue Other income 18 063 997 53 008 735 936 000 - Total revenue from exchange transactions 72 008 732 - - - - - 18 063 997 53 008 735 936 000 - 19 708 739 34 473 317 3 453 105 797 394 1 644 742 (18 535 418) 2 517 105 797 394 72 008 732 58 432 555 (13 576 177) Revenue from non-exchange transactions Transactions Government grants & subsidies VAT Refunds - in reserves Total revenue from non-exchange transactions 304 130 265 - 304 130 265 50 000 000 68 299 809 118 299 809 354
 130 265 68 299 809 422 430 074 343 150 724 - 343 150 724 Total revenue 376 138 997 118 299 809 494 438 806 401 583 279 Expenditure Project costs Depreciation, amortisation and write oﬀ of assets Personnel costs Maintenance & repairs Co-management agreement payments Consultants, contractors & special services Board Expenses Training and development Security (97 066 593) (37 025 017) (51 484 557) (50 448 865) (1 800 000) (15 119 090) (2 830 261) (5 305 700) (20 400 000) (31 821 320) (7 427 609) (991 479) (13
 392 061) - (44 113 884) - - 4 352 222 (128 887 913) (44 452 626) (50 493 078) (37 056 804) (1 800 000) (59 232 974) (2 830 261) (5 305 700) (24 752 222) (126 343 803) (66 610 740) (49 296 842) (26 723 455) (1 268 509) (59 027 914) (2 241 351) (3 752 651) (24 521 307) (10 979 541) (68 299 809) (79 279 350) (92 855 527) 2 544 110 (22 158 114) (1 196 236) (10 333 349) 531 491 205 060 588 910 1 553 049 230 915 BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4 Bc5 BC6 BC7 BC8 BC9 BC10 BC11 BC12 BC13 BC14 BC15 94 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 95 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Statement of Comparison of Budget and Actual Amount Budget on Cash Basis Figures in Rand Other expenses Total expenditure Approved budget Adjustments Final Budget (18 406 391) (17 078 572) (35 484 963) (299 886 474) (90 410 067) (390 296 541) Surplus for the year of operating 76 252 523 27 889 742 104 142 265 Actual amounts on comparable basis (34 459 046) (394 245 618) 7 337 661 Diﬀerence between nal budget and actual 1 025 917 (3 949 077) (96 804 604) Reference BC16 Capital expenditure (76 252 523) (27 889 742) (104 142 265) (150 675 436) (46 533 171) BC17 Actual Amount on Comparable Basis as Presented in the Budget and Actual Comparative Statement Reconciliation Basis diﬀerence Capital expenditure Actual Amount in the Statement of Financial Performance - - - (143 337 775) (143 337 775) 150 675
 436 7 337 661 Refer to note 41 for detailed reasons between budget and actual amounts.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies 1.

Presentation of Annual Financial Statements Impairment testing The annual ﬁnancial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Standards of Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP), issued by the Accounting Standards Board in accordance with Section 91(1) of the Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999).
These annual ﬁnancial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis of accounting and are in accordance with historical cost convention as the basis of measurement, unless speciﬁed otherwise.

Assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses were not oﬀset, except where oﬀsetting is either required or permitted by a Standard of GRAP.

The Cash Flow Statement is prepared using the direct method.
The Authority reviews and tests the carrying value of assets when events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identiﬁable cash ﬂows are largely independent of cash ﬂows of other assets and liabilities.

If there are indications that impairment may have occurred, estimates are prepared of expected future cash ﬂows for each group of assets.
Useful lives of non-current assets The Authority depreciates its property, plant & equipment and investment property, and amortises its intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the assets, taking into account the residual values of the assets at the end of their useful lives.

The life of the asset is determined with due regard to asset accounting and is determined when the assets are available for use.
A summary of the signiﬁcant accounting policies, which have been consistently applied in the preparation of these annual ﬁnancial statements, are disclosed below.

The estimation of residual values of assets is based on management’s judgement as to whether the assets will be sold or used to the end of their useful lives, and in what condition they will be at that time.

These accounting policies are consistent with the previous period.
1.1 Presentation currency The useful lives of assets are based on management’s estimation.

Management considers the impact of technology, availability of capital funding, service requirements and required return on assets in order to determine the optimum useful life expectation, where appropriate.

These annual ﬁnancial statements are presented in South African Rand, which is the functional currency of the Authority.
Budget Information 1.2 Going concern assumption These annual ﬁnancial statements have been prepared based on the expectation that the Authority will continue to operate as a going concern for at least the next 12 months.

The Authority’s continuing operations are reliant on the ongoing ﬁnancial support of government which, amongst other things, implies that government will continue to provide iSimangaliso with adequate grants.
1.3 Signicant judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty Deviations between budget and actual amounts are regarded as material diﬀerences when there is a deviation of 15% or more.

All material diﬀerences are explained in Annexure A to the Annual Financial Statements.
1.4 Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are tangible non-current assets (including infrastructure assets) that are held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, rental to others, or for administrative purposes, and are expected to be used during more than one period.

In preparing the annual ﬁnancial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that aﬀect the amounts represented in the annual ﬁnancial statements and related disclosures.
Use of available information and the application of judgement is inherent in the formation of estimates.

Actual results in the future could diﬀer from these estimates which may be material to the annual ﬁnancial statements.

Signiﬁcant judgements include: The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised as an asset when: it is probable that future economic beneﬁts or service potential associated with the item will ﬂow to the Authority; and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.
96 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 97 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies Property, plant and equipment is initially measured at cost.
The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment is the purchase price and other costs attributable to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Trade discounts and rebates are deducted in arriving at the cost.

Where an asset is acquired through a non-exchange transaction, its cost is its fair value as at date of acquisition.
Where an item of property, plant and equipment is acquired in exchange for a non-monetary asset or monetary assets, or a combination of monetary and non-monetary assets, the asset acquired is initially measured at fair value (the cost).

If the acquired item's fair value was not determinable, it's deemed cost is the carrying amount of the asset(s) given up.
When signiﬁcant components of an item of property, plant and equipment have diﬀerent useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.

Costs include costs incurred initially to acquire or construct an item of property, plant and equipment and costs incurred subsequently to add to, replace part of, or service it.
If a replacement cost is recognised in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment, the carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised.
The initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located is also included in the cost of property, plant and equipment, where the Authority is obligated to incur such expenditure, and where the obligation arises as a result of acquiring the asset or using it for purposes other than the production of inventories.
Recognition of costs in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment ceases when the item is in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Items such as spare parts, standby equipment and servicing equipment are recognised when they meet the deﬁnition of property, plant and equipment.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is approximately 358 000ha in extent.
The land is unregistered state land with the exception of the section north of Sodwana Bay (approx.

17% of the Park) which belongs to the Ingonyama Trust Board and some 2 hectares abutting St Lucia which belongs to the Mtubatuba Municipality.

In terms of GRAP 17, the land is not valued as there is no willing-buyer-willing-seller and the value cannot be reliably measured.

The use-right is accounted for in terms of GRAP23, and considered a good-in-kind.
GRAP23 requires that goods-in-kind be reﬂected as assets at fair value where these can be reliably measured.

It is not possible to reliably measure this and therefore a value is not ascribed to the land.

Furthermore, a number of restrictions are placed on the land under inter alia the World Heritage Convention Act.

The land can only be used for conservation and it cannot be sold, leased, or encumbered in any way.
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on the straight line basis over their expected useful lives to their estimated residual value.
The useful lives of items of property, plant and equipment have been assessed as follows: Item Buildings & structures Roads & bridges Fences Reservoirs & boreholes Transport assets Computer equipment Oﬃce equipment Furniture & ﬁttings Operating equipment Depreciation method Average useful life Straight line Straight line Straight line Straight line Straight line Straight line Straight line Straight line Straight line 10 to 30 years 20 years 15 years 10 to 15 years 5 to 12 years 3 to 5 years 3 to 10 years 10 to 20 years 2 to 20 years iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies 1.4 Property, plant and equipment (continued) The depreciable amount of an asset is allocated on a systematic basis over its useful life.
• use in the production or supply of goods or services or for • administrative purposes, or • sale in the ordinary course of operations.

Each part of an item of property, plant and equipment with a cost that is signiﬁcant in relation to the total cost of the item is depreciated separately.

The depreciation method used reﬂects the pattern in which the asset’s future economic beneﬁts or service potential are expected to be consumed by the Authority.
The depreciation method applied to an asset is reviewed at least at each reporting date and, if there has been a signiﬁcant change in the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic beneﬁts or service potential embodied in the asset, the method is changed to reﬂect the changed pattern.

Such a change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.
The Authority assesses at each reporting date whether there is any indication that the Authority expectations about the residual value and the useful life of an asset have changed since the preceding reporting date.

If any such indication exists, the Authority revises the expected useful life and/or residual value accordingly.

The change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

Authority holds investment property in order to generate fees.
It grants use-rights to third parties through private public partnership (PPP) agreements.

Typically these PPPs transfer operational and business risk to the third party.

The third party is required to insure and maintain the underlying assets and pay a PPP fee to the Authority for the use-rights.

With the exception of two properties, the properties are all managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, directly or through subcontractors.

The Authority does not charge Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife a PPP fee.
Investment property is recognised as an asset when, it is probable that the future economic beneﬁts or service potential that are associated with the investment property will ﬂow to the Authority, and the cost or fair value of the investment property can be measured reliably.

Investment property is initially recognised at cost.

Transaction costs are included in the initial measurement.
The depreciation charge for each period is recognised in surplus or deﬁcit unless it is included in the carrying amount of another asset.

Where investment property is acquired through a non-exchange transaction, its cost is its fair value as at the date of acquisition.

Items of property, plant and equipment are derecognised when the asset is disposed of or when there are no further economic beneﬁts or service potential expected from the use of the asset.
The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an item of property, plant and equipment is included in surplus or deﬁcit when the item is derecognised.

The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the diﬀerence between the net disposal proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount of the item.
The Authority separately discloses expenditure to repair and maintain property, plant and equipment in the notes to the ﬁnancial statements (see note 3).

1.5 Investment property Investment property is property (land or a building - or part of a building - or both) held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both, rather than for: Costs include costs incurred initially and costs incurred subsequently to add to, or to replace a part of, or service a property.
If a replacement part is recognised in the carrying amount of the investment property, the carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised.

Cost model Investment property is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided to write down the cost, less estimated residual value by equal installments over the useful life of the property, which is taken to be 30 years.
Transfers to and from investment property are made when there is a change in use.

Investment property is derecognised on disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic beneﬁts or service potential are expected from its disposal.
98 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 99 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies 1.5 Investment property (continued) Cost model Investment property is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

The amortisation period and the amortisation method for intangible assets are reviewed at each reporting date.
Internally generated brands, mastheads, publishing titles, customer lists and items similar in substance are not recognised as intangible assets.

Depreciation is provided to write down the cost, less estimated residual value by equal installments over the useful life of the property, which is taken to be 30 years.
Amortisation is provided to write down the intangible assets, on a straight line basis, to their residual values as follows: Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of investment property is the diﬀerence between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in surplus or deﬁcit in the period of retirement or disposal.
The Authority discloses relevant information relating to assets under construction or development, in the notes to the annual ﬁnancial statements (see note 4).

1.6 Intangible assets An asset is identiﬁable if it either: is separable, i.e.
is capable of being separated or divided from an Authority and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or together with a related contract, identiﬁable assets or liability, regardless of whether the Authority intends to do so; or arises from binding arrangements (including rights from contracts), regardless of whether those rights are transferable or separable from the Authority or from other rights and obligations.
A binding arrangement describes an arrangement that confers similar rights and obligations on the parties to it as if it were in the form of a contract.

An intangible asset is recognised when: it is probable that the expected future economic beneﬁts or service potential that are attributable to the asset will ﬂow to the Authority; and the cost or fair value of the asset can be measured reliably.
The Authority assesses the probability of expected future economic beneﬁts or service potential using reasonable and supportable assumptions that represent management’s best estimate of the set of economic conditions that will exist over the useful life of the asset.

Intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses.
Item Website Computer Software Depreciation method Average useful life Straight line Straight line 3 to 15 years 2 to 15 years Intangible assets are derecognised: • on disposal; or • when no future economic beneﬁts or service potential are expected from its use or disposal.

The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of intangible assets is included in surplus or deﬁcit when the asset is derecognised.
1.7 Living and non-living resources The iSimangaliso Authority is responsible for managing a wide range of fauna, ﬂora, geological structures and unique scenery.

Since the iSimangaliso Authority does not control conditions aﬀecting the progeny or quantity of any species, and since its main line of business does not include trade in these assets, it does not account for any living and non-living resources.
1.8 Heritage assets The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was the ﬁrst South African World Heritage Site to be listed by UNESCO.

The Park was listed on the basis of its superlative natural beauty, biodiversity and threatened species and ecological processes.

The Park is 358 534 hectares including 5 ecosystems, viz marine, coastal dune, lake, swamps, and dry savannah woodlands, thickets and sand forest.

The Park also includes 4 RAMSAR sites.


The Authority does not attach a value to its Heritage Assets as there is no active market and the value cannot be measured reliably.

1.9 Financial Instruments A ﬁnancial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a ﬁnancial asset of one entity and a ﬁnancial liability or a residual interest of another entity.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies 1.9 Financial Instruments (continued) A ﬁnancial asset is: • cash; • a residual interest of another entity; or • a contractual right to: • receive cash or another ﬁnancial asset from another entity; or • exchange ﬁnancial assets or ﬁnancial liabilities with another entity under conditions that are potentially favourable to the entity.
A ﬁnancial liability is any liability that is a contractual obligation to: • deliver cash or another ﬁnancial asset to another entity; or • exchange ﬁnancial assets or ﬁnancial liabilities under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the entity.

Classication Initial recognition The entity recognises a ﬁnancial asset or a ﬁnancial liability in its statement of ﬁnancial position when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
The entity recognises ﬁnancial assets using trade date accounting.

Financial liabilities are recognised when the transaction is entered into.

The Authority’s nancial liabilities comprise trade creditors, accrued expenses, amounts owing to donors, project advances, accruals, retentions, amounts owing to SARS and non-interest-bearing deposits from concessionaires and licensees.
Amounts owing to donors comprise interest earned on grant funding for which permission must be obtained for disbursement on the related project costs, whereupon the amounts are transferred to conditional grants.

Initial measurement of ﬁnancial assets and ﬁnancial liabilities The entity measures a ﬁnancial asset and ﬁnancial liability initially at its fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the ﬁnancial asset or ﬁnancial liability.
The entity has the following types of nancial assets (classes and category) as reected on the face of the statement of nancial position or in the notes thereto: Subsequent measurement of ﬁnancial assets and ﬁnancial liabilities Class Cash and cash equivalents Category Financial asset measured at amortised cost Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits in the Authority’s name with First National Bank.
The entity measures all ﬁnancial assets and ﬁnancial liabilities after initial recognition using the following categories: • Financial instruments at amortised cost.

• Financial instruments at cost.

All ﬁnancial assets measured at amortised cost, or cost, are subject to an impairment review.

Receivables Financial asset measured at amortised cost Gains and losses Receivables include trade debtors, prepayments, employee debtors, project advances, deposits and conditional grants.
The receivables, other than deposits, are short-term in nature.

Deposits are discounted only in instances where the eﬀect is material VAT receivable For nancial assets and nancial liabilities measured at amortised cost or cost, a gain or loss is recognised in surplus or decit when the nancial asset or nancial liability is derecognised or impaired, or through the amortisation process.
Impairment and uncollectibility of nancial assets Financial asset measured at amortised cost The entity assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is any objective evidence that a nancial asset or group of nancial assets is impaired.
100 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 101 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies Derecognition Financial assets The entity derecognises ﬁnancial assets using trade date accounting.
The entity derecognises a ﬁnancial asset only when: the contractual rights to the cash ﬂows from the ﬁnancial asset expire, are settled or waived; the entity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the ﬁnancial asset; or the entity, despite having retained some signiﬁcant risks and rewards of ownership of the ﬁnancial asset, has transferred control of the asset to another party and the other party has the practical ability to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party, and is able to exercise that ability unilaterally and without needing to impose additional restrictions on the transfer.
In this case, the entity: - derecognise the asset; and - recognise separately any rights and obligations created or retained in the transfer.

Financial liabilities The entity removes a nancial liability (or a part of a nancial liability) from its statement of nancial position when it is extinguished — i.e.

when the obligation specied in the contract is discharged, cancelled, expires or waived.
Presentation Interest relating to a nancial instrument or a component that is a nancial liability is recognised as revenue or expense in surplus or decit.

Losses and gains relating to a nancial instrument or a component that is a nancial liability is recognised as revenue or expense in surplus or decit.
A nancial asset and a nancial liability are only oﬀset and the net amount presented in the statement of nancial position when the entity currently has a legally enforceable right to set oﬀ the recognised amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

In accounting for a transfer of a nancial asset that does not qualify for derecognition, the entity does not oﬀset the transferred asset and the associated liability.
1.10 Leases 1.12 Impairment of non-cash-generating assets Value in use iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies A lease is classiﬁed as a ﬁnance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership.

A lease is classiﬁed as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership.
Operating leases - lessee Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The diﬀerence between the amounts recognised as an expense and the contractual payments are recognised as an operating lease asset or liability.

1.11 Inventories Non-cash-generating assets are assets other than cash-generating assets.
A cash-generating unit is the smallest identiﬁable group of assets managed with the objective of generating a commercial return that generates cash inﬂows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inﬂows from other assets or groups of assets.

Fair value less costs to sell is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties, less the costs of disposal.
Inventories are held for the delivery of services and includes items such as chemicals for alien plant clearing and land rehabilitation, stationery and promotional (merchandising) materials.

Designation Inventories are initially measured at cost except where inventories are acquired through a non-exchange transaction, then their costs are their fair value as at the date of acquisition.

Subsequently inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and current replacement cost where they are held for; • distribution at no charge or for a nominal charge; or • consumption in the production process of goods to be distributed at no charge or for a nominal charge.

The cost of inventories comprises of all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.
The cost of inventories of items that are not ordinarily interchangeable and goods or services segregated for speciﬁc projects is assigned using speciﬁc identiﬁcation of the individual costs.

The cost of inventories is assigned using the ﬁrst-in, ﬁrst-out (FIFO) formula.

The same cost formula is used for all inventories having a similar nature and use to the Authority.

At initial recognition, the Authority designates an asset as non-cash-generating, or an asset or cash-generating unit as cashgenerating.
The designation is made on the basis of a Authority's objective of using the asset.

The Authority designates an asset as non-cash-generating when its objective is not to use the asset to generate a commercial return but to deliver services.

Identiﬁcation When the carrying amount of a non-cash-generating asset exceeds its recoverable service amount, it is impaired.

The Authority assesses at each reporting date whether there is any indication that a non-cash-generating asset may be impaired.
If any such indication exists, the Authority estimates the recoverable service amount of the asset.

Irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment, the Authority also tests a non-cash-generating intangible asset not yet available for use for impairment annually by comparing its carrying amount with its recoverable service amount.

This impairment test is performed at the same time every year.
If an intangible asset was initially recognised during the current reporting period, that intangible asset was tested for impairment before the end of the current reporting period.

The present value of the remaining service potential of a non-cash-generating assets is determined using the following approach: Depreciated replacement cost approach The present value of the remaining service potential of a non-cash-generating asset is determined as the depreciated replacement cost of the asset.
The replacement cost of an asset is the cost to replace the asset’s gross service potential.

This cost is depreciated to reﬂect the asset in its used condition.

An asset may be replaced either through reproduction (replication) of the existing asset or through replacement of its gross service potential.
The depreciated replacement cost is measured as the current reproduction or replacement cost of the asset, whichever is lower, less accumulated depreciation calculated on the basis of such cost, to reﬂect the already consumed or expired service potential of the asset.

The replacement cost and reproduction cost of an asset is determined on an “optimised” basis.
The rationale is that the Authority would not replace or reproduce the asset with a like asset if the asset to be replaced or reproduced is an overdesigned or overcapacity asset.

Overdesigned assets contain features which are unnecessary for the goods or services the asset provides.

Overcapacity assets are assets that have a greater capacity than is necessary to meet the demand for goods or services the asset provides.
The determination of the replacement cost or reproduction cost of an asset on an optimised basis thus reﬂects the service potential required of the asset.

Recognition and measurement If the recoverable service amount of a non-cash-generating asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable service amount.

This reduction is an impairment loss.

An impairment loss is recognised immediately in surplus or deﬁcit.
When the amount estimated for an impairment loss is greater than the carrying amount of the non-cash- generating asset to which it relates, the Authority recognises a liability only to the extent that is a requirement in the Standards of GRAP.
After the recognition of an impairment loss, the depreciation (amortisation) charge for the non-cash- generating asset is adjusted in future periods to allocate the non-cash-generating asset’s revised carrying amount, less its residual value (if any), on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.

Cash-generating assets are assets used with the objective of generating a commercial return.
Commercial return means that positive cash ﬂows are expected to be signiﬁcantly higher than the cost of the asset.

Value in use of non-cash-generating assets is the present value of the non-cash-generating assets remaining service potential.
102 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 103 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies Reversal of an impairment loss The Authority assesses at each reporting date whether there is any indication that an impairment loss recognised in prior periods for a non-cash-generating asset may no longer exist or may have decreased.
If any such indication exists, the Authority estimates the recoverable service amount of that asset.

An impairment loss recognised in prior periods for a non-cash-generating asset is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable service amount since the last impairment loss was recognised.

The carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable service amount.

The increase is a reversal of an impairment loss.


The increased carrying amount of an asset attributable to a reversal of an impairment loss does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation or amortisation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior periods.

A reversal of an impairment loss for a non-cash-generating asset is recognised immediately in surplus or deﬁcit.
Government grants Government grants are recognised as revenue when: • it is probable that the economic beneﬁts or service potential associated with the transaction will ﬂow to the Authority, • the amount of the revenue can be measured reliably, and • to the extent that there has been compliance with any restrictions associated with the grant.

The Authority assesses the degree of certainty attached to the ﬂow of future economic beneﬁts or service potential on the basis of the available evidence.
Certain grants payable by one level of government to another are subject to the availability of funds.

Revenue from these grants is only recognised when it is probable that the economic beneﬁts or service potential associated with the transaction will ﬂow to the Authority.

An announcement at the beginning of a ﬁnancial year that grants may be available for qualifying entities in accordance with an agreed programme may not be suﬃcient evidence of the probability of the ﬂow.
Revenue is then only recognised once evidence of the probability of the ﬂow becomes available.

After a reversal of an impairment loss is recognised, the depreciation (amortisation) charge for the non-cash- generating asset is adjusted in future periods to allocate the non-cash-generating asset’s revised carrying amount, less its residual value (if any), on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.
Restrictions on government grants may result in such revenue being recognised on a time proportion basis.

Where there is no restriction on the period, such revenue is recognised on receipt or when the Act becomes eﬀective, which-ever is earlier.

Redesignation The redesignation of assets from a cash-generating asset to a non-cash-generating asset or from a non-cash- generating asset to a cash-generating asset only occur when there is clear evidence that such a redesignation is appropriate.
1.13 Revenue from non-exchange transactions Non-exchange transactions are deﬁned as transactions where the Authority receives value from another Authority without directly giving approximately equal value in exchange.

Measurement Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of trade discounts and volume rebates.
When government remit grants on a re-imbursement basis, revenue is recognised when the qualifying expense has been incurred and to the extent that any other restrictions have been complied with.
Other grants and donations Other grants and donations are recognised as revenue when: • it is probable that the economic beneﬁts or service potential associated with the transaction will ﬂow to the Authority; • the amount of the revenue can be measured reliably; and • to the extent that there has been compliance with any restrictions associated with the grant.

If goods in-kind are received without conditions attached, revenue is recognised immediately.
If conditions are attached, a liability is recognised, which is reduced and revenue recognised as the conditions are satisﬁed.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies 1.14 Revenue from exchange transactions Revenue is the gross inﬂow of economic beneﬁts or service potential during the reporting period when those inﬂows result in an increase in net assets, other than increases relating to contributions from owners.
Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.

• Levies charged at gates: The Authority charges levies per each person entering the park and management allocates the fees received towards community building activities at their discretion.

Park revenue from gate entrance and levies is recognised when when visitors access the park and is paid for in cash upon entry.
Park revenue from commercial activities and concession fee is due at the end of the month following which activities are performed.

Invoices are raised in respect of such fees during the last week of performing activities in cases where there is a regular monthly charge and in advance of an ad hoc activity.

Measurement - Management and Administration fees Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of trade discounts and volume rebates.
Rendering of services When the outcome of a transaction involving the rendering of services can be estimated reliably, revenue associated with the transaction is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date.
The outcome of a transaction can be estimated reliably when all the following conditions are satisﬁed: • the amount of revenue can be measured reliably; • it is probable that the economic beneﬁts or service potential associated with the transaction will ﬂow to the Authority; • the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date can be measured reliably; and • the costs incurred for the transaction and the costs to complete the transaction can be measured reliably.
- Park revenue Park revenue comprises inter alia: • Gate-entrance fees.

The Authority charges gate entrance fees per person entering the gate.

• Activities: This includes inter alia revenue from events, ﬁlming and permits.

The Authority has agreements with private parties to access the park for tourism activities for which monthly fee is charged.

The Authority earn further revenue from adhoc events and ﬁlming activities within the park.
• Concession Fee: These are fees for tourism operations operated for gain by private parties within the Park.

Private companies are allowed to operate within the park, whereby they can occupy tourism accommodation for rental to visitors and the authority enters agreement with private companies to pay a fee.

Management and administration fees from the management of projects are recognised on a pro-rata basis over the speciﬁc period in which the project is implemented.
Management fees range from 4% to 7% whereas administration fees range from 3% to 6% of expenditure incurred on each grants.

- Personnel costs recoveries/fees The Authority is also entitled to claim personnel costs recovery fees from grants.

The fees claimed range from 5% to 10% of expenditure incurred on each grants.

1.15 Investment income Investment income is recognised on a time-proportion basis using the eﬀective interest method.
1.16 Employee beneﬁts Short-term employee beneﬁts The cost of short-term employee beneﬁts, (those payable within 12 months after the service is rendered, such as paid vacation leave and sick leave, and non-monetary beneﬁts such as medical care), are recognised in the period in which the service is rendered and are not discounted.
The expected cost of compensated absences is recognised as an expense as the employees render services that increase their entitlement or, in the case of non-accumulating absences, when the absence occurs.
Leave pay, medical aid and study loans are provided for as follows: 104 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 105 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies - Leave Pay The Authority provides for estimated leave pay in full, based on the total days’ leave accruing to employees at their respective total cost of employment.
- Medical Aid Medical aid is mandatory for all staﬀ and is included in the total cost of employment.

-Study Loans The Authority provides study loans to staﬀ.

These are converted to grants on successful completion of each year of study and provided that the staﬀ member concerned does not resign within a year of completion of the particular year of study.

- Dened contribution plans Payments to deﬁned contribution retirement beneﬁt plans are charged as an expense as they fall due.
All permanant employees are advised to register for pension fund used by the authority.

The authority carries no obligation for movements in funds and therefore no post employement payments may be made by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.

1.17 Expenditure Expenses are decreases in economic beneﬁts or service potential during the reporting period in the form of outﬂows or consumption of assets or incurrence of liabilities that result in decreases in net assets.
Where an outﬂow of economic beneﬁts does not result in future beneﬁts, it is disclosed as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

The point at which an expense is recognised is dependent on the nature of the transaction or other event that gives rise to the expense.
Where future economic beneﬁts are consumed immediately or soon after acquisition, for example, contracted expenditure, projects costs and other operating expenses, the expense is recognised in the reporting period in which the acquisition of the future economic beneﬁt occurs.

Where future economic beneﬁts are expected to be consumed over several reporting periods e.g.
non-current assets, expenses (depreciation) is allocated systematically to the reporting period during which the future economic beneﬁts are expected to be consumed; where expenditure produces no future economic beneﬁts e.g.

ﬁnes paid, an expense is recognised immediately; and where a liability is incurred without the recognition of an asset an expense is recognised simultaneously with the recognition of the liability.

Generally, expenses are accounted for on an accrual basis at fair value.
Under the accrual basis of accounting expenses are recognised when incurred usually when goods are received or services are consumed.

This may not be when the goods or services are actually paid for.

Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged or a liability settled between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm's length transaction.
Major expenses include: • Project costs- major operating expenditure incurred in implementing projects that are funded by grants; • Contracted services- included are costs incurred on long-term contract basis and major categories are repair and maintain assets by external parties, security services, gate operating costs, cleaning and IT services; • Professional fees- all expenses related to professional services rendered to the Authority; • Losses on the disposal of non-current assets are reported separately from expenses in the Statement of Financial Performance; and • Other operating expenses which constitute several expense items which are not individually signiﬁcant.
Provisions are recognised when: • the Authority has a present obligation as a result of a past event; • it is probable that an outﬂow of resources embodying economic beneﬁts or service potential will be required to settle the obligation; and • a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation.

The amount of a provision is the best estimate of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the present obligation at the reporting date.
Where the eﬀect of time value of money is material, the amount of a provision is the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation.

The discount rate is a pre-tax rate that reﬂects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks speciﬁc tothe liability.
Where some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement is recognised when, and only when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the Authority settles the obligation.

The reimbursement is treated as a separate asset.

The amount recognised for the reimbursement does not exceed the amount of the provision.

Provisions are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted to reﬂect the current best estimate.
Provisions are reversed if it is no longer probable that an outﬂow of resources embodying economic beneﬁts or service potential will be required, to settle the obligation.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies 1.17 Expenditure (continued) Where discounting is used, the carrying amount of a provision increases in each period to reﬂect the passage of time.

This increase is recognised as an interest expense.
A provision is used only for expenditures for which the provision was originally recognised.

Provisions are not recognised for future operating surplus.

If an Authority has a contract that is onerous, the present obligation (net of recoveries) under the contract is recognised and measured as a provision.

the amount of the fee initially recognised less, where appropriate, cumulative amortisation recognised in accordance with the Standard of GRAP on Revenue from Exchange Transactions.
A contingent liability is: (a) a possible obligation that arises from past events, and whose existence will be conﬁrmed only by the occurrence or nonoccurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the entity; or (b) a present obligation that arises from past events but is not recognised because: - (I) it is not probable that an outﬂow of resources embodying economic beneﬁts or service potential will be required to settle the obligation; or - (ii) the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with suﬃcient reliability.
Contingent liabilities are not recognised, but are disclosed in note 29 unless the possibility of an outﬂow of resources embodying economic beneﬁts or service potential is remote.

1.19 Commitments Items are classiﬁed as commitments when an Authority has committed itself to future transactions that will normally result in the outﬂow of cash.

The commitments disclosed in the disclosure note are the diﬀerences between expenditure to date and expenditure contracted for as at the reporting date.
Material contracts entered into after the reporting date but prior to approval of the ﬁnancial statements will be disclosed under subsequent events.
Commitments for which disclosure is necessary to achieve a fair presentation should be disclosed in a note to the ﬁnancial statements, if both the following criteria are met: • Contracts should be non-cancellable or only cancellable at signiﬁcant cost, and Contracts should relate to something other than the routine, steady, state business of the Authority – therefore salary commitments relating to employment contracts or social security beneﬁt commitments are excluded.
1.20 Comparative gures Where necessary, comparative ﬁgures have been reclassiﬁed to conform to changes in presentation in the current year.

1.21 Fruitless and wasteful expenditure Fruitless expenditure means expenditure which was made in vain and would have been avoided had reasonable care been exercised.

All expenditure relating to fruitless and wasteful expenditure is recognised as an expense in the statement of ﬁnancial performance in the year that the expenditure was incurred.
The expenditure is classiﬁed in accordance with the nature of the expense, and where recovered, it is subsequently accounted for as revenue in the statement of ﬁnancial performance.

1.22 Irregular expenditure Irregular expenditure as deﬁned in section 1 of the PFMA is expenditure other than unauthorised expenditure, incurred in contravention of or that is not in accordance with a requirement of any applicable legislation, including - (a) PFMA; or (b) the State Tender Board Act, 1968 (Act No.
86 of 1968), or any regulations made in terms of the Act; or (c) any provincial legislation providing for procurement procedures in that provincial government; or (d) Provincial instructions issued in terms of section 76 of the PFMA; or (e) internal policies of the public entity; or (f) any applicable legislation.

National Treasury practice note no.


4 of 2008/2009 which was issued in terms of sections 76(1) to 76(4) of the PFMA requires the following (eﬀective from 1 April 2008): Irregular expenditure that was incurred and identiﬁed during the current ﬁnancial and which was condoned before year end and/or before ﬁnalisation of the ﬁnancial statements must also be recorded appropriately in the irregular expenditure register.
106 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 107 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting Policies 1.22 Irregular expenditure (continued) 1.24 Budget information 1.25 Related parties (continued) 1.28 Events after reporting date In such an instance, no further action is also required with the exception of updating the note to the ﬁnancial statements.
Entities are typically subject to budgetary limits in the form of appropriations or budget authorisations (or equivalent), which is given eﬀect through authorising legislation, appropriation or similar.

Irregular expenditure that was incurred and identiﬁed during the current ﬁnancial year and for which condonement is being awaited at year end must be recorded in the irregular expenditure register.

No further action is required with the exception of updating the note to the ﬁnancial statements.
Where irregular expenditure was incurred in the previous ﬁnancial year and is only condoned in the following ﬁnancial year, the register and the disclosure note to the ﬁnancial statements must be updated with the amount condoned.

Irregular expenditure that was incurred and identiﬁed during the current ﬁnancial year and which was not condoned by the National Treasury or the relevant authority must be recorded appropriately in the irregular expenditure register.
If liability for the irregular expenditure can be attributed to a person, a debt account must be created if such a person is liable in law.

Immediate steps must thereafter be taken to recover the amount from the person concerned.

If recovery is not possible, the accounting oﬃcer or accounting authority may write oﬀ the amount as debt impairment and disclose such in the relevant note to the ﬁnancial statements.

The irregular expenditure register must also be updated accordingly.
If the irregular expenditure has not been condoned and no person is liable in law, the expenditure related thereto must remain against the relevant programme/ expenditure item, be disclosed as such in the note to the ﬁnancial statements and updated accordingly in the irregular expenditure register.

1.23 Segment reporting The iSimangaliso Authority’s mandate is to conserve the World Heritage values and in so doing provide eco- systems goods and services, tourism and transformation opportunities.
While there are separate units in the organisation responsible for aspects of this service, management relies and uses the ﬁnancial information of the business as a whole to assess performance and make decisions concerning inter alia the allocation of resources.

Consequently, for purposes of GRAP 18 the businesses are considered to have one segment.

There is therefore no requirement for additional notes to the ﬁnancial statements in this regard.
The iSimangaliso Authority operates in one geographic area viz., northern KwaZulu-Natal, in the proclaimed iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

It does not distinguish between the various sections of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in its reporting for decision making purposes.

General purpose ﬁnancial reporting by Authority shall provide information on whether resources were obtained and used in accordance with the legally adopted budget.
The approved budget is prepared on accrual basis and presented by economic classiﬁcation linked to performance outcome objectives.

The approved budget covers the ﬁscal period from 2022/04/01 to 2023/03/31.

The annual ﬁnancial statements and the budget are all on accruals basis, however the budget statement includes capital expenditure and therefore a reconciliation between the statement of ﬁnancial performance and the budget have been included in the annual ﬁnancial statements.
Deviations between budget and actual amounts are regarded as material diﬀerences when there is a deviation of 15% or more.

All material diﬀerences are explained in Annexure A to the Annual Financial Statements.

Comparative information is not required.


1.25 Related parties A related party is a person or an Authority with the ability to control or jointly control the other party, or exercise signiﬁcant inﬂuence over the other party, or vice versa, or an Authority that is subject to common control, or joint control.

Related party transaction is a transfer of resources, services or obligations between the reporting Authority and a related party, regardless of whether a price is charged.
Management are those persons responsible for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Authority, including those charged with the governance of the Authority in accordance with legislation, in instances where they are required to perform such functions.

Close members of the family of a person are considered to be those family members who may be expected to inﬂuence, or be inﬂuenced by, that management in their dealings with the Authority.
The Authority is exempt from disclosure requirements in relation to related party transactions if that transaction occurs within normal supplier and/or client/recipient relationships on terms and conditions no more or less favourable than those which it is reasonable to expect the Authority to have adopted if dealing with that individual Authority or person in the same circumstances and terms and conditions are within the normal operating parameters established by that reporting Authority's legal mandate.
Where the Authority is exempt from the disclosures in accordance with the above, the Authority discloses narrative information about the nature of the transactions and the related outstanding balances, to enable users of the Authority’s ﬁnancial statements to understand the eﬀect of related party transactions on its annual ﬁnancial statements.
1.26 Taxation Income Tax No provision is made for income tax as the Authority is exempt from income tax as per section 10(1)(cN) of the Act of Income Tax Act, read together with deﬁnition of Public Authority.

Value-Added Tax (VAT) The Authority accounts for VAT on accrual basis and VAT returns are due on a monthly basis.

1.27 Risk management The Authority transfers risk to third parties in instances where use-rights are conferred on these parties.
It imposes an obligation on all such third parties to adequately insure buildings and structures allocated for their use.

The remaining risk, which the Authority carries itself, is within Authority’s ability to manage.

Events after reporting date are those events, both favourable and unfavourable, that occur between the reporting date and the date when the ﬁnancial statements are authorised for issue.
Two types of events can be identiﬁed: those that provide evidence of conditions that existed at the reporting date (adjusting events after the reporting date); and those that are indicative of conditions that arose after the reporting date (non-adjusting events after the reporting date).

The Authority will adjust the amount recognised in the ﬁnancial statements to reﬂect adjusting events after the reporting date once the event occurred.
The Authority will disclose the nature of the event and an estimate of its ﬁnancial eﬀect or a statement that such estimate cannot be made in respect of all material non-adjusting events, where non-disclosure could inﬂuence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the ﬁnancial statements.
108 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 109 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 2.
New standards and interpretations 2.1 Standards and interpretations issued, but not yet eﬀective 2023 2022 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 3.
Property, plant and equipment The Authority has not applied the following standards and interpretations, which have been published and are mandatory for the Authority’s accounting periods beginning on or after 01 April 2022 or later periods: Standard/ Interpretation: Eﬀective date: Years beginning on or after Expected impact: • GRAP 104 (amended): Financial Instruments • Guideline: Guideline on Accounting for Landll Sites • Guideline: Guideline on the Application of Materiality to Financial Statements 01 April 2025 01 April 2025 Eﬀective date to be determined Unlikely there will be a material impact Unlikely there will be a material impact Unlikely there will be a material impact Buildings and structures Roads and bridges Fences Reservoirs and boreholes Transport assets Computer equipment Oﬃce equipment Furniture and ttings Operating equipment Total Cost 280 615 726 523 574 843 103 130 551 22 020 103 6 270 802 3 046 230 446 965 2 024 893 10 518 929 2023 Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment (74 863 011) (116 579 631) (24 448 569) 10 084 588 ) ( (3 537 188) (1 987 172) (253 625) (883 087) (3 055 347) 951 649 042 (235 692 218) Carrying value Cost (228 368 941) 2022 Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment (56 916 566) (133 248 062) (21 267 462) (8 845 797) (2 806 023) (1 551
 137) (210 637) (719 175) (2 804 082) Impairment Loss (11 055 279) (906 620) - - - - - - - Carrying value 200 513 096 350 727 351 77 954 868 9 938 549 2 587 197 1 441 411 183 289 431 973 7 814 045 651 591 779 Closing Balance 205 752 715 406 995 212 78 681 982 11 935 515 2 733 614 1 059 058 193 340 1 141 806 7 463 582 715 956 824 Reconciliation of property, plant and equipment - 2023 Opening balance Additions through purchase Additions through construction Write oﬀ Depreciation Buildings and structures Roads
 and bridges Fences Reservoirs and boreholes Transport assets Computer equipment Oﬃce equipment Furniture and ttings Operating equipment 200 513 096 350 727 351 77 954 868 9 938 549 2 587 197 1 441 411 183 289 431 973 7 814 045 651 591 779 - - - - 877 582 70 687 53 039 873 745 418 481 23 224 548 87 630 364 8 754 664 3 235 757 - - - - - (20 527) (8 101 258) (1 427 794) - - (8) - - (16) (6 909 123) (22 354 625) (6 599 756) (1 238 791) (731 165) (453 032) (42 988) (163 912) (768 928) 2 293 534 122 845 333 (9 549 603) ( 39 262 320 ) (11 961 899) 110 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 111 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 3.
Property, plant and equipment (continued) Reconciliation of property, plant and equipment - 2022 Buildings and structures Roads and bridges Fences Reservoirs and boreholes Transport assets Computer equipment Oﬃce equipment Furniture and xtures Operating equipment Reconciliation of Work-in-Progress 2023 Opening balance Additions/capital expenditure Transferred to completed items Impairment Reconciliation of Work-in-Progress 2022 Opening balance Additions/capital expenditure Transferred to completed items Expenditure written oﬀ Opening balance 198 912 057 348 382 947 75 409 095 11 188 155 1 152 630 1 533 724 199 420 501 790 6 792 143 644 071 961 Additions through purchase - - - - 1 870 816 310 548 16 020 - 115 000 2 312 384 Additions through construction 9 540 096 24 570 005 10 006 007 1 405 732 - - - - 1 682 741 Write oﬀ Depreciation (1 234 935) (408 201) (1 157 922) (1 436 487) - (1 198) - - (21) (6 704 122) (21 817 400) (6 302 312) (1 218 851) (436 249) (401 663) (32 151) (69 817) (775 818) Closing Balance 200 513 096 350 727 351 77 954 868 9 938 549 2 587 197 1 441 411 183 289 431 973 7 814 045 47 204 581 (4 238 764) (37 758 383) 651 591 779 Buildings and structures Roads and bridges 51 546 441 23 224 548 (142 351) (11 055 279) 16 370 988 87 630 364 (16 955 063) (906 620) 63 573 359 86 139 669 Buildings and structures Roads and bridges Fences - 8 754 664 (282 634) - 8 472 030 Fences 52 042 715 9 534 308 (9 716 004) (314 578) 38 442 106 24 570 004 (46 641 122) - 51 546 441 16 370 988 - 10 006 007 (10 006 007)
 - - Reservoirs and boreholes - 3 235 757 - - Operating equipment 2 951 645 - - - Total 70 869 074 122 845 333 (17 380 048) (11 961 899) 3 235 757 2 951 645 164 372 460 Reservoirs and boreholes 4 661 436 1 405 732 (4 765 588) (1 301 580) Operating Equipment Total 3 710 194 1 682 742 (2 441 291) - 98 856 451 47 198 793 (73 570 012) (1 616 158) - 2 951 645 70 869 074 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 3.
Property, plant and equipment (continued) Carrying value of property, plant and equipment that is taking a signicantly longer period of time to complete than expected: Park signage The project has been on halt due to urgent need to prioritise road construction before road signs can be distributed across the park.

The project is expected to resume as soon as road construction in competed.
Maphelane road construction The project was delayed by ooding in the area, the contractor was terminated by mutual agreement and the scope of the project was changed and construction has already started.
2023 2022 2 951 645 2 951 645 4 725 929 1 204 879 7 677 574 4 156 524 112 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 113 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 3.
Property, plant and equipment (continued) Expenditure incurred to repair and maintain property, plant and equipment Expenditure incurred to repair and maintain property, plant and equipment included in Statement of Financial Performance under contracted services is as follows: Funded from internal operations Buildings and structures Fences Reservoirs and boreholes Roads and Bridges Transport assets Equipment A register containing the information of all assets is available for inspection at the registered oﬃce of the Authority.
4.

Investment property Cost 2023 Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment Carrying value Cost 2022 Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment Carrying value Investment property 206 107 778 (69 743 442) 136 364 336 182 406 307 (66 087 818) 116 318 489 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 4.
Investment property (continued) Reconciliation of investment property - 2023 Opening balance Additions Impairment Write Oﬀ Depreciation Closing balance Bhangazi tourist accommodation Cape Vidal tourist accommodation Charters Creek tourist accommodation Eastern Shores hiking trails facility False Bay tourist accommodation Kosi Bay tourist accommodation Mabibi tourist accommodation Manzengwenya tourist accommodation Maphelane tourist accommodation Sodwana Bay tourist accommodation St Lucia Estuary camp sites uMkhuze tourist accommodation - - 22 294 627 - - - - - - 1 067 055 - - 25 455 499 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (149 897) (140 149) - - (96 301) - - - (90 847) - (388 354) (865 548) - (1 223 255) (495 386) (49 839) (32 202) (114 795) (237 218) (253 527) (148 903) (1 207 298) (244 872) (536 808) ( 4 544 103 ) Reconciliation of investment property - 2022 Opening balance Additions Write oﬀ Depreciation Closing balance Cape Vidal tourist accommodation Charters Creek tourist accommodation Eastern Shores hiking trails facility False Bay tourist accommodation Fanies Island tourist accommodation Kosi Bay tourist accommodation Mabibi tourist accommodation Manzengwenya tourist accommodation Maphelane tourist accommodation Rocktail Bay tourist accommodation Sodwana
 Bay tourist accommodation St Lucia Estuary camp sites uMkhuze tourist accommodation - 19 801 448 - - - - - - - - 6 205 589 - - 26 007 037 - (163 933) - - (412 772) - - - - (583 484) (213 791) - (389 716) (1 223 255) (511 632) (49 839) (32 202) (40 414) (114 795) (237 218) (253 527) (148 903) (56 084) (1 228 485) (244 872) (551 931) 21 012 692 46 774 161 818 619 325 053 - 1
 158 357 2 922 643 4 059 298 1 502 530 - 25 073 699 3 431 841 9 239 330 (1 763 696) (4 693 157) 116 318 493 114 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 115 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 4.
Investment property (continued) Reconciliation of Investment property under construction 2023 Opening balance Additions/capital expenditure Reconciliation of Investment property under construction 2022 Opening balance Additions/capital expenditure Bhangazi Tourism accommodation Charters Creek - 2 093 817 2 093 817 34 358 555 22 294 627 56 653 182 Charters Creek 14 557 107 19 801 448 34 358 555 Sodwana Bay tourist accommodation 11 027 122 1 067 055 12 094 177 Sodwana Bay tourist accommodation 4 821 533 6 205 589 11 027 122 Total 45 385 677 25 455 499 70 841 176 Total 19 378 640 26 007 037 45 385 677 Investment property under construction Restrictions on realisability of investment property Carrying value of investment property under construction is R70,841,176 (Prior year R45,385,677) and is included under Bangazi tourism accommodation Charters Creek tourist accommodation and Sodwana Bay.
New investment property under development The Lokotwayo Heritage site (Bhangazi tourism accommodation): This is being developed in conjunction with the Bhangazi Land Claims Trust.

The total costs of this project is expected to be in the region of R 35million.

Funding to start the project was received from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for the community equity.

Charters Creek Sites: Construction of phase 1 is complete and phase 2 is currently in progress.
Phase 1 comprises of camp site and phase 2 a tourism lodge.

Sodwana Bay Market: Construction of the projects started during the current year and funding was received from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Property cannot be alienated without the permission of the Minister of Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

There are no contractual obligations to purchase investment property.
Computer software Website and App Total Reconciliation of intangible assets - 2023 Computer software Website and App Reconciliation of intangible assets - 2022 Computer software Website and App iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 4.
Investment property (continued) Investment property in the process of being constructed or developed Carrying value of Investment property that is taking a signicantly longer period of time to complete than expected Sodwana marker construction The project was delayed by non-performance of the service provider.

The service provider was terminated during the current year and construction is expected to continue in 2023/24 nancial year.

5.
Intangible assets 2023 2022 12 094 176 11 027 122 12 094 176 11 027 122 2022 Accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment (712 222) (1 644) (713 866) Carrying value 863 557 748 356 1 611 913 2023 Accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment (820 304) (151 643) (971 947) Cost 1 487 663 750 000 2 237 663 Carrying value Cost 667 359 598 357 1 265 716 1 575 779 750 000 2 325 779 Opening balance Additions Amortisation Write oﬀ Closing Balance 863 557 748 356 1 611 913 81 070 - 81 070 (276 776) (149 999) (426 775) (492) - (492) 667 359 598 357 1 265 716 Opening balance Additions Amortisation Write Oﬀ Closing Balance 1 191 103 18 181 1 209 284 - 750 000 750 000 (327 544) (7 537) (335 081) (2) (12 288) (12 290) 863 557 748 356 1 611 913 116 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 117 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 6.
Inventories Chemicals, protective clothing and consumables Promotional materials Stationery Inventories recognised as an expense during the year Stationary inventory recognised as an expense is included as par t of printing, stationary and other consumables under other operating expenses.

Inventory pledged as security No inventory was pledged as security.

7 Receivables from exchange transactions .


Trade debtors Employee debtors Prepaid expenses Project advances and study loans to staﬀ Deposits Trade receivables consits as follows: Gross trade receivables less allowance for impaiment Trade and other receivables impaired As of 31 March 2023, trade and other receivables of R 932 987 (2022: R 1 434 075) were impaired and provided for.

The amount of the provision was R (877 123) as of 31 March 2023 (2022: R (792 010)).
Reconciliation of provision for impairment of trade and other receivables Opening balance Provision for impairment iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 8.
Receivables from non-exchange transactions (877 123) 942 176 1 495 634 57 701 2 520 734 106 118 147 613 4 327 800 2 287 644 (792 010) 1 495 634 792 010 85 113 877 123 - 792 010 792 010 Grants and subsidies Grants receivable comprises of: Fencing grant Working for Wetlands Oceans and coast Refer to note16 for detailed grants reconciliation 9.
VAT receivable VAT VAT returns are due monthly on accrual basis.

10.

Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of: Bank accounts - operational Bank accounts - conditional grants Bank accounts - other Petty cash Cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral There is no cash and cash equivalents pledged as security by the Authority.
2023 2022 1 315 000 29 200 000 - 1 315 000 - 27 000 000 - iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 119 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 10.
Cash and cash equivalents (continued) The entity had the following bank accounts ` Account number / description Operational accounts 31 March 2023 31 March 2022 31 March 2021 31 March 2023 31 March 2022 31 March 2021 Bank statement balances Cash book balances FNB - GSLWPA - No 1 (Main) Cheque account 62032964472 FNB - GSLWPA - Gates Revenue Cheque account 62133210906 FNB - GSLWWPA - Call Account Call account 62165119910 FNB - Project Advances Cheque account Conditional grants FNB - IP Equip & Facilities - No 4 Cheque account 62488499982 FNB - IP Infrastructure 15/18 Cheque account 62607825596 FNB - Coast Care Project Cheque account 62238909123 FNB - Tourism Upgrade Cheque account 62243875856 FNB-W 4W-No 6 Cheque account 62057125629 FNB- IP Infrastructure 12/15 Cheque account 62376442267 FNB - IP Infrastructure 18/21 Cheque account 62790912333 FNB - Working for Wetlands Cheque account 62307553819 FNB - IP Equipment & Facilities 17/18 Cheque account 62711073750 FNB - Infrastructure - Special Projects Cheque account 62790914389 FNB - Environmental Monitors Project Cheque account 62812070671 FNB - Environmental Monitors Host Cheque account 62814398063 FNB - Presidential Grant Cheque account 62875106017 FNB - Lotto Funding Cheque account 62298571483 FNB - Tourism Guides Cheque account 62669001209
 Bank statement balances Cash book balances 5
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 10.
Cash and cash equivalents (continued) The entity had the following bank accounts `Account number / description FNB - Levies/Bonds Cheque account 62376455723 FNB - Rare Endangered Species Fund Cheque account 62718358618 FNB - Mfusi Trust Call account 62229462255 Petty cash Cash on hand FNB - Petty Cash Cheque account 62189745775 Total Figures in Rand 11.
Trade and other payables Trade payables Accrued expenses Accrued leave pay Employee related deductions Amounts owing to donors Retentions Deposits on staﬀ housing Concessionaires' performance bonds Advance income Other deposits 31 March 2023 31 March 2022 31 March 2021 31 March 2023 31 March 2022 31 March 2021 Bank statement balances Cash book balances 2 314 051 397 512 170 308 - 1 605 2 243 573 544 795 7 314 - 2 715 6 408 026 667 547 7 124 - - iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 121 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 12.
Unspent conditional g rants and receipts Unspent conditional grants comprises of: Unspent conditional grants IP Equipment & Facilities NIHSS Humanities Hub Working for Water Oceans and Cost Corridor Lubombo GEF7 Tourism Infrastructure Lotto Art, Craft & Environment Programme Municipal and Greening programme People & Parks Biodiversity Infrastructure Working for Wetlands Peace Parks Foundation Working for the Coast and dunes clearance Tourism Guides IP Infrastructure IP Value Added Industries Environmental Monitors Environmental Monitors Host Additional allocation- Infrastructure Presidential Stimulus Groen Sebenza Internship Maintenance of game fence iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 12.
Unspent conditional g rants and receipts (continued) - - 14 413 614 897 700 25 307 501 071 - 2 639 524 2 922 - 25 580 962 169 451 - - - Movement during the year Balance at the beginning of the year Opening grants receivable Additions during the Period Grant income recognition during the year Management fees Administration fees Personnel cost fees Grants receivable at year end Balance at the end of the year The nature and extent of grants recognised in the annual nancial statements and the source thereof are disclosed under the reconciliation of government grants.
Refer to note 16 for reconciliation of grants and subsidies.

All amounts received are invested in a ring-fenced investment until utilised.

13.

Park Revenue Gate entrance fees Concession Fee Activities and permit fees Levies charged at gates 14.

Interest income Interest income comprises of: Bank Prepaid accounts and staﬀ debtors Interest income from bank is interest earned by the Authority on operational bank accounts.
All interest earned on bank balances for conditional grants is recognised as a liability under payables as amounts owing to donors.
2022 2021 82 796 069 (29 200 000) 432 635 695 (301 850 723) (8 459 908) (8 819 801) (17 193 608) 1 315 000 70 614 037 (550 000) 191 475 610 (193 293 514) (3 990 611) (4 857 776) (5 801 677) iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 123 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 15.Other income Sundry income The amount included in Sundry income is as follows: Rental income Sale of maps at gates VAT recovery Retention prescribed Sundry cash income Sundry non-cash income 16.
Grants and subsidies Operating grants Unconditional grants # Operation Pakisa Youth Training Working for Water Oceans and Cost Lotto Art, Craft & Environment Programme Presidential Stimulus Groen Sebenza Internship Municipal and Greening programme Working for Wetlands Working for the Coast and dunes clearance Tourism Guides Environmental Monitors Environmental Monitors Host iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Capital grants IP Equipment & Facilities Maintenance of game fence Additional allocation- Infrustructure People & Parks Tourism Infrastructure IP Infrastructure IP Value Added Industries Grants receipts Grants receipts during the year are as follows: Conditional grants received Unconditional grants received # 797 394 1 147 691 427 355 36 886 - - 70 050 263 103 797 394 41 300 000 - 70 953 789 2 904 447 1 185 - 18 852 777 8 705 703 2 972 947 5 742 527 1 176 365 525 8 189 942 434 687 62 173 159 149 419 556 72 126 - 1 147 691 84 011 697 273 400 28 904 730 2 631 949 1 126 092 6 584 334 3 169 821 - 1 650 054 6 876 701 1 140 26 012 447 7 934 286 159 990 018 169 176 651 # In the prior year, the Authority was authorised to utilise interest accumulated on unspent grants from DFFE (Amounts owing to donors).
The total interest recognised as revenue and included under unconditional grants is R512, 697.

Reconciliation of conditional grants movements: IP Equipment & Facilities Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions met - transferred to grant revenue Conditions met - transferred to management fees Conditions met - transferred to administration fees Conditions met - transferred to personnel costs recoveries The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Purpose of grant: 25 307 (25 307) - - - - 745 915 (616 236) (42 977) (18 419) (42 976) 25 307 Marketing/branding materials & equipment.

Facilities and boundary upgrade (electried game fencing); Furnishing of meet & greet; purchase of eld vehicles and anti-poaching equipment, and oﬃce equipment.
2023 2022 25 307 - - 5 854 854 22 233 507 155 047 038 - 616 236 36 102 300 330 956 - iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 125 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) NIHSS Humanities Hub Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by National Institute of Human and Social Science.

Purpose of grant: Social science funding to implement a social hub to foster a spirit of collaborative knowledge production and dissemination amongst communities, civil society and diﬀerent academic disciplines.
Working for Water Current-year receipts Transfer from presidential grant Conditions met - transferred to grant revenue Conditions met - transferred to management fees Conditions met - transferred to administration fees Conditions met - transferred to personnel costs recoveries The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Restoration of iSimangaliso land, through the empowerment of neighbouring communities, by clearing invasive alien plants.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 501 071 501 071 80 000 000 10 000 000 (70 953 789) (4 966 222) (2 128 381) (7 094 604) 4 857 004 34 437 000 - (28 904 730) (2 022 922) (866 968) (2 642 380) - 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Oceans and Cost Balance unspent at beginning of year Grants receivable opening balance Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Grants receivable (Note 8) Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: To manage the marine protected area.
Corridor Lubombo Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The project is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Lubombo route development and marketing.
2023 2022 2 639 524 (2 200 000) 6 800 000 (2 904 447) - 3 071 473 (550 000) 550 000 (2 631 949) 2 200 000 4 335 077 2 639 524 2 922 2 922 126 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 127 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Tourism Infrastructure Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to grants revenue Conditions met - transferred to management fee Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Conditions met - transferred to personnel costs recoveries Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Purpose of grant: Infrastructure Development Programme for Charters Creek upgrade Lotto Art, Craft & Environment Programme Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The Authority was awarded a grant by the National Lotteries Board for Youth Environmental Education, Art Skills and Craft Skills.

The contract commenced on 15 July 2010.


Since inception of the project, expenditure totalling R7,127,943 (since 2011/12 to 2020/21: R6,001,851) has been spent.

Purpose of grant: Youth Environmental education, Art skills & Economic Development Programme and craft programme.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 2023 2022 25 580 962 - (22 233 508) (1 556 263) (666 970) (1 111 617) 31 660 190 20 000 000 (22 677 739) (1 587 361) (680 299) (1 133 829) 12 604 25 580 962 169 451 (1 185) 168 266 1 295 543 (1 126 092) 169 451 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Municipal and greening programme Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The project is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Cleaning of municipal areas surrounding the park.
People and Parks Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions met - transferred to management fee Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Conditions met - transferred to personnel costs recoveries Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The project is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Construction of roads and other Infrustructure within the park.
13 300 000 (8 705 703) 4 594 297 74 049 000 (5 854 853) (409 840) (175 646) (292 743) 67 315 918 - - - - - - - - - 128 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 129 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Biodiversity Infrastructure Current-year receipts Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note12).

The grant is funded by Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Aﬀairs.

Purpose of grant: Infrastructure Development Programme for eld ranger camps.

The project is funded by Peace Parks Foundation.


Working for Wetlands Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to grant revenue Conditions met - transferred to management fee Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Grants receivable at year end (Note 8) Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Purpose of grant: Restore functioning of degraded wetlands system.

Peace Parks Foundation Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The project is funded by Peace Parks Foundation.


Purpose of grant: Special scientic research studies for the Transfrontier Conservation with Mozambique iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 8 300 000 - 367 755 2 630 000 (2 972 946) (207 983) (118 847) 1 315 000 80 122 2 199 000 (1 650 054) (115 381) (65 932) - 1 012 979 367 755 63 055 63 055 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Working for the Coast and dunes clearance Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to grants revenue The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Coast clean-up, maintenance of ablution blocks, maintenance of boardwalk, jetties and viewing decks and monitoring of beach.
Tourism Guides Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions met - transferred to grants revenue Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The project is funded by Department of Tourism.

Purpose of grant: To develop the capacity of tourist guides to enhance the overall visitor experience provided at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
IP Infrastructure Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Conditions met - transferred to personnel costs recoveries Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Charters Creek tourism development, oﬃce building, roads, fence and building maintenance and signage.
2023 2022 9 323 299 1 550 000 (5 742 526) - 16 200 000 (6 876 701) 5 130 773 9 323 299 7 683 (1 176) 6 507 8 823 (1 140) 7 683 10 706 409 186 861 000 (155 047 038) (4 651 244) (7 752 074) 11 949 349 37 805 000 (36 155 889) (1 084 519) (1 807 532) 30 117 053 10 706 409 130 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 131 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) IP Value Added Industries Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions met - transferred to revenue Current-year receipts Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Roads rehabilitation, housing, ﬁeld ranger camp, libraries and ablution at schools using value add materials and developmentof craft market.
Environmental Monitors project Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities, see note 12.

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Purpose of grant: To fund the environmental monitors Environmental Monitors Host Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: To fund the environmental monitors.
132 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 2023 2022 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Additional allocation- Infrastructure Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions met - transferred to personnel costs recoveries Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant: Infrastructure refurbishment and coast care.
Operation Pakisa Youth Training Balance unspent at beginning of year Conditions met - transferred to revenue The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant To assist in youth training.
128 989 - 12 374 427 (12 245 438) 128 989 128 989 4 972 995 - (365 525) (21 845) - 32 546 072 (26 012 447) (1 560 630) 4 585 625 4 972 995 1 177 212 8 790 000 (8 189 942) (491 326) 1 587 487 8 000 000 (7 934 286) (475 989) 1 285 944 1 177 212 58 492 58 492 - - - - - - 415 925 (330 956) (16 548) (9 929) 58 492 273 400 (273 400) - iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 133 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Presidential Stimulus Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Transfer to working for water Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant To maintain infrastructure assets within the park.
Groen Sebenza grant Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Conditions met - transferred to management fee Conditions met - transferred to administration fee Conditions met - transferred to personnel costs recoveries Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Purpose of grant To provide leanership training and employment opportunities to youth (youth empowerment).

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 10 000 000 - - (10 000 000) 6 584 335 10 000 000 (6 584 335) - 10 000 000 16 173 243 19 920 861 (18 852 777) (1 319 600) (565 543) (942 570) - 19 818 538 (3 169 821) (221 888) (157 484) (96 102) 14 413 614 16 173 243 16.
Grants and subsidies (continued) Maintenance of game fence Balance unspent at beginning of year Current-year receipts Conditions met - transferred to revenue Grants receivable as at 31 March 2022 (Note 8) Conditions still to be met - remain liabilities (see note 12).

The grant is funded by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Purpose of grant To maintain fence infrastructure surrounding and within the park.

17.
Personnel costs Basic salary- Permanent employees Basic salary- Environmental monitors Basic salary- Groen Sebenza Interns Travel, housing, cellphone allowance and reimbursements Medical aid - company contributions Pension and provident fund contributions Skills development levy UIF Leave expense Workmen's compensation 2023 2022 897 700 - - - 897 700 - 10 000 000 (36 102 300) iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 135 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 18.
Project Costs Project Costs Comprises: - Chemicals, materials & equipment hire and uniforms - Marine compliance monitoring - Coast care cleaning - Recruitment, induction and accommodation - Transport and equipment hire 19.

Professional, consulting and legal fees Professional and consulting Legal fees 20.
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment Depreciation, amortisation and impairment comprises: - Depreciation on property, plant & equipment - Depreciation on Investment property - Amortisation on Intangible assets - Impairment on property, plant & equipment 21.

Lease rentals on operating lease Premises Contractual amounts Equipment Contractual amounts Refer to note 27 for detailed disclosure of lease terms.
- 42 786 621 1 179 055 115 559 1 294 614 - 79 911 79 911 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 22.
Contracted services Contracted services comprises of: Repairs and maintenance to assets: Refer to note 3 Cleaning services signage and visitors facilities Gate management and access control costs Security Website Hosting 23.
Loss on disposal and write oﬀ of xed assets Loss on disposal and write oﬀ of ﬁxed assets comprises: - Property, plant & equipment - Investment property - Intangible assets iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 137 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 24.
Other Operating Expenses Advertising and publicity Audit fees - internal Auditors remuneration Bank charges Board expenses Covid 19 materials Computer expenses Donations Electricity, water, sewer and rates Payroll processing Fines and penalties Insurance License fees and Information Technology Expenses Marketing and promotion Recruitment costs Postage and courier Printing, stationary and inventory consumed Minor assets and other expenses Staﬀ refreshments, consumables, fuel and cleaning Telephone, fax and internet expenses Employee training, wellness and bursaries Project training and development and community programmes Travel, accomodation and catering expenses Workshops & meetings 25.
Auditors' remuneration Fees iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 1 351 890 4 111 946 1 554 243 252 450 2 241 351 - 2 056 - - 178 417 663 699 627 449 2 265 - 26.
Cash generated from operations Surplus Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortisation Loss on disposal of assets Debt impairment Performance bond prescribed Retention forfeiture Changes in working capital: Inventories Receivables from exchange transactions* Other receivables from non-exchange transactions Trade and other payables * VAT Unspent conditional grants and receipts *Only movement in operating payables and receivables were adjusted in working capital.
All payables receivables (prepayments) relating to acquisition of assets were adjusted under cash paid to acquire assets.

27.

Commitments Authorised capital expenditure Approved and contracted for • Fences • Roads • Investment property • Water infrastructure upgrade Total capital commitments Total capital commitments Total approved and contracted for Authorised capital expenditure The commitment expenditure relates to infrastructure contracts that have been entered into with suppliers.
These contracts will be nanced through project grants already received and allocated for future years as per allocation letter from DFFE.
2023 2022 7 337 661 1 310 644 56 195 098 10 415 643 85 113 (263 103) - 61 226 2 545 023 27 885 000 5 224 235 92 481 332 68 426 655 42 786 622 6 014 753 792 010 - (419 556) 6 033 (264 393) (28 650 000) 2 718 210 (16 700 787) 12 182 032 270 393 883 19 775 568 9 390 911 84 010 198 3 234 699 25 380 644 - 7 633 457 19 255 635 - 122 016 452 26 889 092 122 016 452 26 889 092 138 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 139 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 27.
Commitments ( continued ) Operating leases - as lessee (expense) 2023 2022 Rental of photocopier machines: The contracts in respect of photocopiers commenced in December 2021 and expires in 23 November 2024.

No contingent rent is payable.

Rental of park home buildings: The contract is for an initial period of 24 months commencing in July 2022 and expires end of June 2024.

Rental if xed at R127 020 per month and may continue on month to month after expiry at 8% annual increase.
Rental of laptops for interns: The contract is for an initial period of 24 months commencing in June 2022 and expires end of May 2024.

Rental if xed at R217 120,94 per month.

Contingent rent is payable for insurance and data usage.

The future rental commitments for all the 3 operating leases are: Minimum lease payments Payable during next ﬁnancial year Payable 2 to 3 years after reporting date 28.
Contingencies The Authority had the following contingent liabilities: Construction contract Fire Claim 4 229 107 881 579 5 110 686 99 416 165 694 265 110 12 038 123 35 067 037 .

12 038 123 35 067 037 47 105 160 47 105 160 Land claims A number of land claims have been settled on land controlled by the Authority in respect of which co- management agreements have been concluded.
The agreements do not permit occupation or use of Park assets and there are no recurring xed nancial obligations for iSimangaliso.

Construction contract Sanyati, a construction company that is contracted to iSimangaliso, was liquidated in July 2012.

The Authority took the view that it would not recover any monies due to it by Sanyati and wrote the amounts in question oﬀ in previous years.
Subsequently, Sanyati's liquidator raised a claim for work measured post liquidation, and disputed penalties levied by the Authority against Sanyati for non-achievement of labour targets.

The liquidator's claim has, however, not been pursued and, in the Authority's view, may have become prescribed.

Nonetheless, the Sanyati liquidator called for the issue of a nal account and a nal payment certicate, indicating that its claim might not, in fact, have prescribed.
In the circumstances, the Authority considers it prudent to treat a potential claim from the liquidator as a contingent liability.

Fire Claim The Western Shores section of iSimangaliso has incorporated forestry land belonging to Siyaqubeka (SQF) by agreement.

In August 2012, two res broke out in park and forestry areas.

SQF issued summons in 2015 for damages to its Dukuduku and Nyalazi plantations initially in the amounts of R705,188 and R14,342,237 respectively.
After March 2015, SQF amended its pleadings and increased the claim to R3,056,150 for Dukuduku and R32,010,887 for Nyalazi.

The matter has been referred to counsel.

The Authority has been advised that claims involving contributory negligence may run for up to 5 years.

The amount of the claim is reected as a contingent liability.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 29.
Related parties Relationships Parent department Other entities controlled by DFFE Identity of related parties 2023 2022 Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) - South African National Parks - South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) - South African Weather Services - Marine Living Resources Fund The Authority's parent department is the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
The entities under the control of the DFFE are South African Biodiversity Institute, South African National Parks, South African Weather Services and Marine Living Resources Fund.

The Authority receives an annual allocation from DFFE, which it uses to nance its operations.

From time to time it also receives additional grants from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) managed by DFFE.
Related party balances Approved allocation of funding with related parties DFFE-Operations for the next ﬁnancial year Infrastructure & equipment for the next ﬁnancial year EPWP programs and presidential stimulus Related party transactions Transfers from related party DFFE-Grants received Key management information Class Non-executive board members Executive board members Executive management Description All independent CEO Departmental heads Number 8 1 5 Key management-related activities No loans or payments were made to management of iSimanagliso Wetland Park Authority during the year, nor were any material transactions entered into with them.
39 651 000 89 645 000 188 987 000 41 300 000 95 861 000 215 583 000 473 935 695 274 974 610 140 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 141 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 29.
Related Parties ( continued ) Remuneration of management Board members 2023 Non-Executive Directors Mr MI Tembe (Chairperson) Ms T Sosibo (Deputy Chair) Mr B Mhlongo (appointed 1 March 2023) Ms N Mlambo (appointed 1 March 2023) Mr GG Nair Ms S Ngcobo (appointed 1 March 2023) Mr B Ngobeni (appointed 1 March 2023) Prof CP Small Mrs N Cawe (term ended 28 February 2023) Mr L Lankalebalele (term ended 28 February 2023) Mrs L Noge-Tungamirai (term ended 28 February 2023) Prof A T Nzama (term ended 28 February 2023) 2022 Non-Executive Directors Prof A T Nzama (Chairperson) Inkosi MI Tembe (Deputy Chair) Mrs N Cawe Mr L Lankalebalele Mr GG Nair Mrs L Noge-Tungamirai Prof CP Small iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 2023 2022 29.
Related parties (continued) Remuneration paid to non-executive board member is included in board expense in the Statement of Financial Performance.
Executive Directors and Senior management Meeting attendance fees and Reimbursements Total 305 230 23 352 21 789 18 120 187 847 11 932 10 792 128 823 151 713 200 183 155 601 304 099 1 519 481 Meeting attendance fees Total Name Chief Executive Oﬃcer Chief Financial Oﬃcer Executive Manager Biodiversity Executive Manager SEED Executive Manager Tourism Executive Manager Technical (9 months) 2022 Name Chief Executive Oﬃcer Chief Financial Oﬃcer Executive Manager Biodiversity Executive Manager SEED Executive Manager Tourism Basic salary Allowances & Reimbursive expenses Medical Aid Provident Fund/ Retirement annuity Other statutory contributions Total - 283 138 94 515 69 194 - Basic salary Allowances & Reimbursive expenses Medical Aid Provident Fund/ Retirement annuity Other statutory contributions Total - 67 946 68
449 1 205 470 231 257 91 862 68 445 - Remuneration paid to executive directors is included in personnel costs in the Statement of Financial Performance.
Remuneration paid to non-executive board member is included in board expense in the Statement of Financial Performance.

142 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 143 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 30.

Heritage assets The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is 1 314 539 hectares in extent.
The ﬁve major ecosystems found in iSimangaliso provide habitat for a signiﬁcant diversity of African biota.
These ecosystems are: The marine ecosystem, characterised by a warm sea, the southernmost extension of coral reefs in Africa, submarine canyons and long sandy beaches The coastal dune system, consisting of linear dunes up to 180m in height, sub-tropical forests, grassy plains and wetlands Lake systems, consisting of two estuarine-linked lakes (St Lucia and Kosi) and four large freshwater lakes The uMkhuze and iMfolozi swamps, with swamp forest, extensive reed and papyrus wetlands The inland western shores, with ancient shoreline terraces and dry savannah woodland.
This diversity provides important habitats for a large number of species, including those that are rare, threatened or endemic.

The species' lists for iSimangaliso are the most extensive in the region, and population sizes of most species are viable.

Of the over 6,500 plant and animal species known to occur in the Park, populations of those with conservation importance include 11 species that are endemic to the Park, 56 species endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, and 108 species endemic to South Africa.
467 Species are listed as threatened in South Africa.

In the past, little was known about the status and viability of many rare, threatened and endemic species in the Park, particularly the lower vertebrate and invertebrate species.

But studies on a number of these species are currently underway.

The Park is situated on the southernmost extremity of the Mozambique coastal plain and, as a result, hosts numerous species not found elsewhere in South Africa.
This adds to the value and importance of this unique area from a South African speciesconservation perspective.

The presence of some of these species north of our borders, cannot detract from the importance of conserving the South African populations, as very little information is generally available on their conservation status and distribution in other parts of southern and central Africa.
iSimangaliso is clearly a critical habitat for a range of species from Africa's marine, wetland and savannah environments.

iSimangaliso also has four Ramsar sites*, an accreditation that recognises the ecological signiﬁcance of those sites', their function as wetlands and their importance as resources of economic, cultural, scientiﬁc and recreational value.
The sites are: iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 2023 2022 St Lucia Lake System: on the coast, between the iMfolozi Swamps from south of the iMfolozi River to the uMkhuze River in the north.
The site was designated on 2 October 1986 (Ramsar Site # 345) Turtle Beaches/Coral Reefs of Tongaland: on the coast, stretching from just south of Cape Vidal northwards to the border of Mozambique.

The site was designated on 2 October 1986 (Ramsar Site # 344) Kosi Bay Lake System: on the coast south of Mozambique on the Maputaland Coastal Plain.

The site was designated on 28 June 1991 (Ramsar Site #527); Lake Sibaya: on the coast, north of the Cape Vidal Reserve and South of Sodwana Bay.
The site was designated on 28 June 1991 (Ramsar Site # 528).

The remarkable ecological diversity and signiﬁcance of iSimangaliso is, therefore, unique, not only on the African continent, but also from a global perspective.

For example, available information suggests that no other locality in the world harbours such a wide range of wetland types in a single protected area.
Of the 32 marine/coastal and inland natural-wetland forms recognised by the Ramsar Convention, no fewer than 23 of these forms occur within the Park.

31.
31.

Public Private Partnership Rich Rewards (Pty) Ltd and Mabibi Development Company (T/A Thonga Beach) The authority has a public private partnership agreement for periods of 30 years with the following two entities: 1) Rich Rewards (Pty) Ltd 2) Mabibi Development Company (T/A Thonga Beach) The agreement was entered to allow private entities to operate and help improve tourism activities within the area.

Both companies have the right to access to designated area within the park.
The agreement allows them to control all activities around the designated area.

These entities can erect buildings at camp sites from which they can provide accommodation and camping activities to their visitors.

They are further allowed access to drive with their visitors within the park.

The authority's contribution is limited to granting of concession contract, and giving reasonable assistance in the form of advice in dealing with the relevant Authorities.
The authority reserves the right of ownership of the designated area and PPP's may not pledge any land nor assets erected against any borrowings for the duration of the agreement.

No ﬁnancial assistance is provided to the Concessionaire.

All immovable assets constructed by the concessionaire shall be transferred to the Authority at the end of the agreement at no cost.

The ﬁnancial value of the Park's heritage assets cannot be reliably measured as there is no active market.
Concession Fees *A Ramsar site is a wetland protected under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Concessionaire agrees to pay the authority concession fee as determined in the agreement.

Both entities pay a basic concession fee monthly (subject to increase annually as per agreement).

Concessionaires shall pay additional concession fee should the basic concession fee be less than calculated concession fee.
Calculated concession fee is based on percentage of revenue generated by the concessionaire annually.

The authority is further entitled to receive performance bond as security on inception of the agreement.

There was no breach of contract by either party during the reporting period.
Concession fees Concession fees for the year 1 980 231 1 613 673 144 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 145 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 32.
Change in estimate Property, plant and equipment 2023 2022 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 34.

Prior period errors Error 1 2023 2022 The useful life of property, plant and equipment was revised in the current year after management noted that some assets have more useful life than originally estimated.
The eﬀect of this revision has reduced depreciation charges for the current period by R 180 472 and increased aggregate depreciation charges for future by the same amount.

During the year,VAT input that was not correctly adjusted for in prior years was resubmitted and the adjustment was made to accumulated surplus.

33.

Comparative Figures During the year, expenses for payroll processing, employee training and recruitment were reclassied from personnel costs to other operating expenses.
This was in line with GRAP 1 to ensure that only employee costs are presented as personnel costs.

Further, employee training and bursary costs of R 1 426 437 were reclassied from projects training and were disclosed separately within other operating costs.

Park revenue from prior year was incorrectly understated due to a debtor that was not billed in prior year.

The total adjustments or park activities was R6 000 excluding VAT.
Invoices totalling R6 333,30 (incl VAT) for insurance relating to 2021 nancial year were not raised on the system.

Further,insurance refunds of R16 736,50 (Inc VAT) was incorrectly credited to the supplier account instead of expense reimbursement.

An invoice amounting to R1 076,52 (incl VAT) for employee verication) relating to 2021 nancial year was not raised on the system although it was paid.
2022 Personnel costs Other operating costs As previously reported Re- Classication Restated Balance before prior period error adjustment 43 951 433 23 206 408 67 157 841 (467 355) 467 355 - 43 484 078 23 673 763 67 157 841 The correction of the errors results in adjustments as follows: Statement of ﬁnancial position Increase in VAT receivable Increase in receivables from exchange transactions Decrease in trade and other payables Increase in opening Accumulated Surplus Statement of ﬁnancial performance Increase in park revenue - - - - - 6 899 514 6 900 9 327 (6 909 741) (6 000) 146 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 147 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 34.
Prior period errors (continued) Error 2 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 2023 2022 35.

Prior-year adjustments (continued) Prepayments for CaseWare support and accumulated surplus in prior years were understated by R24 612 due to payment that was fully expensed.

The service provider refunded the prepayment in the current ﬁnancial year.
2022 Employee debtors of R57 701 were incorrectly classiﬁed as trade debtors in prior year.

The full amount was reclassiﬁed within debtors from exchange transactions.

Some allowances for travel and cellphone were incorrectly disclosed under basic salaries under personnel costs in note 17.

The error was corrected by reallocating a total of R2 105 958 from basic salaries to allowances.

The error has no impact on total employee costs presented in the statement of ﬁnancial performance.
The correction of the errors results in adjustments as follows: Statement of ﬁnancial position Increase in receivables from exchange transactions Increase in accumulated surplus 35.
Prior-year adjustments Presented below are those items contained in the statement of nancial position, statement of nancial performance and cash ow statement that have been aﬀected by prior-year adjustments: Statement of ﬁnancial position: Extract - - - 24 612 (24 612) - Receivables from non-exchange transactions VAT receivable Trade and other payables Accumulated Surplus Statement of ﬁnancial performance: Extract 2022 Parks revenue Personnel Costs Project costs Other operating expenses Net adjustments Cash ﬂow statement: Extract 2022 Cash ﬂow from operating activities Park revenue Other income Personnel costs Cash paid to suppliers As previously reported Correction of error Restated 8 9 11 4 296 287 103 591 430 (34 179 578) (852 725 834) (779 017 695) 31 513 6 899 514 9 327 (6 940 353) 4 327 800 110 490 944 (34 170 251) (859 666 187) 1 (779 017 694) 13 17 18 24 As previously reported Correction of error Re- classication Restated 17 261 741 (43 951 433) (61 432 954) (23 206 408) (111 329 054) 6 000 - - - 6 000 - 467 355 - (467 355) 17 267 741 (43 484 078) (61 432 954) (23 673 763) - (111 323 054) As previously reported Correction of error Restated 16 834 777 496 860 (42 997 280) (230 258 085) (255 923 728) 56 800 14 425 481 739 (552 965) 16 891 577 511 285 (42 515 541) (230 811 050) (1) (255 923 729) 148 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 149 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes
 to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 36.
Risk management Liquidity risk Statement of ﬁnancial position: Extract Financial instrument Trade and other payables Unspent conditional grants Credit risk The Authority’s risk to liquidity is a result of the funds available to cover future commitments.

The Authority manages liquidity risk through an ongoing review of future commitments.

The table below shows the Authority’s ﬁnancial liabilities at the statement of ﬁnancial position date.
The amounts disclosed in the table are the undiscounted cash ﬂows as all liabilities are due within 12 months and the impact of discounting is not signiﬁcant.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements 2023 2022 Figures in Rand 35.
Risk management (continued) Financial assets exposed to credit risk at year end were as follows: Financial instrument Receivables from exchange transactions Receivables from non exchange transactions Cash and cash equivalents VAT receivable 59 503 716 151 222 724 34 170 251 82 796 069 210 726 440 116 966 320 Debtors past due >120 days > 90 days > 60 days > 30 days - 403 824 1 841 594 Credit risk consists mainly of cash deposits, cash equivalents, receivables from exchange transactions and receivables from non-exchange transactions.
The Authority only deposits cash with major banks with high quality credit standing and limits exposure to any one counter-party.

Trade receivables comprise a widespread customer base.

Management evaluated credit risk relating to customers on an ongoing basis.

If customers are independently rated, these ratings are used.

Otherwise, if there is no independent rating, risk control assesses the credit quality of the customer, taking into account its nancial position, past experience and other factors.
Individual risk limits are set based on internal or external ratings in accordance with limits set by the board.

Included in debtors past due are government debtors totalling R282,908(Prior year R310,066 ).

The risk associated with government debtors is considered low.

Government debt owing for more than 120 days of R154,219 (Prior year R181,376) is in respect of utilities payable by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Other risks Interest rate risk Surplus cash earns interest and the rate is exposed to uctuations in the Repo rate.

However, as the Authority has no signicant interest-bearing assets, the Authority’s income and operating cash ows are substantially independent of changes in market interest rates.

Hence the risk is considered low as deposits are held with major South African bank.

The Authority does not invest in equity instruments.

Cash at bank is held with one of the major banks in South Africa.

37.
37.

Going concern These assets are not hedged for credit risk, with the exception of Trade debtors included within receivables from exchange transactions.

All operators within the park are required to deposit Concessionaires' performance bonds that are held as security by the Authority.

These are included as part of trade and other payables.

As at 31 March 2023, the Authority had accumulated surplus of R 867 003 848 and total assets exceeded total liabilities by R867 003 848.
The annual ﬁnancial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies applicable to a going concern.

This basis presumes that funds will be available to ﬁnance future operations and that the realisation of assets and settlement of liabilities, contingent obligations and commitments will occur in the ordinary course of business.

The ability of the Authority to continue as a going concern is dependent on a number of factors.
The most signiﬁcant of these is that the government will continue to procure funding for the ongoing operations for the Authority.

Note to related part transactions provides grant allocated by the government to fund the future operations of the entity.
150 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 151 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 38.
Fruitless and wasteful expenditure Opening balance Fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred in current year Less: Amounts written oﬀ and awaiting condonment Current year fruitless expenditure of R164 567 relates to SARS penalties for late payment of employees tax in December 2022.

Prior year fruitless expenditure of R7,854,860 related to overpricing by suppliers on work performed.

39.
39.

Irregular expenditure Opening balance Add: Irregular Expenditure - incurred during the year Less: Amounts written oﬀ and awaiting condonment Breakdown of irregular expenditure incurred during the year Suppliers who did not meet the pre-qualifying evaluation criteria Construction work procured from suppliers not registered with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) 40.
Events after the reporting date The Authority was not aware of any material events that may have occurred between 31 March 2023 and the date when the annual nancial statements were authorised.
2023 2022 7 854 860 164 567 - 7 977 222 - (122 362) 8 019 427 7 854 860 41 240 986 - (41 240 986) - - - - 90 133 679 41 240 986 (90 133 679) 41 240 986 14 970 577 26 270 409 41 240 986 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements Figures in Rand 41.
Budget differences Changes from the approved budget to the ﬁnal budget 2023 2022 The changes between the approved and ﬁnal budget are a consequence of changes in organisational plans and predictions for the year and to incorporate of new funding that was allocated to the authority during the year.

BC10 - Maintenance & repairs – The Authority spent 72% which is lower than budget.

Less repairs were required during the year than budgeted.
Material differences between budget and budget and actual amounts BC1 - Park revenue – The Authority achieved more than the budget by 9% due to slightly more visitors than expected.

BC2 - Management and administration fees and personnel costs recoveries – The Authority performed less than budget and only achieved 65% due to slow start in capital projects.

Most contractors were appointed very late during the year.
BC3 - Interest income – The Authority earned more interest than budgeted due to very good cashﬂow position from the beginning of the year, VAT receivable from SARS for the past 5 years was all received early and the entity was able to invest the proceeds and earn more interest income.

BC4 - Other income – The Authority received more other income than budgeted.

BC5 - Grants – The Authority performed marginally less than budget, achieving 97% of the target due to slow start in capital projects.
Most contractors were appointed very late during the year.

BC6 -VAT Refunds in reserves – The entity erroneously budgeted for VAT refunds.

BC7 - Project costs – The Authority spent marginally lower than budget on personnel costs.

The variance of 2% is reasonable and acceptable cost saving.

BC8 - Depreciation and amortization and loss on disposal of assets – Actual expenditure more than budget due to write oﬀ mainly of infrastructure that was demolished and work in progress abandoned.
Bc9 - Personnel costs – The Authority spent marginally lower than budget on personnel costs.

The variance of 2% is reasonable and acceptable cost saving.

Bc11 - Co-management expense – Co-management expenses are only 70% of budget.

The Authority over budgeted for co-management fees which should be only 8% of park revenue from gates shared with communities, excluding levies.

BC12 - Consultants, contractors & special services – Actual expenses were within budget, with a cost saving of 0,35%.
BC13 - Board expenses – The authority had less spending by 21% on board expense than budgeted due to less special board meetings and events during the year.

BC14 - Training and development – The authority had less training than budgeted and saved 29% of the budget.

BC15 - Security– Actual expenses were within budget, with a cost saving of 1%.

BC16 - Other expenses – Actual expenditure is marginally lower than budget and an acceptable cost saving of 3%.
BC17 - Capital expenditure – The authority under budgeted for capital expenditure and spent more than budget by 45%.

The authority still had some unspent conditional capital grants from prior years and these were overlooked in the budget.
152 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 153 154 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Annual Report 2022/2023 www.isimangaliso.com KOSI BAY COASTAL FOREST LAKE SIBAYA SODWANA BAY uMKHUZE FALSE BAY CHARTERS CREEK LAKE ST LUCIA CAPE VIDAL MAPHELANE