SANParks to Lay Charges After “Racist, Incorrect, Defamatory Postings” about Kruger National Park

SANParks has announced that it will be laying charges against individuals who posted allegedly racist and defamatory remarks about the Kruger National Park’s accommodation.

South African National Parks (SANParks) tweeted this morning that in “light of the racist, factually incorrect and defamatory postings” made by some social media users, regarding the Kruger’s accommodation, “SANParks has consulted with its legal advisors to lay both criminal and civil charges against the identified individuals”.

SANParks named two of the individuals in its tweet (see below), as well as referring to “others”.

SANParks said the charges will be laid “to maintain the integrity of the organization and to teach those who distribute false news a lesson.” The organisation added that accommodation is available on first come first basis in all Kruger National Parks Rest camps.

The announcement apparently follows comments made and rumours spread on SANParks – Kruger National Park private group page (which has thousands of members) that staff were refusing to return to their staff accommodation from the SANParks accommodation where they had been staying during Lockdown to ensure safe social distancing. According to some who saw the messages, the comments became “nasty”, referencing the staff’s music, children and laundry.

In the midst of the derogatory comments, a foreign tourist – an American zoologist who has visited the Kruger (as well as other parts of South Africa) multiple times – spoke out saying “the comments of a few do not reflect my experience with most South Africans, of all sizes, shapes, colors, ethnicities, etc., and I have worked with South African scientists and students, again, from a wide range of backgrounds and places. When I arrive at the City Lodge at OR Tambo — after the 16 hour flight from the US (or sometimes, after the 11 hour flight from Amsterdam) — I am greeted with hugs by workers who I have come to know over the years, and a big WELCOME BACK. In my jet lagged haze, servers in the hotel restaurant greet me the same, ask if I want a Castle Lager, and if I still want some macaroni and cheese!!! The same experience awaits me when I get to my usual hotel in Polokwane (The Tsogo Sun Garden Court).”

He said he could not wait for the pandemic to be over so he and his wife can return to SA to watch a sunset “after waiting for an hour for a herd of elephants to move across the road, and seeing our friends and colleagues across the country who we miss dearly. Thank you to all South Africans (citizens, residents, and/or SANParks staff), other foreign fans of KNP, etc., for supporting one of the world’s most special places.”

Many Kruger fans have today welcomed the announcement that SANParks will be laying charges; and several have applauded the admin staff who moderate the group’s page for doing the best they can to keep unruly comments off the page.

1/2 In light of the racist, factually incorrect and defamatory postings by Erika Leslie, Pippa Truter and others regarding Kruger National Park accommodation, SANParks has consulted with its legal advisors to lay both criminal and civil charges against the identified individuals

— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) August 22, 2020