Updated: KNP still silent about investigation

MBOMBELA – It remains an open question whether Kruger National Park (KNP) managing executive (ME), Glenn Phillips, is under investigation or not.

Isaac Phaahla, general manager of marketing and communication of the KNP insists that Glenn Phillips is on annual leave and SANParks CEO Fundisili Mketeni confirmed that in his address during the park’s annual achievement awards event on Friday May 17.

But whether Phillips is on leave voluntarily or forced, remains the question. Rumours have it that Phillips had asked for leave while an investigation against him was being executed.

About these rumours Phaahla commented that the ME should be afforded the right to his privacy on the matter around his leave. “The organisation is bound by legislation not to respond to speculative inquiries on its relationship with an employee and the status thereof,” he said and appealed to the media not to entertain any other information that is not official comment from SANParks.

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This investigation is said to be related to a complaint sent by black employees to management and a minister, claiming that the park is rife with racism and inequality.

Two articles to this regard were recently published in a national newspaper. One of the articles also alleged that black people are often accused of rhino poaching, and get assaulted by rangers and police to force them into confessing.

SANParks had denied those allegations at the time.

Rumours about a suspension or investigation intensified after a privately organised fundraising event where Phillips would have been the guest speaker was suddenly cancelled on Friday.

The event, organised by the Positivity Foundation, would have taken place at Emnotweni on Wednesday May 22 and was supported by SPEAR and KLCBT.

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Phillips was advertised as being “the man with the answers” on issues including rhino poaching, possible mining in the KNP, animals crossing the borders to Mozambique, the new hotel in Skukuza, the possibility of more hotels  and a possible rise in elephant poaching.

The original advertising of the event provoked severe dismay on a social media group called “Concerned Sanparks Stakeholders” and according to the organiser KNP notified him on Thursday  May 16 that they have cancelled Phillips’  appointment because of that.

According to Phaahla however the cancellation is due to neglect by the organiser himself. “He did not inform Phillips that it was a paying event, neither did he consult him on the subject matters to be discussed.”

Phaahla said the SANParks logo was also used without permission. “After careful consideration Phillips decided against participation.”