DEPARTMENT OF THE YEAR: Went to Scientific Services; KNP Managing Executive - Glenn Phillips, Acting Senior General Manager: Scientific Services – Dr Izak Smit, SANParks Acting Managing Executive: Conservation Services – Danie Pienaar, Abiotic Scientist – Tertia Strydom, Invansion Ecology Scientist – Dr Llewellyn Foxcroft (at the back), Disease Ecology Scientist – Dr Danny Govender and GIS Analyst - Chenay Simms
The 18th Kruger National Park (KNP) Achievement Awards took place in Skukuza on Friday May 26.
RANGER POST OF THE YEAR: Went to N’wanetsi Section; Chief Ranger – Nicholus Funda, N’wanetsi Section Ranger – Robert Bryden with one of his field rangers and the Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips
“There’s a saying that our achievements are shaped by the strength of the foundations we set, and that the foundation of excellence is built with the quality of your actions and the integrity of your intent. We are all making a contribution to the business of this organization; the only thing that distinguishes each one of us is our individual input and the extent thereof. The KNP Annual Achievement Ceremony is an event wherein we honour employees who excelled in their respective field of work in the past year or over a long period by showing a great deal of determination, productiveness and good attitude to their work, said the KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips.
SPECIAL TEAM EFFORT AWARDS: Went to teams under Ranger Services as follows:,Special Rangers and Air Services Sections :Satara Rangers
Awards were given to KNP Staff members who either excelled in the categories of “outstanding in the workplace” and “outstanding service to clients” in the past year or over a long period.
TOTAL SA TOP SERVICE FOR BEST PERFORMING PETROL STATION : Went to Lower Sabie; Lower Sabie staff members with their Regional General Manager: Marula – Lucy Nhlapo receive the award from Total SA General Manager: Strategy – Nyameka Makonya.
Other awards categories given were: “Lifetime Achievement Award”, “Bravery Award”, “Leadership Award”, Ranger Post of the Year”, “Camp of the Year”, “Bush Camp of the Year”, “Department of the Year”, “Entrance Gate of the Year”, “Wilderness Trails Camp of the Year”, “Special Team Effort Award”, “Camp of the Year”, “Appreciation Awards”, Environmental Education Contribution Award and “Managing Executive Special Awards”.
BUSH CAMP OF THE YEAR: Went to Pafuri Border Camp; Punda Maria and Pafuri Border Camp staff members: Punda Maria Hospitality Services Manager, Garth Holt, Receptionist – Michael Chauke, Nxanatseni Regional General Manager- Reuben Ngwenya (back), Head Guide at Pafuri Border Camp – Carel Nkuna, Front Office Manager – Faith Nkuna, Seargent Chabalala – Pafuri Section, Virginia Hut Attendant – Tinyiko Baloyi Trade Worker – Solly Ramulongo Duty Manager Punda Maria – Sydwell Shirinda.
Total SA, which has supported the event since its inception, awarded the “Total SA Top Service Award” for the best performing petrol station in the Park.
LEADERSHIP AWARD: Went to Letaba Camp Duty Manager, Winslow Ntlhamu.
All the finalists went through a selection phase based on a set of stringent assessment criteria.
WILDERNESS TRAILS CAMP OF THE YEAR: Went to Sweni; Marula Regional Manager – Lucy Nhlapo, Trails Assistant – Jacob Mdlovu, Regional Activities Coordinator – van Rooi Moreku and Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips.
Apart from their extra mile achievements, individual nominees had to possess qualities such as independent and progressive thinking, initiative and creativity, a positive approach to work, leadership and ability to interact at all levels regardless of training and skills.
BRAVERY AWARD: Went to Ranger Michael Baloyi at Phalaborwa Section: With him are KNP Chief Ranger – Nicholus Funda, SA Airlink’s Ms Karen Mc Dulling, Michael’s partner and KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips
The awards for facilities were judged on areas such as overall performance, implementation of various systems, financial performance and management, guest complaints and compliments, compliance to policies and general neatness of the facility.
CAMP OF THE YEAR AWARD: Skukuza Rest Camp received the Camp of the Year award: Skukuza Staff members: Conference Coordinator – Nosipho Mkize, Receptionist – Nomuso Shandu, Housekeeper – Audrey Mbowane, General Worker – Aita Mokgane, Skukuza Camp Technical Services team – Veli Ngwenya and Anthony Jones, Marula Region Housing Officer – Britz Marumo and Skukuza Hospitality Services Manager, Phuti Namethe.ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Went to three teams: Mlilo Primary School; Nxanguyintshwa Primary School and Masoyi Home Based Care Project.ENTRANCE GATE OF THE YEAR: Went to Crocodile Bridge Gate; Marula Regional General Manager – Ms Lucy Nhlapo, Crocodile Bridge Camp Hospitality Services Manager – Steven Nel and KNP Managing Executive, Mr Glenn Phillips.DEPARTMENT OF THE YEAR: Went to Scientific Services; KNP Managing Executive – Glenn Phillips, Acting Senior General Manager: Scientific Services – Dr Izak Smit, SANParks Acting Managing Executive: Conservation Services – Danie Pienaar, Abiotic Scientist – Tertia Strydom, Invansion Ecology Scientist – Dr Llewellyn Foxcroft (at the back), Disease Ecology Scientist – Dr Danny Govender and GIS Analyst – Chenay Simms.
