The official launch was held in the Marakele National Park. Speaking at the official opening of the focus week on National Parks, Danny Zandamela, CEO, FNB Public Sector Banking says "FNB believes in responsible actions by individuals and communities, as they are an imperative factor in protecting and managing the environment. "The 10th annual SANParks week is a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to continue enabling South African citizens to experience our country's natural heritage."
Zandamela added "we are also of the view that the 'green' agenda cannot be separated from the social upliftment agenda in our country."
Pansy Mekwa, general manager: Strategy at Total South Africa said, "As a leading energy player in Africa, Total South Africa has a worldwide commitment to respect the environment and promote local, social and economic development. This means making corporate social investment an integral part of our operations and business excellence goals. Our partnership with SANParks affords us the vehicle to fulfil this commitment".
The National Parks Week initiative was born out of the realisation that the majority of South Africa's citizens were not visiting parks. This is according to Fundisile Mketeni, chief executive officer of SANParks 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".
The week is also an opportunity to showcase all national parks as key and affordable local holiday destinations which offer a unique and enlightening experience that families and individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles and communities could enjoy. Mketeni 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." Access will be granted on the presentation of valid identification documentations. This only applies to people older than 16 years. This is also part of the effort to promote schools to visit parks during the week.
There are limitations to the visit, but these are only extended to commercial ventures within the parks, such as Safari tours and the like. "The normal daily quota at the gates will still apply during that week and preference will be given based on first come first served basis. Know your parks and fall in love with conserving nature," Mketeni concluded.
