Floods Test Kruger, SANParks Earns Minister’s Praise

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, has commended South African National Parks (SANParks) for its “safety-first” approach following his visit to the flood-affected Kruger National Park.

Minister Aucamp visited the park to assess damage caused by heavy rainfall and to engage with SANParks management and other stakeholders. Large parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo have experienced severe weather over recent days, resulting in flooding and disruptions to infrastructure and park operations.

“While there have been major disruptions and damage due to the heavy rains, it has been encouraging to witness the well-planned and coordinated response by Kruger National Park,” said Aucamp. “Early warning systems allowed emergency teams to act timeously and evacuate staff and guests safely.”

The Minister praised SANParks for prioritising human safety despite significant operational challenges, including road and gate closures, power outages and interruptions to basic services.

He also announced that SANParks has committed to establishing a Kruger Relief Fund to support rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and other urgent needs. The fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms to ensure transparency.

Although disruptive rainfall may continue in the coming days, the Minister said SANParks and emergency services remain well equipped to manage the situation. Day visits to the Kruger National Park remain prohibited until further notice, while access at several gates is restricted.

Entry into the park is currently limited to essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers with valid flight tickets, officials, and guests with confirmed accommodation bookings at Berg-en-Dal, Skukuza and Pretoriuskop camps.

Minister Aucamp confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored and that updates will be shared as conditions change. “The safety of guests, staff and infrastructure remains the highest priority,” he said, urging the public to rely on SANParks’ official communication platforms for verified information.

“We are grateful that no loss of life has been recorded and that evacuations have been conducted smoothly,” the Minister added, thanking park management and emergency services for their swift response.

SANParks is expected to release further details on the Kruger Relief Fund in due course.