HOEDSPRUIT – Two official flood recovery funds for the Kruger National Park (KNP) have been established for those who want to contribute to the rebuilding of the park.

Fisheries, Forestry, and Environment Minister Willie Aucamp recently announced the launch of the Sanparks Kruger Recovery Fund, which aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the park as a national heritage asset, economic driver, and symbol of South Africa’s commitment to conservation in the face of climate risks.

Aucamp said the fund will be administered with strong fiduciary oversight to attract both local and international donors. It will be managed through three audit firms on Sanparks’ panel, providing independent governance, assurance, and transparent reporting to ensure donor confidence.

Funds will be used specifically for resilience-enhancing infrastructure reconstruction programmes within the park.

A second fund by the Sanparks Honorary Rangers, the Kruger Flood 2026 Fund, has also been established.

Aucamp welcomed and endorsed the initiative, noting that it aligns with the shared goal of mobilising resources to ease the financial pressure caused by the flood damage.

He said the Honorary Rangers’ strong track record of community support and trusted fundraising further strengthens the recovery efforts. In addition to their own fundraising campaign, the Honorary Rangers are also supporting the Kruger Recovery Fund as one of its patrons.

Internationally acclaimed author Tony Park has also been named a patron of the fund. Park has committed to supporting both the Kruger Recovery Fund and the fundraising and relief initiatives driven by the Honorary Rangers.

The minister emphasised that the Sanparks Kruger Recovery Fund and the Honorary Rangers’ Kruger Flood 2026 Fund are the only two legitimate funds authorised to receive donations for the recovery efforts.

“During crises of this nature, the risk of fraudulent fundraising schemes increases significantly,” he warned. “I urge the public, partners and donors, both locally and internationally, to verify information and donate only through these sanctioned channels.”

Meanwhile, the Honorary Rangers are supporting affected communities, staff, and guests in the KNP.

The aid includes food and personal hygiene parcels, water, blankets, cleaning materials, dehydrated soup hampers, and financial support, all of which will contribute significantly to ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

For more information on how to contribute to the relief fund, members of the public can email krugerfund@sanparks.org.