Debating the Name Change: Kruger National Park in South Africa

Sun Oct 12 2025 18:53:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A proposed name change for Kruger National Park has ignited intense debate in South Africa, striking at the heart of the nation's complex history and fragile economy.

South Africa's iconic Kruger National Park may be renamed, as some politicians seek to dissociate from the historical figure of Paul Kruger, tied to the country's apartheid past. This proposal has sparked controversy, with potential implications for tourism and economic stability. As South Africa grapples with its historical legacy, the discussion highlights differing views on national identities and economic impacts amidst calls for continued decolonization efforts.

Debating the Name Change: Kruger National Park in South Africa

South Africa's world-renowned Kruger National Park is at the center of a heated debate over a potential name change, which local politicians argue is necessary to disassociate from its namesake, Paul Kruger, a historical figure associated with the country's apartheid past.

Originally known as the Sabi Game Reserve, the park was renamed in 1926 to honor Kruger, who was president of the South African Republic in the late 19th century. For many Afrikaners, Kruger is celebrated as a hero who led resistance against British colonialism. Conversely, many South Africans view him as emblematic of a racist legacy, linking him to policies that displaced black Africans and restricted their participation in governance.

Following the end of apartheid, numerous public spaces and landmarks were renamed to reflect a new national identity, lending a backdrop against which this latest proposal emerges. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), an opposition party, has proposed replacing Kruger’s name amidst calls during Heritage Month to celebrate South African heritage authentically.

Critics warn that name changes could threaten the appeal of the nationally treasured park, which attracts nearly a million visitors annually and contributes significantly to the national economy. EFF representative Rhulani Qhibi's comments highlighted this tension, as he questioned how a nation can celebrate its heritage while maintaining associations with Kruger, a symbol of oppression for many.

Nevertheless, proposals surrounding the new name have faced backlash; Skukuza, the suggested alternative, bears the name of the park's first warden, whose legacy also involves forcibly removing communities from the park. This revelation prompted EFF leaders to recognize their misstep in overlooking the historical implications of their proposed renaming.

Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum has condemned the push for a name change as politically motivated and is prepared to challenge any decisions made without a comprehensive legal process. The group insists that Kruger's vision was instrumental in establishing South Africa's most prominent national park, arguing against erasing this part of history.

The provincial legislature adopted the name change motion with support from South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC). However, legal hurdles remain before any actual changes can occur. Tourism experts warn that altering such an iconic name could dilute the park's international status as a tourist destination, a situation that is particularly precarious given the ongoing economic challenges in South Africa—including an unemployment rate above 30%.

This initiative reflects broader discussions about recognizing indigenous heritage while tackling the remnants of colonialism in South Africa’s public spaces. Moving forward, the resolution lies in balancing historical acknowledgment against practical implications for one of South Africa's economic pillars—the tourism sector.

As the debate continues, it underscores the fraught nature of South Africa's historical reckoning and how it navigates the legacies of the past with aspirations for a more inclusive future.