WILDLY UNAFFORDABLE
DA slams massive tariff hikes at North West nature reserves

Platinum Weekly newspaper | North West – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North West has raised the alarm over what it calls “extreme and irrational” tariff increases at provincial nature reserves, set to take effect on 1 December 2025.

According to DA spokesperson on DEDECT, Jóhni Steenkamp, the new tariffs announced by the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) include increases of more than 1,500% at some reserves — hikes he describes as a direct threat to affordability, accessibility, and the future of local tourism.

A DA analysis of tariffs across all ten provincial reserves uncovered shock increases such as:

• 1 580% rise in vehicle entry at Boskop Dam
• 1 475% increase in caravan fees at Borakalalo
• 180% rise in children’s entry fees
• 332% increase in adult entry fees
• 1 370% day-visitor increase at Madikwe

“These figures simply defy logic,” Steenkamp said, noting that national parks elsewhere in South Africa are increasing tariffs at a normal inflation-driven rate of around 10–13%.

The DA argues that the timing makes even less sense. Just weeks ago, MEC Lenkopane announced a R400 million investment into biodiversity management and infrastructure upgrades in protected areas. “You cannot claim to be improving access while pricing people out,” Steenkamp said.

Access to nature under threat? 
The DA warns that extreme tariff increases could shut out families, schools, and small tourism operators.