A proposed new entrance on the border of the northern part of the Kruger National Park – Shangoni Gate – was officially launched yesterday (Wednesday, March 6) by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Amos ‘Fish’ Mahlalela.

He noted that it was a “seminal turning point in the further development of tourism opportunity” in the park.

“Tourism has the potential to contribute to the economic growth of our country, and thereby create jobs and improve the well-being of our people. This is the main reason for the proposed opening of a new gate on this border of the Kruger National Park, being the biggest of our parks that invite many international and domestic tourists every year.”

History and background

This development is a long time in the making. In 2016, The Department of Tourism committed financial assistance to South African National Parks (SANParks) in 2016 for the development of the Shangoni Gate.

According to the Deputy Minister, this project was supported as it would catalyse local economic development for both the Vhembe and Mopani District Municipalities by providing job and business opportunities for the local communities through improved access to the KNP, especially from the northern side. 

At the time that funding had been approved, the Shangoni Gate project was still at a conceptual stage and detailed planning had not yet commenced.

A long-standing dispute on the positioning of the Shangoni Gate amongst communities around and adjacent to the gate also held up development of the project until it was resolved.

Although the development is taking place inside the KNP, which is within SANParks’ jurisdiction, there were several adjacent communities whose needs had to be considered.

During the consultation process prior to application for environmental approval, a Shangoni Gate Stakeholder Forum was established, co-ordinated by the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. The Forum was constituted by representatives from the Muyexe Tribal Authority, Mtititi Tribal Authority, Madonsi Tribal Authority, Malamulele Business Forum, Mtititi community, Thulamela Local Municipality and Greater Giyani Local Municipality.

Final resolution

On Tuesday evening (March 5) a stakeholder meeting took place at Mopani Camp in the northern part of the park and a final resolution was reached in which all parties agreed on the position of the gate.

At the meeting it was also agreed that a sub-committee would be set up with representatives from all concerned parties to ensure that all the surrounding communities reaped the benefits of the opening of the new gate.

Although planning has been completed and construction of the reception area is near completion, the commencement of the construction of the entrance gate can only proceed once consensus is reached among communities on the position of the gate.

The Department of Tourism, SANParks and various community representatives will meet on a monthly basis to ensure the consensus is upheld and benefits are reaped.

“I applaud all parties for reaching consensus on the positioning of the Shangoni Gate in the northern part of the Kruger National Park as this is a major victory for tourism development and growth. From this point forward all of us need to commit ourselves to the creation of jobs and defeating poverty while at the same time sharing the beautiful offerings of our country in a sustainable and green manner,” said Mahlalela.