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South African History Online

Address at the launch of the Kruger National Park Centenary Celebrations

Skukuza, 26 March 1998

Chairperson;
Your Royal Highnesses;
Cabinet Ministers and
Provincial Premiers;
Chief Executive Officer of the National Parks
Board;
Distinguished guests;
Ngwenyama; Amakhosi, Bayede!

Conservation in its nature is directed both to the past and the future, to
preserving our heritage and ensuring that it benefits generations to come.

So it is a great pleasure to celebrate the centenary of this premier
conservation area with men and women whose decisions and actions will be
critical to its future.

We are also proud to welcome our visitors from abroad and representatives of
governments from so many countries. For we are aware that we are entrusted with
a priceless asset that is valued not only by our own people, but by our region
and people across the world.

In commemorating this historic day, we do not forget those who had to
surrender their land to make it possible, often through forcible removal, nor
those who for generations were denied access to their heritage except as poorly
rewarded labour.

We recall these threads in our history not to decry the foresight of those
who established the park, nor to diminish our enjoyment of it. We do so rather
to reaffirm our commitment that the rural communities in and around our parks
should also benefit from our natural heritage, and find in it an opportunity for
their development.

Tourism occupies a strategic place in our overall strategy for reconstruction
and development. The rapid growth of this sector since our country was freed
from apartheid confirms our confidence that tourism is destined to play a
critical role in earning much-needed foreign exchange and creating jobs. It can
help produce wealth which will strengthen our efforts to provide clean water,
electricity, health-care and adequate housing to those who have been so long
denied these basic amenities.

Such assets as the Kruger National Park and our many other parks and tourist
attractions, if developed within a framework of regional co-operation, can make
a major contribution not only to our own country but to the whole of Southern
Africa. Visitors who come to experience the wonders of this park are in easy
reach of many spectacular offerings elsewhere in our region.

In this regard it is satisfying to learn of the progress in discussions with
Mozambican authorities to establish a single Park that links our countries and
our peoples. That would be a victory not only for more cohesive management of
our region's ecology, but a concrete symbol of regional unity and a spur to
development.

If we are to succeed in fully realising the potential of eco-tourism to
contribute to development, it will be by embracing the spirit of partnership
that underlies all our achievements as a newly liberated nation.

A new generation of leaders has the responsibility for enhancing conservation
and public service standards. Theirs is the task of bringing together all
stakeholders in a broad partnership.

Rural communities not only have the opportunity now to become involved as
entrepreneurs. They can also be active agents in meaningful programmes of
conservation and environmental community education. In so doing they will
contribute to the sustainable use of our environment, and at the same time
dispel the myth that this is a preserve of a rich elite. These efforts will be
strengthened by co-operation between communities, conservation authorities and
private operators.

The private sector, whose generosity was made this event possible, has a
major role to play, whether it be through: the promotion of conservation; direct
assistance in the upliftment of communities neighbouring on parks; or as
business with an interest in the sustainable growth of the industry.

Our guests from beyond our borders represent an international community that
played a crucial role in making it possible for South Africans to join hands
with each other in re-building our country. Our own efforts to preserve our
natural heritage and develop it for the benefit of all our citizens will depend
also on you support and co-operation.

Whether it is through contributions to international conservation efforts; as
investors; or as tourists enjoying our sunny beaches and our rich cultural and
natural heritage, you are part of our endeavours to create a better life for all
our people.

Long may continue as partners for conservation and development.

I thank you.

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