Programme Director, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by observing the protocol and acknowledging the presence of our esteemed leaders:

• Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
• Honourable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, Premier of the Eastern Cape
• Honourable Mpho Gift Modise (MP), Chairperson of the Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources
• Honourable Masa Manopole, MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Northern Cape
• Honourable Nonkqubela Pieters (MPL), MEC: DEDEAT
• Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, Chairperson: Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders
• Hosi Cyprian Ngove, Chairperson: Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders
• Chief Buyanda Mathanzima, Deputy Chairperson: Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders
• Cllr Gary Van Niekerk, Deputy Executive Mayor: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
• Cllr Eugene Johnson, Speaker of Council: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
• Cllr Wandisile Jikeka, Chief Whip: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
• Cllr Bassie Kamana, MMC: Economic Development, Tourism & Agriculture
• Cllr Sicelo Mleve, EDTA Standing Committee Chief Whip
• Mrs Glenda Perumal, Chairlady: Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA)
• Cllr Solethu Lucas, Mayor: Sundays River Municipality
• Cllr Bonisile Amos Manxoweni, Mayor: Blue Crane Local Municipality
• Mr Vuyani Dayimani, CEO: Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA)
• Mr MJ Mohlala, Acting CEO: Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA)

We are deeply honoured by your presence at this historic gathering.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Metro and its residents, to warmly welcome you to our city for the inaugural SANParks Vision 2040 Indaba.

Today marks not only the beginning of a dialogue but also the shaping of a bold new chapter in the stewardship of South Africa’s natural heritage. The SANParks Vision 2040 seeks to reimagine the role of our national parks not only as sanctuaries of biodiversity, but as living spaces that contribute to economic development, community empowerment, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism.

As we gather here, we do so with the knowledge that our natural environment is under immense pressure from climate change, urbanisation, and competing demands on land and resources. But we also gather with hope, hope that through collective vision, innovative thinking, and collaborative action, we can secure a future where our national parks remain treasures for generations to come.

Our city is deeply honoured to host this inaugural indaba, which brings together some of the finest minds and most passionate advocates for conservation and sustainable development. We see this as an opportunity to not only share ideas but also to inspire practical solutions that benefit our people, our economy, and our environment.

Let this indaba be remembered not just as a conference, but as a turning point: a moment when leaders, practitioners, and communities came together to say: “We will protect our heritage, we will advance sustainability, and we will leave behind a legacy of hope and abundance by 2040.”

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to SANParks for choosing our Metro as the host of this historic event. We trust that beyond the conversations in these halls, you will also take time to explore the beauty, diversity, and hospitality of our city.

With those words, I officially welcome you all to the SANParks Vision 2040 Indaba, and I wish you fruitful deliberations. May the vision we craft together here guide us toward a greener, more sustainable, and more inclusive South Africa.

Thank you.