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SANParks Week Success

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South African National Parks (SANParks) recorded 62 312 visitors around the country during South African National Parks Week which was opened by the Honourable Minister of Environmental Affairs Dr Edna Molewa in the Addo Elephant Park.

The week-long campaign ran from 12 to 18 September and was held under the theme ‘Know Your National Parks’. It allowed locals with valid identity documents an opportunity to spend a day at a national park of their choice free of charge.

According to SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni, the objective of the week was to give all South Africans a chance to enjoy and experience the beauty and majesty of national parks.

“We want to create a culture of pride in all South Africans in their relationship with the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage. When people start to take pride in the national parks, then we believe that they will start to understand the importance of conservation.

“The feature element of this campaign is the free access granted to all South African day visitors carrying their official identity documents. Young persons under the age of 16 are allowed free access without proof of identity.

“Since its inception in 2006, National Parks Week has seen an influx of 286 935 day visitors in all participating parks. These numbers are encouraging and tell us that more people are taking advantage of this free week at our national Parks,” said Mketeni. – SAnews.gov.za

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.