The CEO of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Johannes Nobunga, has announced with great sadness the passing of one of the most legendary icons in the conservation and tourism sector, Mr Abraham “Abe” Sibiya. He was trusted, dependable and consistent in his decisions.
“As the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency we have lost a legend who was passionate about working in the conservation and tourism industry. He has contributed immensely in both these industries and served with distinction. He was a true conservator”, said Nobunga.
READ: South Africans can visit national parks for free this September
Sibiya has over (25) years experience in the field of Conservation Management, with special emphasis on park development and management as well as ecotourism management.
He has served in various Executive positions over the years. He started his career at Mpumalanga Parks Board where he started as a Field Ranger and moved up various ranks as General Manager and ultimately as Acting Chief Executive Officer. He also served as a Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park (KNP) and also acted as CEO of SA National Parks. At the time of his death, he was the Head of Biodiversity Conservation at Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
“Sibiya was a humble and well-grounded individual. He appreciated the culture of the province and its rich heritage. He served this province with commitment and dedication and understood the complexities that came with the job at hand. He was a repository of biodiversity in the province, with a rich lived history of our work. The industry has indeed lost a colleague that worked tirelessly to put Mpumalanga on the map and still had time to play golf and make you laugh. We convey our sincere condolences to the Sibiya family. May his soul rest in eternal peace”, concluded Nobunga.
His memorial service will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018, at MTPA Auditorium – Halls Gateway starting at 10: 00.
His funeral will be on Saturday the 9th of June 2018 in Mbombela.
