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South African National Parks (SANParks) recognised deserving conservationists at this year’s annual Kudu Awards ceremony held at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand on 28 November 2024. The awards now in its 18^th year recognise internal and external stakeholders that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainability, improving livelihoods and achieving real change on the ground in our national parks.

Awareness of conservation issues is of vital importance and to better protect our national parks we need to work together and find solutions to challenges such as anti-poaching and climate change and to educate and inform the public. The event saw conservation heavy weights join to celebrate those who have gone the extra mile to protect and conserve our country’s biodiversity.

In the media category Selomina Phekelela from Media24 won Best Journalist: Online for her outstanding and tireless effort to shed light on critical issues surrounding climate change, environmental degradation and exposing complex conservation issues. There were 3 winners under the Best Journalist: Electronic and they were Jolynn Minnaar from Wild Africa for her tireless dedication to inspiring the public to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces through streaming and broadcast partnerships; Theodore Mashele from eNCA for his fearless efforts to included themes of sustainability, community outreach, and education about endangered species into his stories demonstrating his fervent enthusiasm for conservation and Yusaf Abramjee from Crime Watch (eNCA) for his outstanding effort dedicated to covering stories about conservation and safety and security in Table Mountain National Park and Kruger National Park.

Rewilding Southern Africa won the Best Publication: Print for their publication that showcases emerging conservation solutions and technologies, inspiring conservationists, policymakers, and private landowners to embrace rewilding’s transformative potential.

The Innovation Award winner was Indalo Inclusive (Industrial Development\ Corporation Township Energy Fund Project) for their support for renewable energy adoption in townships and promoting renewable energy awareness amongst green and social enterprises. The other winner was Tshireletso Mokate (Camping RetrEats) for his entrepreneurship and stimulating the local economy around South Africa. The other winner was

The Women in Conservation Award had three winners and they were Kelly Thomson for raising money for a community centre in Tshokwane, Annlin Mantshebi Matabane for her contribution to cultural heritage and Kerri Wolter for her protection and passion for the vultures in Africa.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on three (3) dedicated employees, Koos Josob, Dr Ian Russell and Batista Baloyi. Koos Josob was awarded for 31 years of exceptional dedication and service to SANParks in safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park. Dr Ian Russell served SANParks for 34 years in the Garden Route National Park and was dedicated to the management and preservation of SANParks’ aquatic ecosystems. Batista Baloyi was honoured for 47 years of exceptional service to SANParks as Assistant Section Ranger in Special Operations in the Kruger National Park.

The Awards evening which also included the Chief Executive Awards recognized dedication and selfless efforts of SANParks employees towards achieving the goals of SANParks’ mandate. A total of 58 Chief Executive Awards were given out this year ranging from the Shield Award, Best Customer Service, Best Constituency Builder, Best Ranger Post, Best Performing Camp, Best Performing Park of the Year, Excellent Performance in the workplace, Best Performing Division, Best Leadership Award and Special Team Effort Award.