The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has officially dismissed ongoing rumours of a Kruger National Park name change, confirming that no authorisation or legal process has been initiated to alter the park’s name.
Speculation surfaced last month after the Economic Freedom Fighters in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature proposed renaming several landmarks, including the Kruger National Park, as part of broader efforts to “decolonise” public spaces.
In a statement, the DFFE reaffirmed that Kruger National Park remains the only legally recognised name under South African law and that no official name change is under consideration.
GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS NO NAME CHANGE FOR KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Minister Dr Dion George clarified that no amendment or authorisation has been made to change the park’s name.
“There is nothing in progress to change the name of the Kruger National Park, and I certainly have no intention of approving any request.”
Citing Section 20 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003, the minister confirmed that no notice has been published in the Government Gazette, and no formal process has been initiated.
The department further warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that unverified claims can erode public trust and distract from vital conservation priorities.
Any official name change would require a formal legislative process, including public consultation and gazette publication, steps that have not been undertaken.
“Members of the public are urged to rely solely on verified government communications for accurate information,” the department concluded.
