South Africa debates changing name of world-famous Kruger park
57 minutes ago Share Save Khanyisile Ngcobo Johannesburg Share Save
Corbis via Getty Images A bust of Paul Kruger stands at one of the gates to the national park that bears his name
South Africa's world-famous Kruger National Park could become known by a new name if some local politicians have their way. The vast wildlife sanctuary, called the Sabi Game Reserve at the time, was re-christened in 1926 to honour Paul Kruger. He was president in the late 19th Century of what was known as the South African Republic, which forms part of what is now the east of South Africa. For Afrikaners, descendants of 17th Century European settlers, Kruger is revered as a hero who led the resistance against British colonialism. But for the majority of South Africans, he is viewed as a relic of the country's racist past, as he was one of those responsible for driving black Africans off their land and excluding them from having a say in running the republic. Many South African cities, towns, roads and other major infrastructure have been given new names since the end of the legalised system of racial discrimination, known as apartheid, and the beginning
Continue Reading on BBC News
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.