SANParks.org Forums

Could not find another “Phalaborwa gate” thread so I will just post this titbit in here.

For the avid North Kruger lovers : Did you know the name Phalaborwa means “Better than the South” – “phala” means better than and “borwa” means south.
“A certain group of Sotho people left their homeland and headed north, they found themselves in a country where the game was plentiful and the weather was warm. “Phala borwa” they said."

Taken from an article in the Sa Airlink inflight magazine, Skyways March 2006

Two weeks ago they were still working on the new gate
But the new reception is finished.

Hi Folks

Still busy with the final touches, but I'll let everyone know ...

Kind regards
KNP Spokesman

Early August:



Last week (22 Sept 2007):

We re-entered the park at Phalaborwa Gate on Sat. 29th Sept. and were told the new gate would be open for business the following Wednesday, being the the 3rd Oct.
All looked in place with the new fast lane card readers etc. just some tidying up of the surrounding area needed.
The reception is very smart and up to date indeed in comparison to the toilets which I thought were somewhat disappointing. But in fairness they might be still incomplete.

Below is a photo taken in 1961 (? can someone please confirm) at the official opening of the Phalaborwa Gate. I am the little boy on the left, 3 years old at the time! My Kruger memories started even before that. I need some clarification here: Was there ever a gate called "Malepene Gate" north of Phalaborwa in the very old days? I recall my parents talking about it years ago.
I have such great memories and emotions about Phalaborwa gate, I even have a photo of it (in colour ) as my wallpaper on my cellphone. It has always been the door into the Kruger Park for me and I was a bit horrified to see the that the gate has been rebuilt. I know Kruger Park Management knows best, and I am over the shock now and cannot wait to see the new gate for myself!

Oh, wow, Bennievis, that brings back memories ! We lived in Phalaborwa for a few years from about 1964, but don't recall a Malepene gate.

Dear Bennievis,

Many thanks for your entry and enquiry. I am from the same era as you (born in 1960) and nostalgically share your sentiments on Phalaborwa. It was just heart warming to see this iconic form of the gate and feel at last we are now at our beloved Kruger Park (or wow, we are now leaving our beloved Kruger Park). Records show that the gate was officially opened on 24 June 1961 and it must have been a special privilege to be there. I collect (for SANParks benefit too) old Kruger pics and it would be great if we could obtain a good quality copy of your pic or pics of this occasion. Yes, indeed, prior to Phalaborwa Gate opening, there was Malopeni Gate some 15 - 20km to the north and it even had some huts as the distances in the early days were such that guests stayed over at these gates as the time to travel was quite different from today, keeping in mind that the roads were then still gravel to a large degree. Many thanks for sharing your sentiments and pic!

JOEP STEVENS (SANParks)

Joep,
Many thanks for your reply and valuable information, especially about the Malopeni Gate, not many people are aware that such a gate and road existed.
As for copies of the photos, it will be a huge pleasure and honour to share with you and SANParks.
I will have to delph into my archives but will stay in touch.
Bennie

Is there any evidence of this gate or the huts today, and if so, are they accessible?

Would be very interesting to see these, Joep! I'm wondering, looking at my map, whether the east/west portion of the present S131 continued west to the old gate?

Congratulations to Phalaborwa Gate on winning the Gate of the year title.

I heard this on the radio today, but I see nothing on the forum about it.

Hi Sprocky,

There is a Media Release to this effect on the Home Page

Congratulations to all the winners

Phalaborwa does not mean "better than the south" for nothing.
Well done!!