Less than one week until SANParks’ free access week
During this time, any South African who presents their official ID is granted free access to any of the country's national parks.
SANParks, in partnership with FNB and Total South Africa, recently announced that the 15th annual South African National Parks Week kicks off in less than a week. It will run from November 16 to 20.
Chief executive officer, Fundisile Mketeni said, “SANParks postponed the occasion, that is traditionally held in September, to November due to Covid-19.
“As the country is still on alert level 1 of the lockdown, we would like remind the public that a gate quota system will apply in all our national parks throughout the focus week.”
According to SANParks, this time is meant to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, protected by the national parks system.
“It is necessary for citizens to visit and know the importance of national parks,” a recent statement read. This year, SANParks will open the week in the West Coast National Park.
“The feature element of this campaign is the free access granted to all South African day visitors carrying their official identity documents.
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“Young persons under the age of 16 will be allowed free access without proof of identity.”
The free access to parks will not include accommodation or any commercial activities, such as guided safaris or walks.
Mketeni said, “Every year, SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens who are granted free access to national parks during this time.
“Since we started the programme in 2006, some 551 393 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks, and we want to see these numbers grow.”
Total South Africa’s corporate affairs manager, Nne-Mpho Siaga said, “As a sponsor of SANParks for more than 60 years, Total South Africa remains committed to the conservation of our wildlife and the environment.
“It is one of the pillars of our corporate social investment and a responsibility that we take very seriously.
“The annual SANParks Week is such a great initiative as it allows free entry to SA citizens and gives everyone the opportunity to experience the parks first-hand. Total South Africa is honoured to be in a position to make this possible.”
Sipho Silinda, CEO of FNB’s public sector banking said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the tourism industry, thus it is important for individuals and communities to play a role in supporting the survival of the South African National Parks system, our national and culture heritage.
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“FNB believes in responsible actions by individuals and communities at large, as they are an imperative factor in protecting and managing the environment.
“The 15th annual SANParks Week is a noteworthy milestone in our commitment to continue to enable South African citizens to explore our country’s natural heritage.”
SANParks encouraged all South Africans, especially the youth to diarise these dates and plan a visit to a national park nearby.
“The survival of the South African national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the hands of the people of South Africa,” Mketeni concluded.
Visit www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week for more information and follow #SANationalParksWeek and #LiveYourWild on social media, to join in the fun.
