News

KNP Phalaborwa Gate visitors and staff are unaffected following water disruptions due to misunderstandings with the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.

On 10 December 2025, South African National Parks (SANParks) learned of an alleged amount totalling R44 million for property rates from a debt collector representing the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality. Consequently, the debtor collector elected to facilitate the closure of water to the Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa Gate.

Following an engagement with the Municipal Manager on the same day, an agreement was reached to restore the water supply to the park with immediate effect. This was subsequently done.

During the water closure, the Park was still supplying water from the reservoir. Meaning that none of the visitors or staff were negatively affected by the temporary water closure by the municipality.

A meeting is currently being arranged between SANParks and the municipality to address this matter comprehensively and to work towards a constructive and sustainable solution. This forms part of meetings that were already planned with municipalities in the Limpopo part of KNP in January 2026.

It must be highlighted that Kruger National Park, which spans 2 million hectares, is bordered by 7 municipalities, of which 4 are in Limpopo and 3 in Mpumalanga.

A legally sound and collaborative agreement has been reached on the application of property rates with municipalities in Mpumalanga. SANParks is attempting to realise similar outcomes with municipalities in Limpopo such as Ba-Phalaborwa.

Amongst issues which requires agreement with all parties, includes an agreed methodology for the calculation of property rates considering legislation that governs national parks.  Specifically on the matter with Ba-Phalaborwa, clarity will be sought on how calculations of the suggested owed amount were arrived at. Particularly as SANParks has no records in its possession confirming that an amount of R 44 million is legitimately owed to Ba-Phalaborwa.

SANParks remains committed to cooperative governance, transparency, and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to visitors, staff, and communities that depend on the Kruger National Park.

Furthermore, whilst municipalities do provide some essential services to KNP, it must be noted that the park is largely self‑sufficient.