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“As a tribute to our beloved Madiba who will forever remain an inspiration to nations all over the world, we call on communities to devote their time to worthy causes which make a difference in the society on daily basis”, said KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips when he delivered his speech at the Mandela Day celebration event at Siphephelakhona Community Centre.

The idea was also to spend time at the centre in an effort to mobilize the community; in particular the youth to raise awareness on issues such as environmental crime, poverty, peace, economic development and education. People around the world can devote at least 67 minutes to a good cause; one minute for each year Mandela devoted to worthy causes since he began his struggle for the liberation of all South Africans, from political, social and economic division.

“It is in our hands to ensure that the young ones live in an environment which gives them access to opportunities meant to promote their optimum level of wellbeing. The situation in some of the homes where the kids come from is critical. With winter still lingering, getting some of the necessities makes a huge difference in the young ones” lives. As KNP, we saw it fit to give warmth to the kids at Siphephelakhona and would like to thank the management of the Centre for affording us the opportunity; and all the colleagues who took their time to make these blankets”; concluded Phillips.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has a department called People and Conservation that is in constant contact with the communities bordering the park. The department has also established various community forums which allow healthy dialogue and joint-ventures.

Clockwise: Mr Glenn Phillips, KNP Managing Executive puts one of the donated hand-made blankets over Siphephelakhona kids Sarah Mabunda and Pheteko Mkhabela. Looking on is Siphephelakhona Caregiver, Ms Siphiwe Fakude.

KNP also donated trees which were planted after the formalities. Messrs Jimmy Mnisi, local Chairperson of the African National Congress, Glenn Phillips, KNP Managing Executive, Elmon Mahole, Siphephelakhona Board Member and Simon Ngobe, Siphephelakhona Chairperson of the Board.

Ms Suzan Mkhatshwa, the Project Manager/Founder of the Siphephelakhona Community Project Centre and Mr Simon Ngobe – Siphephelakhona Chairperson of the Board officially receive the hand-made blankets from the Mr Glenn Phillips.

Messrs Jimmy Mnisi, local Chairperson of the African National Congress and Glenn Phillips, KNP Managing Executive plant one of the trees at the Centre.

The crowd sings centenary tunes in celebration of the late Nelson Mandela, creating the Madiba magic

Issued By

Communications & Marketing Department, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4262, cell: 082 807 1441
Email: [email protected]

Enquiries:
William Mabasa
GM: Communications & Marketing, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919
Email: [email protected]