The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s recent motion to rename Kruger National Park and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport has put South Africa’s flagship tourism assets under the spotlight.
Proposed changes would see the park renamed Skukuza National Park and the airport honour the late deputy president David “DD” Mabuza.
Supporters argue the move reclaims African heritage, but tourism experts warn that changing the internationally recognised Kruger brand could unsettle visitors, disrupt the flow of tourism revenue, and affect businesses that rely on one of the country’s most iconic destinations.
The motion was tabled on Tuesday, September 23, when the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (MPL) adopted an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) proposal to rename the Kruger National Park to Skukuza National Park and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport after the late former deputy president David “DD” Mabuza.
The motion also garnered support from the MK Party and the African National Congress (ANC). The EFF has framed the renaming as part of a wider effort to remove colonial-era names and symbols across Mpumalanga and the country.
“We call on all sectors of society to embrace this development with pride, as it reflects our collective heritage and strengthens the identity of Mpumalanga as a province of courage, leadership, and vision,” the party said.
Opposition parties and legal experts argue that the province lacks the authority to rename South Africa’s largest game reserve, which falls under national jurisdiction.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed that no formal recommendation has yet been submitted to the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC).
“At this stage, the Minister has not received a recommendation regarding the proposed renaming of Kruger National Park or Kruger Airport,” said Thulile Mthembu, Deputy Director for Geographical Names, to the Saturday Star.
“Once a formal submission is received and considered, the department will be able to provide an official perspective.”
Tourism experts have warned of potential economic fallout if the renaming proceeds.
Professor Elmarie Slabbert, director of the Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) unit at North-West University, said any name change should be carefully considered.
Slabbert explains that the Kruger National Park and the surrounding Greater Kruger tourism region contribute billions of rand annually through visitor spending, jobs, and related industries such as accommodation, transport, and conservation fees.
“It is important to stress that we cannot afford to lose international visitors at this point, nor can we risk creating confusion around one of our flagship attractions,” she cautioned.
“Renaming would almost certainly lead to short-term brand loss, visitor uncertainty, and broader economic costs across the tourism sector. Kruger is arguably one of the most famous wildlife brands in the world. It is mentioned alongside names such as the Serengeti and Yellowstone.”
The DA dismissed the motion as political posturing, saying it cannot have legal effect.
“Our tourism draw, based on the international standing of our attractions, is essential for our economy,” the DA said in a statement.
“Every foreign and local tourist to the Kruger National Park spends money in a host of associated businesses such as transfers, accommodation, car hire, local restaurants, guides, drivers, and souvenirs, and killing these small businesses will leave thousands jobless and without income. This is what the ANC, EFF and MK would do.”
According to Marais de Vaal, AfriForum’s Advisor for Environmental Affairs, the park was proclaimed in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and is managed by SANParks.
“The provincial legislature has no authority to change the name of the park,” de Vaal said.
“At most, the province can submit a proposal to the Provincial Geographical Names Council (PGNC), after which a comprehensive public participation process must be followed before it can be submitted to the National Geographical Names Council (NGNC) for consideration. Any renaming will be subject to following the prescribed process, including public participation, before the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture makes a final decision.”
De Vaal warned that the process so far does not comply with these requirements and said AfriForum is prepared to challenge any procedural irregularities in court.
Supporters of the motion argue that the renaming would honour African history and reclaim indigenous identity, while opponents warn of costly rebranding and the potential loss of international recognition.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star