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“Most of you work very hard throughout the year, even going beyond your normal call of duty. You therefore deserve recognition for your hard work and that is why we are saying thank you for the wonderful job that you are doing for this organisation,” said the KNP Managing Executive, Mr Abe Sibiya in his key note address.

Sibiya encouraged staff members to be competitive, take their job seriously and perform their duties diligently in a manner that does not leave room for questions while ensuring they remain humble. With the world still recovering from economic recession, making it hard for the tourism industry to boom, Sibiya advised staff to think broadly, look into the bigger picture and be considerate when it comes to areas of expenditure.

“In his message at the beginning of this year, the CEO of this organisation, Dr David Mabunda coined 2011″s theme a year of “Making a difference and paying attention to detail” with an emphasis on building a stronger and better SANParks. It is therefore necessary for us to aim for success by exercising extra effort and commitment. Let us put into practice Dr Mabunda”s vision of making a difference and paying attention to detail as we execute our duties in our areas of responsibility; advised Sibiya.

Awards given at the event included: Camp of the Year, Bush Camp of the Year, Entrance Gate of the Year, Ranger Post of the Year, Department of the Year, an award for “Special Team Effort”, Managing Executive Special Awards, Appreciation Awards and Bravery Award.

The “Ranger Post of the Year” award went to N”wanetsi. Nxanatseni Region”s Shingwedzi scooped the “Camp of the Year” award, while Giriyondo received the “Gate of the Year” award and the “Bush Camp of the Year” went to Shimuwini.

The “Department of the Year” award went to Scientific Services while the “Special Team Effort” award this year went to Stolznek and Malelane Ranger.

The SABC”s Ligwalagwala FM and Phalaborwa Community Radio station each received the “Appreciation Awards” in recognition of their broadcast support for the KNP”s programs and projects in the past and present.

Mkhuhlu Taxi Association also received the “Appreciation Award” for lending and supplying efficient public transport support to KNP staff over the years.

The event also included the “Managing Executive Special Awards” with Patrick Munyai, Robert Phoku, Romeo Mudlhovu and Januario Fernandes receiving individual special awards for their outstanding service in the workplace, effort and willingness to always go the extra mile.

Individual awards were given to the following people who showed “Outstanding Service in the Work Place”:

Ephraim Malebe, Martin Misimeki, Jacobus Petrus Jacobs, Brenda Mashele, Samson Mashabane, Renate Ackermann, Marie Ramsden, Johan Saita Baloyi, Jacques Venter, Tinyiko Msetweni, Deborah Mazibane, Mari Morland, Primrose Mpangane, Edward Shabangu, Orance Cubai, Jonas Mujovu, Mphephu Nghonyama, Piet Mboweni, Johnston Zitha, Stella Ngomane, Silas Mukoki, Trix Olivier, Eric Maluleke and Timothy Chauke.

Individual Awards for “Outstanding Service to Tourists/Clients/Customers” were given to the following individuals:

Andrea Mabunda, Linda Nyathi, Tebalelo Ramabulana, Eliab Khoza, Edward Ndlovu, Rodgers Hobyane, Ellina Mona, Frank Mabasa, Nostah Mgiba and David Sambo.

The “Bravery Award” also known as the Kruger Cross which is the highest award in the KNP, was the last category and led to a moving tribute to a Ranger, Seargent Wilson Siwela from Crocodile Bridge Ranger Section who placed his own life in danger when he single-handedly confronted five armed suspected poachers during patrol and managed to conquer the situation early this year.

The KNP Achievement Awards started in 1998 as a year-end party, after which management decided that it should be held annually as a staff achievement awards ceremony and the idea was to honour staff members who excelled in their respective field of work during the past year or over a long period of time and as such make the KNP a world icon that it is. The event has since grown in status and continues to play a big role in encouraging the men and women who go an extra mile in their field of work every year.

To see all the winners of these awards – please view the gallery.

Issued By

Laura Mukwevho, Media Relations Practitioner, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: (013) 735 4262, cell: 082 807 1441 or e-mail: [email protected]

Enquiries

Reynold Thakhuli, General Manager: Media, Events & Stakeholder Relations, South African National Parks. Contact: Tel: (013) 735 4363, cell: 073 373 4999 or e-mail: [email protected]