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 of the democratic era in 1994. Though sometimes controversial, the decisions have been justified as a way to break with what went before – both the apartheid and colonial era.
But the proposed Kruger name-change does not just touch on history; it also could have a bearing on the country's fragile economy.
The national park, home to elephants, lions, hippos, leopards and many other animals, attracts almost a million visitors a year, and is a jewel in the crown of South Africa's tourism industry.
Some argue that changing Kruger's name could threaten that.
Part of the park is in Mpumalanga province, and in September, as the country celebrated Heritage Month, representatives from the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) put forward a proposal in the region's legislature to change Kruger's name.
How do we celebrate our heritage as South Africans when we still have our beautiful national parks named after the architect of apartheid Paul Kruger, EFF representative Rhulani Qhibi was quoted as saying in a stirring speech.
However, the EFF's proposed name, Skukuza, which means he who sweeps clean in the Tsonga language, has sparked additional controversy. This name honors James Stevenson-Hamilton, the park's first warden, notorious for expelling local black communities.
Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum condemned the EFF's proposal as cheap politics and vowed to challenge any name change legally.
The motion to change the name received support from several major political parties, creating an intricate web of political maneuvering.
Despite legal hurdles, the discussion highlights ongoing sensitivities in South Africa as it confronts its past.
As public opinions vary widely, the future of a name that has been synonymous with wildlife and conservation in South Africa hangs in the balance.
