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Ground-Breaking Ceremony Announces Investment in Mapungubwe National Park’s Road Network
19 November 2025
On the 13th of November 2025, South African National Parks (SANParks) hosted a ground-breaking ceremony to officially commence the upgrading of critical road infrastructure within Mapungubwe National Park. The initiative is funded by the German Government through the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Financing Facility, demonstrating a significant milestone in regional conservation support and cross-border collaboration.
The ceremony brought together key representatives from South Africa, the SADC region, and international development partners. Among the dignitaries in attendance were:
• Mr. Sydney Nkosi, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa
• Mr. Thabo Kgomomu, SANParks General Manager for Cultural Heritage
• Mr. Nils Meyer, KfW Representative on behalf of the German Government
• Ms. Ndapanda Kanime, SADC Secretariat Representative
• Mr. Leo Niskanen, IUCN Representative
They were joined by Mapungubwe National Park management and staff, representatives from SADC Member States, and the SADC TFCA Financing Facility Project Management Unit.
This event signals the beginning of an important phase of infrastructure improvement in a region rich in cultural and ecological significance. It further reflects the early, tangible results of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility’s support toward strengthening protected area management and cross-border conservation efforts.
Investing in Effective Conservation Management
With a total investment of 600,000 Euros, SANParks has embarked on two major interventions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving visitor access and safety within Mapungubwe National Park.
1. Procurement of Two Single-Cab Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 Vehicles
The Park has successfully acquired two single-cab Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to expand its operational fleet.
These vehicles have already strengthened on-the-ground conservation management by:
• Enhancing patrol capabilities
• Improving staff mobility across remote sections of the park
• Reducing response time during emergencies and incidents
• Supporting anti-poaching and law-enforcement operations along the international borders shared with Botswana and Zimbabwe
The addition of these vehicles marks a notable improvement in the park’s capacity to safeguard its biodiversity and ensure the welfare of staff and safety of visitors.
2. Road Upgrade and Maintenance Works
Given the remote terrain, geological conditions, and the diverse range of vehicles used by visitors, the park’s gravel road network has faced increasing pressure. To address these challenges, the project will support:
• Routine maintenance of approximately 20 km of gravel roads, ensuring safer and more reliable access for tourists and staff.
• Upgrading 2.4 km of road from gravel to a durable surfaced standard, using block paving and concrete in sections showing significant wear and structural distress.
These improvements are expected to enhance visitor experience, reduce vehicle damage, facilitate management operations, and ensure year-round accessibility across key routes in the park.
A Significant Step Forward for Regional Conservation
The ground-breaking ceremony represents more than the start of a construction project. It is a testament to the value of international partnerships in advancing conservation, strengthening protected areas, and supporting sustainable tourism in the Southern African region. Through collaborative investment and shared commitment, the SADC TFCA Financing Facility continues to deliver meaningful support to transboundary conservation landscapes.
For more information contact: Kudakwashe Chigodo on Kudakwashe.Chigodo@iucn.org
The ceremony brought together key representatives from South Africa, the SADC region, and international development partners. Among the dignitaries in attendance were:
• Mr. Sydney Nkosi, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa
• Mr. Thabo Kgomomu, SANParks General Manager for Cultural Heritage
• Mr. Nils Meyer, KfW Representative on behalf of the German Government
• Ms. Ndapanda Kanime, SADC Secretariat Representative
• Mr. Leo Niskanen, IUCN Representative
They were joined by Mapungubwe National Park management and staff, representatives from SADC Member States, and the SADC TFCA Financing Facility Project Management Unit.
This event signals the beginning of an important phase of infrastructure improvement in a region rich in cultural and ecological significance. It further reflects the early, tangible results of the SADC TFCA Financing Facility’s support toward strengthening protected area management and cross-border conservation efforts.
Investing in Effective Conservation Management
With a total investment of 600,000 Euros, SANParks has embarked on two major interventions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving visitor access and safety within Mapungubwe National Park.
1. Procurement of Two Single-Cab Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 Vehicles
The Park has successfully acquired two single-cab Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to expand its operational fleet.
These vehicles have already strengthened on-the-ground conservation management by:
• Enhancing patrol capabilities
• Improving staff mobility across remote sections of the park
• Reducing response time during emergencies and incidents
• Supporting anti-poaching and law-enforcement operations along the international borders shared with Botswana and Zimbabwe
The addition of these vehicles marks a notable improvement in the park’s capacity to safeguard its biodiversity and ensure the welfare of staff and safety of visitors.
2. Road Upgrade and Maintenance Works
Given the remote terrain, geological conditions, and the diverse range of vehicles used by visitors, the park’s gravel road network has faced increasing pressure. To address these challenges, the project will support:
• Routine maintenance of approximately 20 km of gravel roads, ensuring safer and more reliable access for tourists and staff.
• Upgrading 2.4 km of road from gravel to a durable surfaced standard, using block paving and concrete in sections showing significant wear and structural distress.
These improvements are expected to enhance visitor experience, reduce vehicle damage, facilitate management operations, and ensure year-round accessibility across key routes in the park.
A Significant Step Forward for Regional Conservation
The ground-breaking ceremony represents more than the start of a construction project. It is a testament to the value of international partnerships in advancing conservation, strengthening protected areas, and supporting sustainable tourism in the Southern African region. Through collaborative investment and shared commitment, the SADC TFCA Financing Facility continues to deliver meaningful support to transboundary conservation landscapes.
For more information contact: Kudakwashe Chigodo on Kudakwashe.Chigodo@iucn.org
