Kruger National Park

Media Release: KNP hands over 400 boxes of books

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Date: 14th July 2005

The Kruger National Park’s (KNP) Executive Director, Dr Bandile Mkhize today (Thursday, July 14, 2005) presented 400 boxes of books to Education Inspectors from the 12 school circuits that surround the world famous protected area on behalf of the KNP’s People and Conservation Department.

The Kruger National Park’s (KNP) Executive Director, Dr Bandile Mkhize today (Thursday, July 14, 2005) presented 400 boxes of books to Education Inspectors from the 12 school circuits that surround the world famous protected area on behalf of the KNP’s People and Conservation Department.

This project, which is a joint project between the KNP, the South Africa Booksmart Foundation and Engen, will see books going to the Park’s 150 neighbouring schools.

Schools due to receive books have been identified as those previously disadvantaged schools located within 20-kilometres radius from the KNP which are battling financially.

A steering committee between the three organizations was established to look at each school’s specific needs. After these needs were organized, a representative from each circuit visited South Africa Booksmart Foundation in Durban to identify specific books needed.

Engen then sponsored the transport of the books from Durban to Skukuza.

“For us here in the Kruger National Park, this hand over means that we are contributing to human development, which is an important part of our community involvement,” said Ms Helen Mmethi, the KNP’s HOD for People and Conservation.

The Executive Director of the KNP, Dr Bandile Mkhize said that the book hand over bodes well with the park’s commitment to the surrounding communities.

“We certainly feel that the communities surrounding Kruger have an important role to play, not only in conservation but making the area a success in all fields and naturally, education plays an important role in this,” he said.

Education department officials from the 12 circuits will begin distributing the books to the various schools soon.

… Ends

Books for schools: The Kruger National Park handed over 400 boxes of books to the representatives of 150 schools that surround the park in a joint effort between the park, Booksmart Foundation and Engen. From left are Dr Monica Mngadi from South Africa Booksmart Foundation, Dr Bandile Mkhize from the Kruger National Park and Ms Yolisa Mampuru.

Issued by:
Raymond Travers
Media Relations Practitioner
Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4116
Cell: 082 908 2677
E-mail

Enquiries:
William Mabasa
HOD: Public Relations and Communications
Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363
Cell: 082 807 3919
E-mail