SANParks.org Forums

Thank you, Val and Philip

Remembering them :

In memory wrote:

Forum Member : 18 January 2009 - 06 September 2014

Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday. Missing you is the heartache that never goes away.

for Bettie - Lilydale Rest Camp - for being very friendly, efficient and helpful and for making me looking very much forward to our stay there

Lucky you Matthys

Thanks for taking the time to thank and compliment Bettie. I certainly will pass it on.

Sounds like an all round great place. I can't wait to visit it one day.

Enjoy!!

Bettie.

I certainly will pass it on.

Thank you, Rosemary and hope you will be visiting there soon
This is a first visit for us and I thank all the Travel Talers for promoting and inspiring us to go there

In September our dearest grannyb was awarded her fifth Kudu horn, which made her a

Legendary Virtual Ranger



This is what the forum members said on hearing the news of grannyb's fifth kudu horn.

JeanniR wrote:And well done to ritad, Sky, katydownunder and grannyb - she really deserved it

lion queen wrote:Well done all!!!

Wear them with pride, you all deserve them!! Thanks for all the great contributions!!!

I'm sure GrannyB is smiling!!

Meandering Mouse wrote:I was so looking forward to GrannyB joining the legendary HR club. As Lion Queen stated, she is probably smiling and enjoying our recognition.

Carol g wrote:I wish grannyb could have still been with us to enjoy receiving her new horns, but I'm sure she is smiling

Grantmissy wrote:Grannyb !!!

MATTHYS wrote:GrannyB would have so loved and appreciated this.

Hugh wrote:And 5 for our dear Grannyb (she really is an angel now)

Philip1 wrote:Grannyb = 5 kudus
We know you are smiling
...today and always,
we know that your are still loved
more then words can say...
we miss so much everyday,
you'll always live on in our hearts. :k

Hilda wrote:Grannyb, very well deserved! So sad you are no longer with us to enjoy your full set.

Crested Val wrote:Very sad that grannyb can't join us in person in the Big Five Lounge, but I'm sure that she will be smiling down on us.

ritad wrote:Congratulations all the winners with her new Horns!
Specially Grannyb, wie miss you!

Elsa wrote:Congratulations and very well done to the newly horned and extra horned mites.

grannyb, in loving remembrance to all she brought to the forum.

melph68 wrote:grannyb - a truly special mite

So sorry to read this sad news.... I remember granny b from years ago x

30 November 2014 - “The loss of Dr Ian Player is felt by all in the conservation community. His contribution to the preservation of our natural world and his leadership in saving the *** from extinction in South Africa are achievements that cannot be beaten,” says the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa.

The Minister, Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thomson, the Chairman of the SANParks Board, Mr Kuseni Dlamini, and newly-appointed SANParks CEO, Mr Fundisile Mketeni, are saddened by the loss of Dr Ian Player.

Dr Player passed away at his home in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, on 30 November 2014.

Dr Player played a pivotal role in saving the world’s remaining population of Southern White ***, leading South Africa’s first Operation *** in the then iMfolozi game reserve in the 1960s.

It was because of his vision and dedication of Dr Player and his team that the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve became the source population of Southern white ***.

At the time, the *** population in the Kruger National Park was locally extinct. Since the start of the relocation of 351 *** from the Hluhluwe game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal to the Kruger National Park 50 years ago, the Kruger *** population had increased to between 8 400 and 9 600 in 2013.

Translocation of 1 450 *** from the Kruger National Park between 1997 and 2013 has contributed significantly to the growth of the South African *** population. South Africa is home to 82% of Africa’s rhinos, 93% of Africa’s white *** and 39% of black ***.

“The reason that white *** exist is because of this country’s exemplary conservation record – an achievement made possible by a ranger with foresight, Dr Player,” said Minister Molewa.

“His guidance and leadership will be missed by all in government, the Department of Environmental Affairs, and in conservation circles who had the honour to work with him,” the Minister added.

Mr Mketeni, reacting with sadness at the news, said: “In his last days I was so humbled to receive a passionate email from Dr Player congratulating me on my appointment as CEO of SANParks. I had responded that I was humbled because he was my role model.”

The chairperson of the SANParks Board, Mr Dlamini, said: “Dr Player was one of the giants of the conservation industry in Southern Africa. He, more than anyone else, was responsible for saving our *** from the brink of extinction in the 1960s. We owe it to him to ensure that we do not allow the current onslaught on our *** to succeed. Whilst we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his enormous contribution throughout his illustrious life.”

Jointly issued by:
The Department of Environmental Affairs and South African National Parks (SANParks)

Media enquiries:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Paul Daphne
Cell:082 806 5409

I had to renew and change my WC for next year
Always seem not to be able to log into my account
But i only need to email Marietje Smith (PA to Hein Grobler)
She is effecient and customer friendly.
Within a day or so my card is renewed and if needed adjusted

Truly a great man of conservation, may his dear soul RIP.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Thanks for taking the time to compliment Marietje for the great service your received from her
I will pass your appreciation on

Farewell Dr Player and thank you for leading us to the wilderness and giving us a new perception of ourselves. Your fight will go on and your name will be remembered. Rest in peace. My sympathy to his family and friends.

A few years ago I also had great service from Marietje. Thank you.

A man who made a huge positive difference to South Africa.

A true son of Africa. Sir, we salute you.

Your legacy will live on, as you influenced many to pick up the baton.

RIP Ian Player.

Hippotragus I dealt with Marietjie a few years back too - great service.
She truly is a gem

Ntsakisi is a petrol attendant at Punda Maria and a HUGE credit to SANParks. Her welcoming smile and superb service were highlights of my Punda Maria stay. As well, her friendly wave when I left and returned to camp and her genuine interest in what I had seen added to my enjoyment. She is most definitely a SANParks star!