News

At a gala graduation ceremony in Upington, on 11 April 2008, three proud Kgalagadi staff members each received their National Diploma in Tourism Management from the Vaal University of Technology, after four years of dedicated hard work.

For Willem Feris (Acting: Tourism Manager), Ricardo Julies (Acting: Duty Manager, Twee Rivieren) and George Pearson (Supervisor: Kalahari Tented Camp), it was a very proud moment, as they had worked hard, often under difficult circumstances, combining work and study.

George was one of the two students who received his diploma cum laude. This is a wonderful achievement in any circumstances, but what makes it even more remarkable is the fact that he is stationed at the Kalahari Tented Camp, which is 115km from Twee Rivieren, with no email, internet or communications network, except for two-way radios.

The group began their studies in 2004 and were tutored twice a month in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park by lecturers from the Vaal University of Technology, who went to great lengths to accommodate them. According to the students, it was difficult in the beginning and they often wondered if they were doing the right thing. Later on however it became increasingly interesting and the fact that they were already working daily in the tourism industry was of great value to their studies.

The Park Manager, Mr. Nico van der Walt, who attended the graduation ceremony said “they have made us proud as a park and as an organization”. He applauded their great efforts in achieving this milestone in their lives, especially in light of the logistical challenges particular to the Kgalagadi.