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2mo ago

Government Confirms Kruger National Park Name Stays Unchanged

Only the national minister may change a park's name through a process requiring public consultation followed by a Gazette notice.

Image
The Paul Kruger statue at Kruger Gate entrance to the Kruger National Park, recognising him as one of the founders of wildlife preservation in Africa. Picture: iStock
Picture: Lowvelder

Overview

  • On 23 October, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed no authorisation has been issued to rename the park and the official name remains Kruger National Park.
  • Minister Dr Dion George said there are no applications to change the name and he has no intention of approving any request.
  • Citing Section 20 of the Protected Areas Act, the department noted that only the minister can approve a change after public consultation and Government Gazette publication, and no such steps have occurred.
  • Officials urged the public and media to stop sharing unverified claims that arose after provincial proposals, including an EFF-backed suggestion to rename the park to Skukuza National Park.
  • On 24 October, Google corrected a prank Maps entry that labeled the park "Skukuza National Park" and said the listing is now protected.