News

Focus: Governance, accountability, institutional leadership, restoring trust

29 MAY 2026

Programme Director,

Honourable Minister

Fellow Board Members

CEO of SANParks and the Executive Team

Traditional leaders,

Former SANParks Board Chairperson, Ms Pam Yako,

Members of previously dispossessed landowners,

Distinguished guests,

It is an honour and profound pride that I welcome you today on behalf of South African National Parks, at a moment of significant institutional and national importance.

We gather here in recognition of a history whose lessons has now offered us a commitment to a shared future. The establishment of the Kruger National Park in 1926 came at a cost to many of the communities represented here today — communities who were dispossessed of land that they had occupied, used and cared for over generations. Today, we acknowledge that history openly and with humility.

SANParks recognise that restitution is not only about financial compensation. It is about restoring dignity, enabling participation, and ensuring that conservation delivers meaningful value to those who were historically excluded.  The Beneficiation Scheme we are signing today reflects that understanding. It is a governance instrument grounded in fairness, transparency and long-term sustainability. It is also an acknowledgement that progress has not always moved at the pace our stakeholders deserved.  We are therefore deliberate in positioning today as a turning point where accountability shifts from commitments to implementation.

This moment would not have been possible without the leadership of those who came before us. We acknowledge, in particular, Ms Pam Yako, whose tenure as Chairperson laid critical foundations for the work we advance today. We also recognise the important role played by Chief Matsila in guiding both communities and government through complex processes towards this milestone.

As we stand on the threshold of the Kruger National Park’s centenary, we are reminded that the next 100 years must be different from the first. Conservation can no longer be understood without inclusion. It must be built on partnerships, shared value, and mutual accountability.

As a Board, we commit to providing the oversight necessary to ensure that this scheme is implemented effectively, transparently, and in a manner that delivers real outcomes for communities.

Today is not the end of a process, but the beginning of a new phase of work. One that requires discipline, cooperation and sustained leadership from all of us.

This is where the real work begins.

I thank you.