The minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Willie Aucamp, paid a visit to the Kruger National Park yesterday, January 17, to assess the damage caused by extreme floods this week and establish the Kruger Relief Fund with stakeholders and SANParks representatives.

“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the park,” Aucamp said.

He also commended the team for applying a safety-first, human-centric approach despite facing massive disruptions to operations and infrastructure – including road and gate closures, electricity outages and interruptions to other basic services.

“I am pleased to announce that SANParks has committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and any other necessities.”

He assured stakeholders that the fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms.

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SANParks has confirmed that day visits remain prohibited until further notice and that restrictions remain in place at several gates. Access is still limited to essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers with valid flight tickets, officials, and guests with confirmed accommodation bookings at Berg n Dal, Skukuza and Pretoriuskop.

The minister confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored and that updates are being provided as they occur.

“We are grateful that no loss of lives has been recorded and evacuations have progressed smoothly, and I once again extend my gratitude to the park’s management team and emergency services for their swift response,” Aucamp concluded.

SANParks will share more details about the Kruger Relief Fund in the coming days.