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27 November 2014

Media Release: 10th Annual Kudu Awards crown Conservationists

According to Glenn Phillips Acting SANParks CEO, “The Kudu has for the last 10 years recognised external stakeholders for their contribution and internal stakeholders for their efforts in making SANParks the custodian of choice for the national parks system.

He said through these awards people are being honoured for their meaningful contributions to the protection of the environment through various means which reflects society”s admirable social responsibility. “This gives meaning to the SANParks vision of “A Sustainable National Parks System Connecting Society”.”

Danny Zandamela, CEO FNB Public Sector Banking said “Over the 10 years of our partnership with SANParks, we have been inspired to do more to protect South Africa”s natural heritage. We are proud to be part of sustained efforts to acknowledge and recognise citizens who continue to show admirable commitment in conserving our precious environment.”

Christian des Closières MD & CEO of Total South Africa said, “Total South Africa is proud to partner with SANParks in celebrating the 2014 Kudu Awards which acknowledges and celebrates the brave and pioneering people who ensure that conservation remains a priority and who remind and inspire us – through their work – of just how important it is that we all care for the natural world”.

As part of the awards programme SANParks also recognised long standing employees who have played a significant role in the national parks operations by bestowing a lifetime contribution Award. This award was granted to Mr Xihangalasi Eliot Mdluli from Kruger National Park (KNP). Mr Mdluli has given 46 years of service to. He was part of the team that constructed the eastern boundary fence road from Croc Bridge to Pafuri and he also built the majority of tar and gravel roads in the KNP during this period.”

Winners of the 2014 Kudu Awards in the respective categories are:

Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award (Business Partner of the Year):

  • Gorah Elephant in Addo Elephant National Park.

Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award (Associated Partner):

  • The Peace Parks Foundation.

Corporate Contribution (Professional Stakeholders):

  • Saving the Survivors.

Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation (Best Journalist):

  • Sipho Kings from Mail and Guardian.

Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation (Best Publication):

  • Wild Magazine.

Community Contribution to Conservation (Region of the year):

  • Tsitsikamma Honorary Ranger Region.

Community Contribution to Conservation (Project of the Year):

  • SANParks Honorary Rangers Sasol Birding.

Environmental Education/Capacity Building Award (Group):

  • Nozuko Manyathela of Monde Primary.

Environmental Education/Capacity Building Award (Individual):

  • John Lucas “Explore4Knowledge”.

The Awards evening also saw SANParks staff members being rewarded through the Chief Executive Awards. A total of 29 Chief Executive Awards were given out this year.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications
Tel: 012 426 5170

Enquiries

Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
SANParks General Manager: PR, Media and Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: [email protected]

Patty Seetharam
Senior Communications Manager FNB
Tel: 087 312 4639;
Email: [email protected]

Nonkosi Dya
Corporate Communications Manager, Total South Africa
Tel: 0117782144; Cell: 082 783 0436
Email: [email protected]

Gabrielle “Gabby” Venter
SANParks Manager: Media and Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 012 426 5065; Cell: 083 825 9435
Email: [email protected]