Tsodilo Hills And GChwihaba Caves Did Not Burn

To begin with, it is reaffirmed that the caves at Gcwihaba have not been burnt by veldt fires as alleged in your paper. They remain secure and in their original condition. There is, in fact, no damage to the caves altogether, although there were veldt fires around their environs.

Further reference is made to another article that appeared in the Monitor of October 20, 2008. We wish to register our deep concern about the insinuation in your newspaper that the Acting Permanent Secretary in this Ministry sought to downplay the extent of fire damage at Tsodilo World Heritage Site. Nothing could be further from the truth! He told you the truth that the site was out of harm's way, as you subsequently witnessed for yourselves, but decided to remain in denial about the situation on the ground.