News

South African National Parks (SANParks) on 22 February 2022 announced the departure of the Managing Executive Restructuring of the Kruger National Park (KNP), Gareth Coleman after completing his two-year term. He will leave the position in September 2022 after the Board approved a six-month extension to enable him to hand over to his successor.

The Acting Chief Executive of SANParks, Dumisani Dlamini made the announcement to staff through an internal memo and thanked Coleman for his contribution since assuming his position.

Coleman was engaged to stabilise the KNP and prepare a revised business model and strategy for the KNP. He took over when the country was in a total lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the timelines of his mandate.

Despite the lockdown, Coleman still managed to achieve the upgrading of KNP staff accommodation and undertook an extensive consultation process with employees and outside stakeholders on their role in the Park. This was all to inform them about a turnaround plan for the KNP which aims to keep its place among the best managed national parks in the world. The plan includes a new business model for the KNP and creating opportunities for businesses from communities adjacent to the KNP. He hosted successful roadshows which were well attended by both SMMEs and funding agencies to highlight opportunities in which they need to participate to revive the rural economy in their respective areas and thereby create job opportunities.

Coleman will spend the six-month extension of his contract finalising the strategy and ensuring a smooth handover to his successor.
Coleman expressed his gratitude at serving in the KNP, saying “it has been a privilege and an honour to serve SANParks in driving change in one of the greatest destinations and national parks in the world. When I arrived I had no illusions about what could be achieved in two years and my aim was always to try and get everyone looking forward and in the same direction, this despite it being a difficult period to lead as a result of the pandemic. I will use the final six months to work with management and employees to finalise a business model and organisational structure which will ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Park in a more participative, green and inclusive manner,”