Updated: Glenn Phillips resigns from SANParks
Phillips has cited personal reasons for his decision and expressed pride in the fact that he had the privilege of working with a team of dedicated rangers and conservationists during the past four years.
“I am shattered.”
“This is extremely bad news for SANParks.”
These are but two of the comments left on the official Facebook page SANParks – Kruger National Park’s announcement about Glenn Phillips, managing executive of KNP leaving the organisation.
An administrator of the page lauded his passion and commitment to SANParks and the fact that he always displayed great leadership.
“You have the entire future of Kruger and surrounding areas at heart … and leave huge shoes to fill. I salute you,” she ended her comment.
An honorary ranger described Phillips as a true visionary that rendered service of the highest caliber. “The impact he has made will surely leave a lasting legacy. We shall always be grateful for your great leadership and support.”
Several other members echoed the sentiment that he leaves behind a legacy and thanked him for what he had done for the organisation and the Kruger in particular.
Well wishes were abundant and sincere.
The surprise announcement follows his extended leave in May and June and rumours about an investigation into park management.
SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni announced his resignation on Friday and lauded Phillips for his services rendered. “During his tenure as managing executive of tourism, Glenn was instrumental in building sound relationships with the tourism industry, implementing responsible tourism principles, streamlining reservation processes as well as the successful implementation of Public-Private Partnerships.
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In addition, during his tenure in KNP, he led and guided the revision of the park’s management plan based on an integrated landscape approach. It resulted in the signing of a cooperative agreement between all state and privately-owned conservation areas open to the KNP’s western boundary.
This agreement puts in place a collaborative approach which seeks to stimulate socio-economic development in the region, based on sound environmental management and accountable governance. “His visionary leadership, passion and commitment to SANParks and conservation will be sorely missed,” said Mketeni.
Phillips has cited personal reasons for his decision and expressed pride in the fact that he had the privilege of working with a team of dedicated rangers and conservationists during the past four years. “Despite all odds and at massive personal cost, they managed to reduce the poaching of rhino in KNP.”
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He said that although the battle is far from over, without the efforts of these dedicated individuals the situation would be far worse than it currently is.
Mketeni will act as managing executive of the KNP until a suitable replacement has been found.
Phillips was appointed on a five-year contract early in 2015 after the position had been vacant since April 2014 when the former managing executive, Abe Sibiya, left.
