Kruger National Park Archives - MP Mirror Online

OPINION: “Name change of the Kruger National Park is not a well calculated move”-Writes Harold Lekhuleni

Supplied Content — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

“The move by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature to change the name of Kruger National Park to Skhukhuza is not well calculated and is ill-conceived. This seemed to be a move to gain political mileage. It is a fact that Paul Kruger, James Steven Hamilton and Piet Grobler are the pioneers of the Kruger National Park. They are the brains behind the establishment of this game reserve which is a tourist attraction, both nationally and internationally. It is one of the largest national parks in the world. As much as some would criticize Paul Kruger for his divisive and apartheid policies, this does not change the fact that he is amongst the masterminds to the establishment of this great national asset. The name change of the Kruger National Park is not going to change the price of butter. We need to give praise where praise is deserved. We need to give credit where credit is due.
Changing the name of the park to something else will always be perceived as a ploy to obliterate the contribution that was made by the trio. I was surprised to learn that the proposed new name for the park is Skukuza, which was a nickname given by the local community to James Steven Hamilton. He was the first warden of the reserve who implemented conservation measures to combat poaching and to protect the wildlife population.
Skukuza is a Tsonga words, which means to sweep clean. It was given to James Steven Hamilton because he was sweeping all the poachers and also those who wanted to tamper with the wildlife population of the park. Changing names of establishments such as stadiums, airports and buildings is something that needs to be pursued and advocated to represent the demographics of our communities. This is done in order to honour those who made immense contribution in our communities.
What makes the name change of the Kruger National Park controversial is the fact that we cannot change the past. We cannot undo the fact that Paul Kruger is one of the pioneers of the park. Even if it is named to something else, history would record that he was instrumental in the establishment of this great asset that has become one of the major tourist destinations in the world.
Already, the park has created many job opportunities, especially those who live within its proximity. Many guest houses have been constructed which brings positive spinoffs to the local communities. When visiting the park, one has observed that those who go through the Kruger Gate, usually take keen interest in taking pictures next to the statue of Paul Kruger. Even those who visit the Skukuza Camp, there is a founder’s memorial which depict the statues of Paul Kruger, James Hamilton Steven and Piet Grobler. Many visitors are fond of taking pictures in that area.
These are some of the landmarks of the park. This seems to suggest that tourists do not take offence around that space. Around 2010, there was a move to remove the statue of Paul Kruger at the Kruger Gate of the national park. Many people rushed to the gate to take pictures before the statue was removed. Unfortunately, the move was put on ice, to date.
What is ironic is that the airport in Mpumalanga has been named Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Paul Kruger never made any contribution to the establishment of the airport, but was honoured by giving the airport his name. We cannot speak right and walk left. Special focus should be on bread and butter issues that are aimed at transforming the lives of mainly black communities who are languishing at the bottom of the economic ladder.”

Harold Lekhuleni is a history Subject Advisor of Bohlabela District. He writes in his own personal capacity.

The post OPINION: “Name change of the Kruger National Park is not a well calculated move”-Writes Harold Lekhuleni appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

Alleged poacher shot dead

Supplied Content — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on Saturday, July 12.

It is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with field rangers the previous night at around 21:00.

According to a report, three field rangers were on patrol in the evening at Nwari Block when they came into contact with three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered them to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the Rangers who reportedly fired back and a shooting ensued.

The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.

READ | Man sentenced for dealing in rhino horns

“The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound (at Lower Sabie region of the park), laying on the ground. There was also a backpack next to him,” reads a police statement.

Two rhino horns were found in the backpack. An investigation is underway and the man has not yet been identified. The other two suspected poachers are still on the run.

The post Alleged poacher shot dead appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

Brothers fatally shot and two hospitalised

Bongani Hlatshwayo — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 12:41:28 +0000

Siblings, aged 25 years and 30 years succumbed to gunshot wounds while other two victims, a 35-year-old female and 29-year-old male, are fighting for their lives in hospital.

The shooting incident took place along the R536 road leading to the Kruger National Park in Mantangaleni Trust, Calcutta on Friday 23 February 2024 at about 23:40.

The incident is not a tavern shooting, but happened about 20 metres from a tavern at a car wash along the street, according to eye witnesses this publication spoke to this morning.

According to information, unknown suspects approached the victims and opened fire. It is alleged that the suspects also took a firearm from one of the deceased. Upon the police’s arrival, the first victim was found next to the rear right wheel of his vehicle, while his brother was found a few meters away from the vehicle.

VIDEO: Spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison Moeti Mmusi confirms the incident.

https://mpmirroronline.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Culcatta-.mp4

Police have since launched an investigation. Police urge anyone who might have information about the suspects to please contact Calcutta Detective Branch Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sikhumbuzo Ceko on 082 922 9902 or call Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.

The post Brothers fatally shot and two hospitalised appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

WATCH: Elephant escapes from KNP

Yoliswa Khumalo — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:57:29 +0000

MATSULU – Residents were shocked to see an elephant roaming the streets after it escaped from the Kruger National Park earlier today.

According to members of the community, some saw it around 01:00am and alerted authorities.”It was walking around people’s houses near Mandela Park,” one of them said.

In videos circulating on social media, a group of people can be seen running behind the animal and in others, people are being chased by it.

READ | Leopard attacks four people in Matsulu

VIDEOS:

WATCH | An elephant has escaped from the Kruger National Park and is seen roaming around houses in Matsulu this afternoon. In some videos circulating on social media, community members are seen chasing and running behind the animal. https://t.co/DjHGEcdf6m pic.twitter.com/IQ5gZF5JVa

— Mpumalanga Mirror (@MPMirror) February 10, 2024

Matsulu can't be a real place😭 https://t.co/Y0VcIBYjD4 pic.twitter.com/rJvC2SNHFs

— Ms Jayleen (@JayF_321) February 10, 2024

An elephant is seen cooling off at someone’s yard in Matsulu near Mandela Park before it was killed by community member @SANParks #EFFManifestoLaunch2024 pic.twitter.com/mb1EhOUrQn

— #LOVE&LIGHT (@khoza_bonnie) February 10, 2024

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency(MTPA) released a statement confirming that the elephant was eventually put down by the Damage Causing Animals team who successfully retrieve the head of the elephant with its ivory in accordance to the law
and left the carcass for the community.

SEE STATEMENT:

South African National Park’s Isaac Phaahla confirmed the incident. “We tried to lead the animal back to the park. A chopper was dispatched and eventually led it to an open field where we had to euthanise the animal. However, some residents were preventing us to lead the animal back to the park. MTPA officials were harassed and the police came but they were overpowered. Unfortunately, we decided to call off the mission,” said Phaahla.

READ THE FULL STORY IN NEXT WEEK’S EDITION OF MPUMALANGA MIRROR

The post WATCH: Elephant escapes from KNP appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

FlySaFair announces new Mbombela-Cape Town route

Jabulane Khumalo — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 10:00:59 +0000

South Africa’s favourite low-cost airline will be launching a direct route between Cape Town International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

This new route makes travelling between the two tourism hot spots more accessible for both local and international holidaymakers. “We are very pleased to be able to start the year off with such an exciting new route. Although flights to areas surrounding the Kruger National Park are readily available from Johannesburg, there are limited commercial flight options from Cape Town,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.

Thanks to the concerted efforts of Cape Town Tourism, the city has experienced a boom in popularity, particularly with international visitors. International tourism in the city has boomed, increasing by 76% between January and July last year.

READ | MP ready to showcase province at IMEX in Germany

During the busy Christmas period, the number of visitors to the city exceeded pre-covid levels with officials. It recorded 317 thousand international tourists passing through the city’s main airport with two-way tickets. Local travel to the Mother City has also grown. In the first six months of 2023 alone, Cape Town saw 3.2 million domestic two-way passengers pass through Cape Town International Airport, representing a 9% year-on-year growth.

As a result, many of the local tourist attractions have seen drastic increases in the number of visitors. The addition of more capacity and a low-cost carrier to the route between CTIA and KMIA offers an exciting opportunity to spread the tourism success currently being experienced in Cape Town to other attractions across the country.

The Kruger National Park is one of the most spectacular and unique tourist attractions South Africa has to offer. Beyond acting as an important source of income for surrounding communities, it also plays an important role in preserving our country’s biodiversity and wildlife heritage.

Growing this route will encourage international tourists and Cape Town locals to extend their holidays to include a visit to the park. This is likely to have a marked positive effect on overall tourism in South Africa. “Cape Town and the Kruger National Park are two of our country’s most popular tourist destinations. Unfortuj.7jnately, though, they sit in opposite corners of our country, making travel between them both inconvenient and costly,” said Gordon.

“We hope that by introducing our low-cost option to the market, we can encourage more tourists to build a visit to Kruger into their trip itineraries while also opening this gem to the people of the Western Cape.”

The inaugural flight for this route is planned for the 2nd of April and will make use of FlySafair’s Boeing 737-800. Tickets will start at R1851.00 one way, with flights leaving Cape Town at 9:00am every Tuesday and Saturday and landing at the destination around 11:30am. The aircraft will then be turned around, taking off from KMIA at 12:05pm and landing at approximately 14:50pm.

The post FlySaFair announces new Mbombela-Cape Town route appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

Leopard attacks four people in Matsulu

Jabulane Khumalo — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:43:14 +0000

A leopard attacked four people following its escape at the Kruger National Park today.

Spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Kholofelo Nkambule, confirmed the incident.

READ | SANParks employee attacked by leopard at KNP

“We are aware, and the injured four were taken to a local hospital. Our team will investigate to determine what could have caused the animal to behave in that manner. We want to appeal to communities to immediately report such incidences to the MTPA. We have officials that experienced in handling wild animals or report to the police,” she said. Communities members killed the animal after it was spotted.

On July 17, another leopard attacked a SANParks employee. He fought the leopard and shouted for help. The animal disappeared into the surrounding bush. They rushed the employee to the doctor for treatment. He suffered deep lacerations and trauma, but they understand the injuries not to be life threatening.

The post Leopard attacks four people in Matsulu appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

EXCO SITTING | Executive Council endorse key factors in the province

Jabulane Khumalo — Fri, 14 May 2021 05:51:01 +0000

The Executive Council held a virtual EXCO sitting on Wednesday the May 12. The cabinet endorsed the following.

IMPROVING TOURISM IN THE PROVINCE

The Executive Council endorsed a report outlining the strategic positioning of the Province as a tourism destination of choice.

In order to drive this process, the Provincial Government will, among others, prioritise the maintenance of roads and other related infrastructure within the surrounds of tourism attraction sites.

Furthermore, the Cabinet endorsed the Greater Kruger Strategic Development Programme which will, upon implementation, improve the revenue capacity of the Kruger National Park while alleviating poverty and creating employment in communities around the Kruger National Park entrance points.

E-Learning facilities and the incorporation of coding and robotics in schools across the Province

The Executive Council resolved to provide e-learning equipment to learners. This initiative will target an initial cohort of grade 12 learners. This decision is informed by a number of factors key, among which, is the onerous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the education system in 2020. In order to mitigate the loss of academic time necessitated by the lockdown, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government will ensure that learners are able to continue with the curriculum in instances where physical school attendance is not possible.

The Executive Council also resolved to pilot the incorporation of coding and robotics in the foundation phase curriculum. This will ensure the development of digital skills for students from all walks of life.

COVID-19 VACCINATION ROLL OUT PLAN PHASE 2

The Executive Council endorsed the report on the state of readiness of the Province to commence to stage two of the Covid-19 vaccine roll out plan. This phase of the roll-out plan will commence on May 17 and will target people over 60 years of age and those with comorbidities.

INVOCATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF S139(7) OF THE CONSTITUTION AT THE LEKWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

The Executive Council endorsed a report outlining the road map towards the dissolution of the Lekwa Local Municipality Council in accordance with s139(7) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The decision will stabilise the functionality of the Municipality whilst ensuring the delivery of basic services for the people of Lekwa.

UPLIFTMENT OF INTERVENTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH S139(1) (B) OF THE CONSTITUTION AT THE GOVAN MBEKI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

The Executive Council received a progress report on the intervention at Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in accordance with section 139(1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,

In light of the positive developments at the Municipality, the Executive Council resolved to uplift the intervention and provide support to the Municipality in accordance with Sections 154(1) and Section 155(6) of the Constitution.

GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN ECONOMY PLAN

The Executive Council endorsed the green economy plan. The plan outlines the Province’s approach towards the reduction of carbon emissions across the Province.

The Executive Council directed the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs to foster multi sectoral collaborations with all stakeholders to ensure the requisite buy in order to expedite the implementation of the plan.

The post EXCO SITTING | Executive Council endorse key factors in the province appeared first on MP Mirror Online.