Mbombela – The Mpumalanga legislature has fast-tracked the renaming of several public assets, including Kruger National Park, the province’s main airport, and a stadium in eMalahleni. The motion, proposed without notice by EFF legislator Rhulani Qhibi, was adopted within minutes during Tuesday’s session.
Qhibi said the renaming aligns with Heritage Month celebrations, arguing that sites named after colonial and apartheid-era figures no longer reflect South Africa’s values. He proposed renaming Kruger National Park to Skukuza National Park, the airport to DD Mabuza International Airport, and the stadium to Veli Malhangu Stadium.
The motion comes days after the EFF reignited debate over public statues of colonial leaders. EFF national chairperson Nontando Nolutshungu submitted a draft resolution calling for an ad-hoc committee to review memorials of figures including Paul Kruger, Queen Victoria, Cecil Rhodes, Louis Botha, and Jan van Riebeeck. She argued the statues represent lingering structures of conquest.
AfriForum head of public relations, Ernst van Zyl, criticised the move, saying political leaders were focusing on tearing down monuments instead of building infrastructure.
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