Renaming of Kruger National Park unlikely to take off

A motion by the EFF calling for the renaming of the Kruger National Park (KNP) was accepted in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on Tuesday.

Lowvelder reports that opposition parties strongly criticised the move, with legal and procedural questions raised over 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 the Skukuza National Park. It also suggested renaming the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport after the late former deputy president David ‘DD’ Mabuza.

Werner Weber, a member of the legislature for the FF Plus, said he refrained from voting because the debate was ‘out of order’ and irrelevant to Mpumalanga. “This is a national issue that cannot be debated at provincial level. The province cannot make decisions on something that is not in its mandate or jurisdiction. The provincial advocate should have stood up and told the speaker to call the house to order, and [declare] the debate illegal,” Weber said. He added that the province must desist from attempting to debate national or private matters.

The DA also dismissed the motion as political opportunism. “The EFF’s motion, which was accepted by the legislature on Tuesday, is nothing more than politicking by a party with nothing to offer voters, while simply inciting racial tension,” the DA said in a statement. DA member Willie Aucamp further explained that the legislature does not have the power to change the park’s name.

He noted that the KNP belongs to SANParks and therefore falls under the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

For now, the legislature’s adoption of the motion highlights the gap between political theatre and legal authority. Opposition parties insist the debate should never have been entertained at provincial level, while analysts point out that the real power to rename the KNP rests firmly with the national government. Until SANParks and the cabinet move to act, the proposal remains a symbolic gesture rather than a step toward actual change.

What happens when a motion is passed?

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. Kruger National Park falls under SANParks, a national entity reporting to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. A provincial legislature has no mandate over its name or operations.

So what does the motion mean?
It’s 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?

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

Analyst’s view: Symbolism versus substance

The EFF’s motion to rename the Kruger National Park is less about immediate change and more about political signalling.

By bringing the proposal to the legislature, the party ensures the issue enters public debate and forces other parties to take a position. Even though the legislature has no authority over the park, the symbolism of ‘adopting’ the motion creates headlines and keeps the conversation alive.

This tactic is not new. Political parties often use motions in legislatures to test public sentiment, set the agenda or signal alignment with their broader ideological stance. In this case, the EFF links the renaming to its longstanding push for transformation of historical symbols and place names.

The real test, however, lies in whether the national government – through SANParks, the department of environment, and ultimately the minister of sport, arts and culture – is willing to initiate the formal renaming process. That involves lengthy consultations, objections and potentially fierce resistance from stakeholders invested in the KNP name, especially in the tourism sector.

In short: The motion’s adoption in Mpumalanga is politically significant, but administratively toothless. Its true value lies in sparking debate and keeping the EFF’s narrative in the spotlight.

---

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.