DA Warns: Renaming Kruger National Park Could Destroy Tourism and Jobs

Mpumalanga - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly rejected a motion tabled in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), supported by the ANC and MK Party, to rename the Kruger National Park and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

According to DA National Spokesperson Willie Aucamp MP, the motion has no legal standing and represents “nothing more than political posturing with a crude misunderstanding of the law.”

READ: EFF Pushes for Kruger National Park Name Change, SANParks Urges Careful Consideration

Why the Motion Has No Legal Effect

The DA stressed that no provincial legislature has the power to rename national landmarks such as the Kruger National Park. By law, such decisions must go through the South African Geographical Names Council and ultimately be approved by the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.

Because the park spans more than one province and is of national importance, Mpumalanga’s legislature has no jurisdiction over its renaming.

💸 Impact on Tourism and Jobs

The DA warned that changing the internationally recognized name of Kruger National Park would destroy decades of global brand value and erase one of South Africa’s strongest tourism assets.

“Every foreign and local tourist to the Kruger National Park spends money in transfers, accommodation, car hire, restaurants, guides, souvenirs, and more. Killing this brand will leave thousands jobless,” Aucamp said.

Tourists bring millions of dollars, euros, pounds, and other foreign currencies into South Africa annually. According to the DA, the EFF, ANC, and MK are effectively putting livelihoods at risk by destabilizing a sector critical for economic growth.

🏷 The Cost of Renaming

Beyond tourism, the DA highlighted that renaming the park and airport would come at enormous taxpayer expense. Costs would include:

• Updating road signage
• Rebranding uniforms, vehicles, and websites
• Changing maps, brochures, and marketing material

These costs, Aucamp argued, would run into millions of rands at a time when South Africa cannot afford wasteful spending.

READ: Minister Patricia de Lille Launches G20 Tourism Investment Summit with R1 Billion Projects

🔵 DA’s Position

The DA maintains that retrospective name changes do not build unity and should only be considered when names are undeniably offensive or hurtful.

“The DA rejects the efforts of the EFF, MK, and ANC to destroy the tourism economy of the Kruger National Park. We call for an all-hands-on-deck approach to protect jobs and the economy from political grandstanding,” Aucamp stated.

The DA further emphasized that with a DA Minister, Dr. Dion George, currently leading Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, any such name change would face legal and procedural hurdles.