Tourism, politics collide in Kruger National Park renaming proposal

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.

- ANITA NKONKI

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, when the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (MPL) adopted an 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 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.