South Africa’s National Parks Week concludes today, Sept. 28, after offering free entry to 21 national parks across the country and encouraging citizens to reconnect with their natural heritage.
SANParks CEO Hapiloe Sello said the initiative was designed to be more than a cost-free outing. “National Parks Week is a heartfelt invitation to every South African to reclaim their birthright, to experience the majestic landscapes and whispering winds of our parks,” she said.
According to an article by EastCoast Radio, she described the parks as sacred places that belong to everyone, adding, “Touch the earth lightly. Respect this heritage, respect these assets.”
Sello also stressed the importance of introducing children to national parks early, ensuring that future generations value and protect these spaces.
“Our parks remind us of the profound interconnectedness between conservation, tourism, and people,” she said, noting that the week serves as a reminder of how parks promote inclusivity and unity.
Last year’s National Parks Week drew more than 91,000 visitors, and SANParks hopes to surpass that milestone in 2025.
Since the program’s inception, nearly 877,000 day visitors have participated. This year’s celebration also set the stage for SANParks’ Vision 2040, a long-term plan focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and ensuring equal access to the country’s natural assets.
National Parks Week underscored the importance of public lands as spaces for recreation, connection, and heritage, offering South Africans the chance to experience extraordinary landscapes across seven provinces.