Mpumalanga Legislature Approves Motion to Rename Airport and Kruger Park
On Heritage Day, the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature fast-tracked a bold motion to rename several landmark sites in the province, including the main airport and the iconic Kruger National Park.
The proposal, introduced without prior notice by EFF MPL Rhulani Quibi, was adopted within minutes.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI / KMIA) would become DD Mabuza International Airport, in honour of the late Deputy President David “DD” Mabuza.
Kruger National Park (KNP) would be renamed Skukuza National Park.
A stadium in eMalahleni (formerly Witbank) may also take on the name Veli Malhangu Stadium.
Quibi and other supporters argue that landmarks still bearing colonial or apartheid-era names no longer reflect South Africa’s heritage and values. They pointed specifically to Paul Kruger — after whom the park and airport are named — calling his legacy “one of land dispossession and oppression.”
Quibi asked: “How do we celebrate Heritage Month when our airport is still named after the same apartheid murderer, Paul Kruger, who stole our land and killed our forefathers?”
Although the legislature adopted the motion, it is not yet final. The renaming must pass through administrative, legal, and institutional processes before it can officially take effect.
The motion involves multiple entities — municipalities, parks authorities, and transport agencies — which will all have roles to play in the process.
