Frank Mabasa

[Elsa]

I have just seen the very sad news that Frank Mabasa, the wonderful attendant and renowned bird expert from Pafuri picnic site passed away on Friday after a short illness.

From Andre Botha

It is with great sadness that I received an e-mail from Pafuri Section Ranger Sandra Visagie informing me of the passing of SANParks staff member Frank Mabasa after a short illness on Friday, the 21st of April 2017.

Most people, and birders in particular, who have visited the Pafuri Picnic Site in Kruger over the last 18+ years will remember Frank who was responsible for keeping the site in good running order and always welcomed visitors with his BIG smile and enthusiastic nature. Frank's love for the greater Pafuri area, its birds and wildlife was obvious and I will remember him constantly harassing me in the early 2000's to become part of the BLSA Bird Guide Training programme whenever we met.

We were finally able to include him in a group of SANParks trainees who underwent specialist bird-guide training at Shingwedzi early in 2003 and he excelled as far as his knowledge of birds, and their calls in particular, was concerned.

Having been fortunate to visit Pafuri several times per year since then, Frank and I were often able to see each other and catch up on things and to talk about some of his latest sightings and experiences. I will most certainly miss his physical presence at Pafuri when I go there next, but know that he will somehow always be present and part of my memories of that very special place.

RIP Frank, may there be as much beauty and even more wonderful birds where you are now.

[umtali1]

That is indeed very sad news. Frank was such a gentleman, always willing to help the visitors with such a big smile.
We will miss his knowledge of birds too.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

RIP Frank.

[Karin Mitton]

I have never met him in person, but from what I hear he was an amazing person. So sad to hear this news. I know he will be missed.

[inyanga 1]

Our thoughts are with his family this week

His picnic place was an examplar to KNP and SanParks with a friendly face and conversation, clean ablutions, skottles ready, kettle on, sinks spotless, no monkeys and more..

No matter what your - normally idiotic - question was about the birds and wildlife around, he would smile, nod his head and explain about the creature you saw or heard. He called down birds which we would not have otherwise seen.

Since we met him some years ago we have always put Pafuri on our KNP trips. He will be sorely missed (especially this August!)

Can SanParks set up a donation capability so that we can help support his family. He was so proud of his children's progression at school.

How interesting that both the very top and the very bottom of the Kruger had two guides whom everyone will miss......

[barryels]

This is indeed very sad news about a gentleman that carried his love for wildlife and specifically birds on his sleeve .

He will be dearly missed by visitors, myself included, who had the honour of meeting him in person and sharing his vast knowledge about birds with us.

R.I.P. my friend.

[Philip1]

To the Family and friends of Frank Mbasa, “Bird Man” of Pafuri, my sincere condolences with the passing of a great man.
Frank will always be remembered by all of us.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.

Rest in Peace Frank.

Sympathy prayer

"Dear Lord, please comfort those in grief,
Love them, lift them, give relief
For loss they’ve suffered, sadness felt;
Make this sorrow slowly melt.

Lord, let happy memories ease,
Creating peace like a gentle breeze,
And as you help them make it through.
Draw them closer, Lord, to you".
Sincere condolences on your loss.

By Joanna Fuchs

[Hippotragus]

Very sad news indeed. We used to love visiting Pafuri picnic site and chatting to Frank. Last time we were there he had his niece/granddaughter with him and he was patiently teaching her about the birds.

We were so looking forward to seeing him on our next trip to Pafuri in mid-October this year.

He will be missed by Kruger Park, Birding SA, many tourists and, of course, his family and colleagues.

RIP Frank.

[hilda]

Very sad news indeed! A real gentleman and a great birder through and through! We had the honour to meet Frank a few times during our visits the past few years, and will definitely miss him when we visit Pafuri Picnic Site again.

My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. RIP Frank!

[okie]

A real gentleman with a fantastic bird knowledge . I will miss the long chats that we always have when we visit .
RIP old friend

[Obelix]

Very very sad. We spent many wonderful hours in his presence. Our thoughts go out to his family. RIP Frank.

[billyf]

RIP dear Frank, what a perfect gentleman, always prepared to share "his" place with all the visitors and patiently pointing out the various birds to everybody who showed the slightest interest. Pafuri was always spotless and he took great pride in keeping it pristine.

He will be sorely missed, my condolences to his family and friends.

[RayK]

So sad. He was truly a wonderful person. May you rest in peace.

[Meandering Mouse]

This is very sad news indeed.

Frank would always greet people with a smile. He had a special love for yellow ribboners. His enthusiasm was infectious.



I had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with Frank on a day when his duties were less pressing. He was, in every way, an honorable man. He was also an example of dedication and curiosity for knowledge.

Thank you, Sanparks, for giving him the opportunity to develop his knowledge.

Frank was acknowledged by birding experts who recognized his wonderful talent.

I was looking forward to meeting up with Frank later in the year. I am going to miss that.

To his family and friends, my deepest condolences. They must be absolutely shattered.

[George_Brits]

He will be sadly missed. RIP Frank. Can't we as mites, in honour of Frank, donate some money to assist his family?

Sent from my SGP321 using Tapatalk

[Grantmissy]

This is sad news My condolences to the family and friends. May he rest in peace.