By The Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosted its two days 35th Annual Game Auction at Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve near Ventersburg on 23 to 24 May 2025.
According to the department, the game auction has become a highlight in the wildlife sector calendar for many years, with a revenue of over R10 million for the provincial fiscus. The aim of the auction is to regulate the game populations of the state owned reserves and to optimize revenue generation for the province.
The Spokesperson for the Department, Mr Mojalefa Mphapang says the two days auction comprised of the sale of 5000 head of game divided into 51 public hunting packages with 921 animals, 93 live game lots with 525 animals, and 12 carcass packages of 3 150 animals.
“This year’s auction consisted of Black Wildebeest, Eland, Gemsbok, Impala, Red Hartebeest, Ostrich adult, Sable Antelope, Springbok, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Cape Mountain Zebra and Plains Zebra,” he said.
Prospective buyers made their way to the Nature Reserve to buy whatever animal grabbed their fancy, they had to pay a refundable deposit of R20, 000 through EFT or card payment; NO cash payment was allowed. They further had to produce the mandatory proof of address and ID documents for registration.
According to the department, this year’s auction was more profitable for the province as R12 million was generated for the provincial fiscus. Trophy Hunting Concession at Sandveld Nature Reserve was sold to the highest bidder for R720 000.
The department says the wildlife sector is very critical for economic development of the Free State province and deserves more attention. The MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Mr Ketso Makume, appreciated game farmers and buyers in general for their support towards the province.
He further emphasized the importance of preserving the state owned resorts and reserves to ensure government’s involvement in the eco-tourism value chain.
