Kruger National Park to keep its iconic name - no change confirmed by government!

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has confirmed that there has been no official amendment or approval to change the name of the Kruger National Park. According to the Department, no notice has been published in the Government Gazette under Section 20 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003, and the park therefore remains legally and officially the Kruger National Park.

“There is nothing in progress to change the name of the Kruger National Park, and I certainly have no intention of approving any request,” said Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Dr Dion George.

Under the Protected Areas Act, only the Minister has the legal authority to assign or amend the name of a national park. Schedule 2 of the Act lists all official national parks, with Kruger National Park appearing under Item 11. Any future proposal to alter this name would have to follow a formal legislative process, which includes public consultation and official publication in the Government Gazette - a process that has not been initiated.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has also urged the public, media outlets, and social platforms to avoid spreading unverified claims about a potential name change. False information not only undermines public confidence but also distracts from the vital work of protecting South Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems. Citizens are encouraged to rely solely on official government communications for accurate updates.

About Kruger National Park
Established in 1926, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, stretching across nearly 20,000 km² of pristine bushveld in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Home to the Big Five, over 500 bird species, and an extraordinary range of biodiversity, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. Beyond its natural heritage, Kruger National Park is a cornerstone of South Africa’s tourism economy and a global symbol of wildlife conservation.

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South Africa: Rhino poaching Numbers decline in 2024!

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has released the rhino poaching statistics for 2024. According to the data, a total of 420 rhinos were poached across South Africa from January to December 2024. Of these, 320 were killed on state-owned properties, while 100 were poached on privately owned parks, reserves, or farms. This marks a significant decrease compared to the 499 rhinos lost to poaching in 2023.
KwaZulu-Natal remained the hardest-hit province, with 232 rhinos poached in 2024. However, this is a notable decline from the 325 rhinos killed in the region the previous year. A major factor behind this reduction was the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Dehorning Programme, which was implemented in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park between April and October 2024. Funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the initiative had an immediate impact, with poaching numbers dropping from 35 in April to fewer than 10 per month between May and September.

Kruger National Park reported a total of 88 rhinos poached in 2024, an increase of 10 compared to the 78 recorded in 2023. Up until the end of November 2024, rhino losses in Kruger National Park stood at 67, but a sharp escalation in poaching activity occurred in December. That month alone, 21 rhinos were killed, and the trend continued into January 2025, with another 17 rhinos reported poached.
In KwaZulu-Natal, poaching syndicates adapted their tactics in October and began targeting dehorned rhinos, leading to a sudden surge in incidents. That month alone, the province lost 27 rhinos. Fortunately, swift action by the provincial anti-poaching team led to the interception of the new syndicate, preventing further losses. Thanks to these concerted efforts, KwaZulu-Natal ultimately recorded a 67% decline in rhino poaching over the eight-month period.

South Africa has released rhino poaching statistics for 2023!

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has released the rhino poaching statistics for 2023. A total of 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa, 406 were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks/reserves/farms. This was an increase of 51 rhinos in comparison to 448 rhinos poached in 2022. Out of the 499 rhinos, 307 were illegally killed in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal. Kruger National Park (KNP) recorded a 37% decrease from 2022 with a total of 78 poached in 2023. No rhinos were poached in any other of South Africa's National Parks.

In relation to rhino prosecutions in South Africa in 2023, verdicts were handed down in 36 cases of which 35 resulted in guilty verdicts and one in a not guilty verdict. The cases resulted in the conviction of 45 accused rhino poachers/rhino horn traffickers with a conviction rate of 97%.

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Members of the public can report any suspicious activities around wildlife to its environmental crime hotline which is 0800 205 005 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) number 10111!