News

As part of the Kruger National Park’s Centenary commemorations, South African National Parks (SANParks) is hosting a Heritage and Museums Symposium at Mopani Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park from 10 to 11 November 2026, bringing together heritage practitioners, museum professionals, historians, researchers, academics and conservation specialists to reflect on the rich and diverse cultural landscape that forms an integral part of the Park’s legacy.

The symposium forms part of the centenary programme that celebrates 100 years of the Kruger National Park, while recognising that the history of the area extends far beyond its proclamation as a national park. The event will provide a platform for engagement, knowledge exchange and critical reflection on the cultural, historical, archaeological, and social dimensions that have shaped the Kruger landscape over centuries.

Renowned experts and practitioners will explore a broad range of heritage themes, from San (Bushman) rock art to Iron Age societies within the Kruger landscape, based on many research findings from the area. Kruger, and specifically Letaba, is becoming renowned as an area with sites potentially dating to an even earlier period than the famous Mapungubwe – thus providing new perspectives on the Iron Age period in Southern Africa. The re-investigation of Thulamela is another critical element that will be explored during the symposium.

The symposium will also examine the social, cultural, and political history of the Kruger National Park, highlighting the complex relationships between conservation, communities, and land. Discussions will further explore the Park’s place within South Africa’s liberation history and the broader political and social dynamics that have influenced conservation and protected area management over time.

The symposium reflects SANParks’ commitment to recognising and preserving the full heritage of the park.

The Kruger National Park is far more than a wildlife sanctuary. It is a living cultural landscape that bears the footprints, memories, and histories of generations of people who have lived in, interacted with, and shaped this landscape. As we commemorate the Park’s centenary, this symposium provides an important opportunity to reflect on these shared histories, deepen our understanding of our heritage, and strengthen partnerships among heritage, museum, academic, and conservation institutions.

In addition to the symposium programme, delegates will undertake field visits to significant heritage sites within the park, including the Shilowa Trail and the Letaba sites, allowing participants to engage directly with some of the cultural and historical resources that contribute to the Park’s unique heritage value.

The Heritage and Museums Symposium underscores SANParks’ commitment to conserving not only biodiversity, but also the cultural narratives, archaeological treasures, historical experiences, and living traditions that form part of South Africa’s national heritage. Through dialogue, research, and collaboration, the symposium seeks to ensure that these stories continue to be documented, interpreted, and celebrated for generations to come.