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South African National Parks (SANParks) in partnership with TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa and First National Bank (FNB) has opened the 18th annual South African National Parks Week in Pretoria. The week, opened by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy begins on 16 September 2023 and ends on 24 September 2023 (Park-specific dates on www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week).

SANParks Chief Executive Officer, Hapiloe Sello says SA National Parks Week is aimed at linking the South African National Parks system to communities and to showcase the best of our country’s national parks.

During the week all South African citizens are allowed to enter national parks for free for a day visit. “On Sunday the SANParks Board Chairperson Ms Pam Yako and myself will host media and communities in the Kruger National Park in celebration of the start of SANParks Week.”

Sello said “The role of communities in our efforts to protect our parks is of vital importance. Our communities should be at the forefront of conservation and SA National Parks Week gives these communities an opportunity to freely access Parks they might not have been exposed to, and to gain a greater understanding of the importance of conservation.”

SANParks recently embarked on an ambitious project, the SANParks Vision 2040 which in part is about cultivating a collective sense of community, healing, and inspiration that resonates with all South Africans. SANParks Vision 2040 is about looking to the future and reimaging the way we do conservation. “We want all citizens, particularly those living adjacent to national parks, to become champions for conservation and biodiversity and one of the ways to do this is to offer free access to and exposure to the importance of national parks.”

“This week is also an opportunity to showcase national parks as affordable local holiday destinations that offer unique experiences for families and individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles and communities to enjoy.” The free access to the parks does not include accommodation or any commercial activities in the park.

Total Energies Marketing South Africa’s General Manager for Strategy, Corporate Affairs, Marketing & Communications, Sunil Gandhi said “Since the inception of this remarkable partnership with SANParks, we have made monumental strides in protecting South Africa’s pristine landscapes and wildlife. This is in alignment with our ambition to be a major player in the energy transition and to get to net zero by 2050. Our commitment to environmental conservation is unwavering thus, having been a partner with SANParks for more than 64 years is only a true testament to our shared vision of safeguarding our plant treasures for generations to come. We are particularly proud of the annual SANParks Week that allows free entry for SA citizens and gives everyone the opportunity to experience National Parks first-hand.”

Sipho Silinda, CEO, FNB Public Sector Banking says, “The 18th annual SANParks Week is a remarkable milestone in our sustained commitment to enable South African citizens to explore our country’s natural heritage, particularly as we also celebrate Heritage Day this month and as a nation embrace all cultures. Our tourism industry continues to be fundamental to the growth of our economy. We urge all our communities and individuals to support our national and cultural heritage and experience South African National Parks.”

SANParks started this campaign in 2006 to encourage all South Africans, especially those from communities around the parks, to share in what SANParks believes to be the pride and joy of all South Africans and the world. “The survival of the national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage truly lies in the people of South Africa, and SA National Parks Week provides us with the opportunity to establish a real multi-cultural visitor profile and assist in developing a deep sense of national pride. Come and experience our parks and enjoy SA National Week as it is for all South Africans. This is your heritage, explore it, learn from it and love it,” concluded Sello.

Visit our website www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week for more information and follow #SANationalParksWeek and #LiveYourWild on social media, to join in the fun and discover all there is to do and see in our national parks.