AfriForum is taking urgent legal steps to correct misleading information on Google Maps that refers to the Kruger National Park (KNP) as Skukuza National Park.

Lowvelder reports that, according to AfriForum Environmental Affairs adviser Marais de Vaal, the incorrect listing appears as one of the top search results for ‘Skukuza’ and is linked to the official SANParks site information. SANParks, which manages the KNP, says this creates a false impression globally that the park’s name has been changed.

Legal authority over national park names

In terms of Section 20 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003, only the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment (DFFE) has the authority to assign or change a national park’s name. Schedule 2 of the Act lists all parks by their official names, including the KNP.

No notice of a name change has been published in the Government Gazette, meaning the KNP remains the only legal and official name of the park.

“AfriForum will report this error to Google Maps and request the incorrect entry to be corrected. We are strongly opposed to the reckless and politically motivated attempt to change the name of the KNP. Changing the name would erase part of our shared history, damage one of South Africa’s most valuable tourism brands and undermine the rule of law. The process for any name change is clearly set out in legislation and no such process has been followed,” De Vaal says.

He adds that AfriForum would ask the Minister of the DFFE, Dion George, to issue a public statement confirming no new name for the KNP had been approved and to outline the legal implications of any such proposal.

Members of the public can support AfriForum’s campaign to retain the KNP’s name by signing a petition at www.keepkruger.co.za.

KNP spokesperson Rey Thlakuli says: “We have been made aware of this error through a media enquiry. Change of a national park’s name is a long and legal process and SANParks has not changed the KNP’s name on Google Maps or anywhere else. We also do not have such a name in our official records. SANParks is not aware of any official process under way to consider name changes at KNP.”

Renaming of Kruger National Park unlikely to take off

A motion by the EFF calling for the renaming of the KNP was accepted in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature in September.

Lowvelder at the time reported that opposition parties strongly criticised the move, raising legal and procedural questions about whether the province has the authority to change the name of South Africa’s largest game reserve.

The motion, tabled by EFF member Rhulani Qhibi, proposed renaming the park to Skukuza National Park and renaming the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport after former deputy president David ‘DD’ Mabuza.

Understanding the process

What is a motion?
A motion is a formal proposal debated in a legislature. Once adopted, it reflects the legislature’s stance but does not create law.

Does the provincial legislature control the Kruger National Park?
No. The KNP falls under SANParks, a national entity reporting to the DFFE. A provincial legislature has no mandate over its name or operations.

So what does the motion mean?
It is a political statement that puts pressure on the national government. The provincial legislature can urge cabinet or SANParks to act but cannot enforce a name change.

How would the name change actually happen?

• A formal application to the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC)
• Public consultations and input from affected communities
• SAGNC recommendation to the minister of sport, arts and culture
• If approved, the new name is gazetted and objections can be filed
• Implementation by SANParks

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