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South African National Parks (SANParks) Chief Executive Officer, Hapiloe Sello
Seven communities have signed a beneficiation scheme agreement with SANParks at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga. This follows negotiations that started a decade ago between SANParks and representatives of the previously dispossessed landowners.
Jubilation filled the Nombolo Mdluli Hall at Skukuza Rest Camp when a ten-year journey of endless meetings and sacrifices was finally put on paper.
An agreement that will see community members trained, skilled, and given job and business opportunities at the park.
“The economic opportunities come in a very significant way in the sense that for the first time since the beginning of Kruger 100 years ago, communities are going to start to own lodges inside Kruger. That is quite a huge economic contribution that we’re going to make outside the Kruger into the communities, and obviously, communities are going to be employed in tourism facilities that are going to be here,” says Traditional Healer, Livhuwani Matsila.
“We are very happy because we started a new foundation where we think the new generation will benefit out of what we have done today with the two ministers, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development,” says Traditional Healer, J.M Chauke.
This morning, SABC 2 Morning Live broadcast live from Kruger National Park ahead of tonight’s Centenary Commemoration Launch.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Hon. Willie Aucamp, SANParks Interim Board Chairperson Ms Beryl Ferguson, SANParks CEO Ms Hapiloe… pic.twitter.com/DuidSMO3YK
— SANParks (@SANParks) May 30, 2026
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, Willie Aucamp, says this agreement is a move in the right direction for the conservation of the park.
“What we signed today is a mutual beneficiation scheme, a scheme wherein there are huge benefits for the community, but also huge benefits for the Kruger National Park. No agreement will work if it is not beneficial for both parties. It was clear during these negotiations and in what we have got on paper today that both the Kruger National Park and all these communities going forward will change the face of conservation within the Kruger National Park. I have always said that we want to put conservation out there as one of the main things that people must think of. However, I can promise you that if someone goes to bed hungry tonight, they will not think about conservation. That will not be the first thing on their mind,” says Forestry, fisheries and environment Minister, Willie Aucamp.
The CEO of SANParks says that the whole process with the communities will be carried out thoroughly.
“This beneficiation scheme will be implemented without that particular oversight, as the minister has indicated. Transparency is very important, and even where there are delays or challenges—because sometimes you cannot predict what will happen—those matters must be dealt with in a transparent manner. Transparency is what will bring integrity to the beneficiation scheme and help retain strong relationships with our partner, the community,” says SANParks CEO, Hapiloe Sello.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver a keynote address at the launch of the centenary celebrations, on Saturday.
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