Tourism experts warn of economic fallout over plans to rename Kruger National Park and airport

Mapaballo Borotho

Kruger National Park braces for Easter crowds — Image | Adobe Stock

Tourism experts have warned that renaming the Kruger National Park and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport could harm South Africa’s tourism industry.
They argue the changes risk confusing tourists, disrupting revenue, and threatening jobs.
The motion, backed by the EFF, ANC, and MK Party, aims to reclaim African heritage, but the DA dismissed it as political posturing.

Tourism experts have warned that the recent motion to rename the Kruger National Park and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport could have potential economic fallout.

Proposed changes could see the park renamed Skukuza National Park and the airport named after the late Deputy President David Mabuza.

Experts said that name changes should be carefully considered, as these are the names most tourists are familiar with and comfortable with.

Supporters of the name changes argue that the move reclaims African heritage, but tourism experts warn that changing the internationally recognised Kruger brand could unsettle visitors, disrupt the flow of tourism revenue, and affect businesses that rely on one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

The motion was tabled on Tuesday, September 23, when the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (MPL) adopted an EFF proposal to rename the Kruger National Park to Skukuza National Park and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport after the late former deputy president David “DD” Mabuza.

The motion also received support from the MK Party and the ANC. The EFF framed the renaming as part of a wider effort to remove colonial-era names and symbols across Mpumalanga and the country.

However, the DA dismissed the motion as political posturing, saying it cannot have legal effect.

“Our tourism draw, based on the international standing of our attractions, is essential for our economy,” the DA said in a statement.

“Every foreign and local tourist to the Kruger National Park spends money in a host of associated businesses such as transfers, accommodation, car hire, local restaurants, guides, drivers, and souvenirs, and destroying these small businesses will leave thousands jobless and without income. This is what the ANC, EFF, and MK would do.”