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“With communities bordering the National Parks as one of the main role players in the fight against wildlife crime; the return of Funda to the organization came at the right time as his experience and knowledge of Conservation expands to community beneficiation issues which have direct benefits to the environment. As someone who worked as a Ranger in his early career and has continued to impact his conservation awareness throughout, we have faith in Mr Funda”s abilities to face and address the on-going challenges in Conservation”, said KNP Managing Executive, Mr Glenn Phillips.

Until recently, Xolani Nicholus Funda was a Lecturer at the University of Tshwane under the department of Nature Conservation wherein he worked for seven years. Apart from his conservation experience, he holds a master”s degree in Environmental Management from the University of Free State.

In his response Nicholus Funda said “I have nothing but respect for General Jooste as he laid the foundation and formulated the strategies for a smooth coordination between Rangers and other law enforcement agencies when rhino poaching escalated in the KNP. He is my boss; and we will continue to work closely as a team, bringing in the different skills and experience when it comes to issues pertaining to wildlife crime.

“We would like to thank Nicholas Funda for grabbing this opportunity in the face of poaching challenges and wish him a progressive future career at SANParks,” concluded Phillips.

The newly appointed KNP Chief Ranger – Ranger Services Department, Mr Xolani Nicholus Funda.

Issued By

Communications & Marketing Department – Kruger National Park

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