From 01 November 2007 the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park became known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a name chosen as a reflection of this World Heritage Site’s ‘unique identity and sense of place’.
Historical Context 
The name iSimangaliso means a wonder or miracle – something of great beauty and out of the ordinary. When Zulu King Shaka died, his aide given to keeping all his secrets, Ujeqe, fled as it was customary for this person to be buried with his monarch.
Ujeqe chose, instead, to wander into Thongaland (present-day Maputaland). On his return, he is believed to have said, ‘I saw wonders and miracles in the flat land and lakes of Thonga’.
Public Support
Marthinus van Schalkwyk, The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, initiated the name changing project in 2005. Public meetings, advertisements in all media and briefing documents were used to get public input and trade support. 
The new name was announced in May 2007, allowing product suppliers a 6-month notice period. Essentially, though, they will have an additional 24 months as the new name and park brand is to be phased in.
Town’s Name Doesn’t Change
‘It is important to know that the name of the town, St Lucia, will not change,’ says Pontso Pakkies, spokesperson of the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park Authority.
Use of the New Name
For the tourism industry in general, the Authority will also provide guidelines on the use of the new name to assist with the transition. ‘This gives us an opportunity to control the indiscriminate and inappropriate use of the name, ensure appropriate service levels by its users, and encourage local community empowerment,’ says Pakkies.
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