Deputy Minister calls for renaming of KNP
Deputy Minister Zolile Burns-Ncamashe has urged South Africans to reclaim African identity by renaming sites like Kruger National Park.
LIMPOPO – Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, has called for a national conversation on reclaiming Africa’s cultural identity, starting with the renaming of landmark sites such as Kruger National Park (KNP).
Speaking at the Mahumani Multicultural Day celebration in Nkomo village on Saturday, Burns-Ncamashe addressed traditional leaders from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, urging communities to reconnect with their heritage beyond colonial-imposed borders.
“These gatherings remind us to take pride in who we are, despite the European boundaries drawn in Berlin that balkanised Africa,” he said. The minister stressed the need to decolonise African spaces and restore their original names and meanings.
He cited KNP as an example of land historically linked to African leadership. “Hosi Mhinga, we must rethink the name of Kruger National Park. That land was taken through the barrel of a gun, not negotiation. Restoring its original name would be a step toward true restitution,” he said.
Burns-Ncamashe also highlighted the importance of tenure security for sustainable land ownership and economic empowerment. “Without proper tenure, communities lack the security needed to negotiate with investors. A clear land rights framework ensures we engage from a position of strength,” he noted.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to cultural preservation, he described heritage as the “gold and soul of the people” and a foundation for national identity.
Meanwhile, local leader Hosi Mahumani appealed to the government to invest in infrastructure that could support cultural tourism in the area. He called for the construction of a stadium or arena to host the annual Mahumani Multicultural Day and other community events.
“This region borders Kruger National Park and is rich in natural resources like marula trees and mopani worms. It was once declared a national heritage site by President Nelson Mandela. With proper infrastructure, it could boost local development and tourism,” he said.
