Saambr pays tribute to staff serving through the decades
A total of 16 staff and volunteers were honored for long service, ranging from 10 to 30 years.
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THE South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) paid tribute to their longstanding staff and volunteers who contributed to marine conservation through the decades.
The association, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in January, handed out awards to 10 staff and six volunteers at its 67th AGM this week.
Since its inception in 1951, Saambr has worked to ‘help people care for the ocean’ through three intertwined divisions: the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), uShaka Sea World and uShaka SeaWorld Education.
Also read: Saambr receives internationally recognised accreditation
“Saambr’s amazing staff members and volunteers are our most valuable asset. With a little help from our animals, the knowledge, inspiration and education we have achieved these last 70 years is a result of their efforts,” said Saambr’s chief operating officer, Dr Larry Oellermann.
Volunteer guides, Ann Gibson and Marjorie Phillips were recognised for 30 years of service, Michael Sturgess for 20 years of service, Eltina Stenhouse and Auret van der Merwe for 15 years of service and Andree Sacco for 10 years of service.
Also read: Turtle recovers at Saambr after shark attack
Three staff members were awarded recognition for their contribution to Saambr over the past 30 years, namely Simon Chater, Gabby Harris and Dr Bruce Mann.
Ramini Naidoo and Quentin van Staden received their 20-year service awards while Siphamandla Hlekwayo, Matthew Needham, Dr Lawrence Oellermann, Muke Shadrack and Umesalma Wahab were recognised for 10 years of service.
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