Google has reversed an unauthorized name change for Kruger National Park after its listing on Google Maps was altered to “Skukuza National Park.” The tech giant confirmed the original name has been restored, clarifying that no official renaming process was ever initiated or approved by South African authorities....Click to Read More >>➤

The incident appears to have originated from user-submitted edits through Google’s mapping services. Google Maps permits users to suggest modifications to geographical listings, which are then supposedly reviewed by the company’s staff. In this case, a prankster successfully altered the park’s name and even linked the fraudulent listing to the official SA National Parks website.

Google South Africa spokesperson Siya Madikane addressed the situation, stating that Google has now “protected” the Kruger National Park listing on Google Maps. The company has updated relevant teams to prevent similar incidents. Madikane emphasized that only the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment holds the legal authority to change a national park’s name, and no such change has been gazetted for Kruger National Park.

Official Confirmation of Park’s Legal Name

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has explicitly confirmed that Kruger National Park remains the official and legal name. Department spokesperson Thobile Zulu-Molobi stated, “The department clarifies that there has been no amendment to the name of the Kruger National Park under Section 20 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003. No notice has been published in the Government Gazette to alter the name and no such change has been approved by the minister.”

Minister Dion George further reinforced this position, confirming there are no active applications to change the park’s name. “There is nothing in progress to change the name of Kruger National Park and I certainly have no intention of approving any request,” the minister stated. The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act clearly designates that only the minister possesses the legal authority to assign or amend the name of a national park.

Public Response and Concerns

Civil society group AfriForum expressed strong opposition to the unauthorized name change and any potential future attempts to rename Kruger National Park. Marais de Vaal, AfriForum’s environmental affairs advisor, stated they would take action to correct “misleading information” on Google Maps. “We strongly oppose the reckless and politically motivated attempt to rename Kruger National Park,” De Vaal said. “Changing its name would erase a part of our shared history, harm one of South Africa’s most valuable tourism brands and undermine the rule of law.”

The controversy emerged following a September motion in the Mpumalanga legislature that proposed renaming Kruger National Park without prior notice. The motion was quickly adopted, sparking concerns about potential official name change efforts. However, authorities have consistently maintained that Kruger National Park’s name remains unchanged through proper legal channels.

Tourism Implications of Name Changes

Tourism experts have warned that renaming Kruger National Park could have significant consequences for South Africa’s tourism industry. Professor Elmarie Slabbert, head of the North-West University tourism research unit, noted that “Kruger is arguably one of the most famous wildlife brands in the world.” The potential confusion from renaming such an established international attraction could impact visitor numbers and recognition.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of digital platforms to misinformation campaigns and unauthorized edits. While Google’s mapping services allow for community contributions, this case demonstrates how such features can be exploited to spread false information about significant national landmarks. The protection of Kruger National Park’s digital identity now appears secured, but the event serves as a cautionary tale about verifying information through official channels.

The department has urged those spreading misinformation about Kruger National Park to cease immediately. The preservation of Kruger National Park’s historical significance and international brand recognition remains a priority for both government authorities and tourism stakeholders. The quick resolution of this digital naming controversy reaffirms the park’s legal standing as Kruger National Park. ...Click to Read More >>➤