#LiveYourWild During South African National Parks Week 2018

South Africa – South African National Parks (SANParks) in partnership with First National Bank (FNB) and Total South Africa has opened the 13^th official South African National Parks Week. The week, opened by the Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr Seaparo Sekoati, on behalf of Environmental Affairs Minister, Dr Edna Molewa, began today, 10 September and will end on Friday, 14 September.

Under the established theme “Know Your National Parks,” the week-long campaign encourages citizens through the #LiveYourWild campaign to visit a national park and be part of a world-wide campaign. The official opening was held at the Phalaborwa Gate in the northern part of the Kruger National Park (KNP).

This year is a significant milestone for KNP given it marks its 120^th year of conservation management.  KNP was first proclaimed in 1898 as the Sabie Game Reserve. The almost 2 million hectares is home to 254 known cultural heritage sites including nearly 130 recorded rock art sites. The Park’s history is rich and exciting and cultural artefacts of Stone Age man have been found dating from 100 000 to 30 000 years ago. There are more than 300 archaeological sites of Stone Age man and evidence of Bushman Folk (San) and Iron Age people from about 1 500 years ago. The park also has many historical tales of the presence of Nguni people and European explorers and settlers in the Kruger area.

There are significant archaeological ruins at Thulamela, Albisini Ruins and Masorini cultural heritage sites. Conservation of these sites is imperative due to their cultural and spiritual value and the historical importance. “As national stewards of the conservation of the area, we are legally bound to protect these sites and with September being both Tourism and Heritage month we want to inspire South Africans to learn about the country’s heritage especially during this free access week,” says SANParks Head of Corporate Communications, Janine Raftopoulos.

National Parks Week was born out of the realization that the majority of South Africa’s citizens were not visiting national parks. This is according to Raftopoulos who said that the reason for the week is to cultivate a culture of pride in all South Africans. “SANParks started this campaign to encourage all South Africans, especially those from the communities around the parks, to share in what SANParks envisions to be “the pride and joy of all South Africans and the world”.

Dr Simphiwe Madikizela, Provincial Head for Gauteng: FNB Public Sector Banking says “Upon recognising the importance of this initiative over a decade ago, FNB decided to join hands with SANParks – because we understand that South Africa’s national parks play an important role in the economic machinery of the country. It’s not only in the interest of SANParks to keep these parks in their natural condition, it’s a collective responsibility, which FNB is proud to be a part of. Year after year, we come together to remind South Africa that this country is blessed with jewels of natural life. Through combined effort, we have been successful at encouraging South Africans to explore our country’s parks.

“Total South Africa is yet again proud to be partnering with the South African National Parks on this initiative which affords equal access to all South Africans. The year 2018 marks an especially important milestone as we celebrate 60 years of a partnership with South African National Parks. Throughout the years, this partnership has expanded beyond just the Kruger National Park and a synergy has been established between the Core Business Pillars of the South African National Parks (SANParks) – Education, Environmental Conservation and Heritage & Culture – with the Corporate Social Investment Focus Areas of Total South Africa. This partnership is therefore an extension of our core business principles” says Corporate Communication and Marketing Manager, Reina Cullinan.

Together with Total South Africa, DSTV and Cars.co.za SANParks hosted an exciting road trip to five national parks, showcasing the services on offer at Total South Africa petrol stations en route to parks, as well as a range of exciting activities in and around the parks. The #LiveYourWild campaign is being broadcast on DSTV Explora Catch-Up Platform, the Peoples Weather channel and within the DSTV Now App. Cars.co.za will also feature snippets on their YouTube channel.  Be sure to look out for the episodes.

Raftopoulos said that free access will be granted to South African day visitors. “This is also an effort to reach out and allow all citizens a chance to freely access something they might not have been exposed to. We especially want our young people to take advantage of this opportunity because this heritage will be under their protection in the near future,”

The annual SA National Parks Week has been made possible with support from Total South Africa and First National Bank (FNB). Share your visit to a National Park with us during SA National Parks Week using #SANationalParksWeek #LiveYourWild and tag @SANParks.