KNP and their supporters honoured during SANParks Kudu Awards

People who have supported SANParks and nature conservation were awarded for their efforts throughout the year at the Kudu Awards, held in Skukuza, Corridor Gazette reports.

Among them were several individuals, groups and businesses attached to the Kruger National Park (KNP).

According to SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni, the awards “honour people for their meaningful contributions to the protection of the environment through various means which reflect society’s admirable social responsibility”.

READ MORE: Kruger National Park achievers rewarded for excellence

The awards is supported by First National Bank and Total South Africa.

Kgosi Ledimo, CEO of FNB’s public sector banking, said the Kudu Awards were an integral part of the preservation of the environment. “It’s only through recognising people who are doing the hard work that we will see the success seen over the few years. Going forward we hope to recognise more individuals who selflessly serve South Africa’s environmental challenges.”

Next year Total and SANParks will celebrate 60 years of working together, and will roll out several initiatives, CEO and MD of Total SA, Pierre-Yves Sachet announced.

Ananias Mulhovo, a retired KNP employee, was awarded a lifetime contribution award. He joined SANParks in 1971 as a general worker in technical services. Mulhovo was assigned to the Skukuza Camp maintenance team in 1998 due to his willingness to assist and he continued to serve with distinction until his retirement last month.

“When you enjoy your job like I do, time flies. I cannot believe that I have been in the park for so many decades. Seeing the lifetime achievement award and certificate are proof that I have received this prestigious honour,” Mulhovo said.

Dr Freek Venter of the KNP received a CEO special award, along with Ronnie Steinbrucker of the Table Mountain National Park, for the significant impact they had in their various SANParks operations. They have each been loyally working for SANParks for over 30 years.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the KNP near Malalane, was awarded the best business partner of the year for the 2016/17 financial year.

Gerhard de Beer from Starke Ayres received an award for his contribution to conservation through sourcing of funds, volunteering for rhino preservation and assisting in processing rhino carcasses in the KNP in his personal time.

The Lowveld Region’s Honorary Rangers were chosen as the best large region of the organisation. The organisation’s best project of the year was the KNP Birding Weekend, for outstanding volunteer service by running 76 trail camps per year to raise funds for SANParks.

Read about the Kudu Awards and previous winners here.

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/kruger-national-park-achievers-rewarded-excellence/