Many people living around Pilanesberg are finding they have a vested interest in the health of the 19-year-old national park.

Initially hostile to the park, neighbors met with the Bop Parks Board. Talks led to the formation of the Community Development Organization and the creation of several enterprises that benefit local residents-a factory that makes uniforms for mine workers, farms that supply produce to park lodges and a haberdashery that supplies Sun City, a lavish private resort-casino-golf club at the edge of Pilanesberg.

Other benefits: jobs in the park, a community game reserve, an education center, a share of gate entry fees, firewood from the park and support for local businesses.