Abstract:
This study sought to establish the perceptions of the management
of National Parks in South Africa and Zimbabwe with respect to
making their parks universally accessible. This study was set
against a background of many people with disabilities who are
willing and financially able to patron national parks being denied
the opportunity to do so due to various barriers. Using a
qualitative approach, the researchers explored the views of the
management of South African National Parks (SANPARKS) and
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks)
regarding the universal accessibility of National Parks. The study
revealed that, generally, the management of the said parks
appreciate the plight of people with disabilities who want to visit
their parks and would have wanted the parks to be accessible to
all people. However, the managers from SANPARKS seemed more
willing and prepared to make their parks universally accessible
compared to their counterparts from ZimParks.
