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The 19th Kruger National Park (KNP) Achievement Awards took place on Friday, 18 May 2018 in Skukuza. The award recipients displayed great pleasure as they walked the stage to collect their prizes.

“We are here to honour the employees who performed beyond their call of duty in their respective field of work during the immediate past financial year. The ceremony also brings together various stakeholders who continue to support the efforts of SANParks in its conservation mandate in one way or another; for the benefit of the National Parks system in this country. As we celebrate the men and women who excelled in their field of work in the past year, please also join me in launching the Park’s 120 years centenary celebration which is going to commence in two weeks from now, a milestone which makes all of us in the KNP very excited to part of”, said the KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips.

Awards were given to KNP Staff members who either excelled in the categories of “outstanding in the workplace” and “outstanding service to clients” in the past year or over a long period. Other awards categories given were: “Lifetime Achievement Award”, “Bravery Award”, “Leadership Award”, Ranger Post of the Year”, “Camp of the Year”, “Bush Camp of the Year”, “Department of the Year”, “Entrance Gate of the Year”, “Wilderness Trails Camp of the Year”, “Special Team Effort Award”, “Camp of the Year”, “Most Cleanest Residential Area”, “Appreciation Awards”, “Bravery Award”, Environmental Education Contribution Award and “Managing Executive Special Awards”.

Total SA, which has supported the event since its inception, awarded three “Total SA Top Service Awards” for the best performing petrol stations in the Park.

As part of the awards, the SANParks Chief Operating Officer, Ms Lize McCourt addressed staff members, reminding them on the importance of maintaining the organization’s values. McCourt together with the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Dumisani Dlamini bestowed a Lifetime Contribution Award to Robert Phoku who received a standing ovation for his 44 years in the organization. Phoku joined the KNP in 1974 as a Driver in the Technical Services Department.

All the finalists went through a selection phase based on a set of stringent assessment criteria. Apart from their extra mile achievements, individual nominees had to possess qualities such as independent and progressive thinking, initiative and creativity, a positive approach to work, leadership and ability to interact at all levels regardless of training and skills. The awards for facilities were judged on areas such as overall performance, implementation of various systems, financial performance and management, guest complaints and compliments, compliance to policies and general neatness of the facility.

Issued By

South African National Parks: Communications & Marketing Department – Kruger National Park

Media Enquiries

William Mabasa
GM: Communications and Marketing, KNP
Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell: 082 807 3919
Email: [email protected]