News

SANPark”s Frontier Region consists of Mountain Zebra, Addo Elephant, Camdeboo and Karoo National Parks.

Mountain Zebra National Park earned scooped the Best Performing Park Award for achieving exceptionally well in terms of the three core business areas of SANParks: Conservation, People & Conservation and Tourism, as well as obtaining excellent financial results.

Conservation highlights include the introduction of brown hyena and the 38% increase (actual versus planned) in hectares of alien invasive plants targeted by the Working for Water Programme. People and Conservation department managed an increase of 9.7% in learners participating in environmental education programmes. In terms of Tourism, there was a 132% increase in game drive seats sold and an 11% increase in camping occupancy when comparing the 2009/10 financial year to the previous year.

Mountain Zebra National Park”s Best Performing Camp Award was achieved for excellent performance in terms of tourism and finances as well as the improvement of facilities such as the Camping Site, Mountain Huts and 4×4 Routes. The award also celebrated the high standard of cleanliness and efficiency which is maintained by friendly and professional staff, resulting in satisfied clients.

Mountain Zebra National Park staff members also starred in the award line-up. Corlia Saaiman, who is responsible for administration and human resources, took top honours as an Award winner in the Excellent Performance in the Workplace category.

Merit Awards for Excellent Performance in the Workplace were awarded to: Thutula Fobosi, Corinthia Tukani, the Park”s technical department: Sonwabo Kilana, Colin Johnson and Koos Jafta, and the Park”s Working for Water unit: Marius Peters and Gillian Anderson. Gladys Danster received a Merit Award in the category: Outstanding Customer Service.

Karoo National Park, near Beaufort West, was awarded both Reception of the Year and Gate of the Year for the excellent and friendly service their frontline staff provide to visitors, contributing to many return visits and an increase in visitor numbers.

Section Ranger of the Year went to Camdeboo National Park”s Johannes Jaantjies for his commitment to Park development. Wilson Nxamleko of Addo Elephant National Park”s Zuurberg Section was awarded Field Ranger of the Year for using his experience and capabilities to lead his team, even in times of crisis.

Regional Manager, Lucius Moolman, focussed on the highlights of the Frontier Region”s performance as well as remembering the losses of valued staff members in tragic accidents and deaths over the past year.

The sublime sounds of Graaff-Reinet”s La Petit Jazz Band welcomed guest and kept them entertained. After a delicious spitbraai buffet, guests took to the dance floor to show off their moves late into the night.

Issued by:
South African National Parks

Enquiries

Megan Taplin: Regional Communications Manager – Addo Elephant, Camdeboo, Karoo, Mountain Zebra National Parks, tel: 083 650 8649 or 042 2338609