News

Each year, South African National Parks (SANParks) honours the country’s top performers in the field of conservation at its annual Kudu Awards evening. Last night’s 13th annual event, at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, was no different. Not only are external stakeholders’ work in conservation honoured, but also internal staff members in the CEO’s Awards category. The awards are proudly supported by First National Bank (FNB) and Total South Africa.

Camdeboo National Park’s nine Environmental Monitors, led by Sergeant James Maarman, received the CEO’s Award for Best Performing Ranger Post of the Year, after their regional win in the same category in August.

Since their appointment, the team has been credited with practically eradicating any incidents of illegal activities within the Park’s borders. Former Park Manager, Nick de Goede, said “Although the team members live in and work under extreme conditions, they never complain and always strive to give of their best. They are passionate about the environment and their jobs, sometimes working 18 hour days without complaint – a true example of positive work ethic.”

Before their appointment, Camdeboo was known as a crime hotspot with lots of illegal activities such as poaching, fence stealing and cutting, wood collection and illegal fishing. The Environmental Monitors, appointed from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, have gone from strength to strength over the past two years and have managed to put the brakes on all illegal activities occurring in the Park.

“They have never once complained about their extreme living conditions in the field, even taking in consideration that in summer temperatures reach about 47 degrees C and in winter down to -9 degrees C,” said de Goede.

They guard the Park’s new fence line 24 hours a day. They are exceptionally passionate about their job and I am overjoyed that they have received the recognition, concluded de Goede.

Mr Fundisile Mketeni SANParks CEO, said that the Kudu Awards recognises internal and external stakeholders for their vital contribution in making South African National Parks the custodian of choice for the national parks system in South Africa.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region Communications

Enquiries

Fayroush Ludick
Regional Manager: Communications, SANParks
Tel: 082 888 0201
Email: [email protected]