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SANParks honours conservation champs

Danie van der Lith|Published

Hannes Heyns received the Excellent Performance in the Workplace Award (Augrabies Falls National Park). Picture: Supplied

SOUTH African National Parks (SANParks), in collaboration with TotalEnergies and First National Bank (FNB), celebrated the remarkable contributions of conservationists during the 17th Annual Kudu Awards ceremony held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand recently.

The prestigious event acknowledged both internal and external stakeholders for their exceptional commitment to sustainability, community improvement and tangible conservation efforts within the national parks.

Hapiloe Sello, the CEO of SANParks, emphasised the vital role of understanding and support for conservation in protecting national parks.

"Recognition at the Kudu Awards extends to various stakeholders, encompassing media, NGOs, schools, communities, corporations, and individuals," remarked Sello.

The winners in the Arid Region for the 2023 Kudu Awards were recognised across different categories:

Excellent Performance in the Workplace Award:

Hannes Heyns, Augrabies Falls National Park

Katrina Steenkamp, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Katrina Steenkamp received the Excellent Performance in the Workplace Award (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park). Picture: Supplied

Best Performing Camp of the Year Award:

Nossob Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

From left: Frans van Rooyen (park manager, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park), Jaco Vilander (previous hospitality service manager of Nossob Rest Camp and currently the new tourism manager of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park) and Lucius Moolman (Regional general manager, SANPArks Arid Region). Picture: Supplied

Best Performing Park of the Year Award:

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

From left: Frans van Rooyen (park manager, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park), Christa von Elling (retired tourism manager of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park) and Lucius Moolman (Regional general manager, SANPArks Arid Region). Picture: Supplied

The media category highlighted Suzanne Paxton from SABC RSG, who was awarded Best Journalist: Radio for her in-depth coverage of climate change effects in the Northern Cape.

Kruger Magazine clinched the Best Publication: Print award for their outstanding wildlife and conservation stories in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, while Greening Afrika (Media Torque and Events) secured the Best Publication: Online for their dedication to covering the green economy for sustainable growth in Africa.

Mariam Kane-Garcia, managing director and CEO of TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa, expressed pride in partnering with SANParks for 65 years and lauded the dedication of all nominees and winners to preserving natural heritage.

Echoing the sentiment, Sipho Silinda, CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, emphasised the direct link between wildlife conservation and a resilient tourism sector.

Silinda stressed the importance of environmental awareness and highlighted FNB's commitment to actively participate in conservation initiatives.

This year, 28 Chief Executive Awards were presented, covering categories such as Shield Award, Best Customer Service, Best Ranger Post, Best Performing Division, Best Leadership Award, and Special Team Effort Award, among others.

Sello concluded the event by extending congratulations to all the Kudu Awards winners, commending their efforts in raising awareness about conservation's critical importance.

The Kudu Awards serve as a beacon, illuminating the relentless dedication of individuals and organisations towards conservation and environmental preservation, fostering a sustainable future for South Africa's natural heritage.