South African (SA) National Parks (SANParks) recognised deserving conservationists at this year’s annual Kudu Awards ceremony, held at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand on 28 November 2024. Now in its 18th year, these awards recognise internal and external stakeholders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainability, improving livelihoods and achieving real change in SA’s national parks.
Awareness of conservation issues is of vital importance to better protect the country’s national parks, it is necessary to find solutions to challenges such as poaching and climate change, as well as educate and inform the public. The event saw conservation heavy weights celebrate those who have gone the extra mile to protect and conserve our country’s biodiversity.
In the media category, Selomina Phekelela from Media24 won Best Journalist for her outstanding and tireless online efforts to shed light on critical issues surrounding climate change, environmental degradation and exposing complex conservation issues. There were 3 winners in the Electronic category: Jolynn Minnaar from Wild Africa for her tireless dedication to inspiring the public to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces through streaming and broadcast partnerships; Theodore Mashele from eNCA for his fearless efforts on issues such as sustainability, community outreach and education about endangered species, demonstrating his fervent enthusiasm for conservation and Yusaf Abramjee from Crime Watch (eNCA) for his outstanding efforts dedicated to covering stories about conservation and safety and security in the Table Mountain and Kruger National (KNP) Parks.
Rewilding Southern Africa won Best Print Publication, showcasing emerging conservation solutions and technologies, inspiring conservationists, policymakers and private landowners to embrace rewilding’s transformative potential.
The Innovation Award winner was Indalo Inclusive (Industrial Development Corporation Township Energy Fund Project) for their support of renewable energy in townships and promoting it among green and social enterprises. The other winner was Tshireletso Mokate (Camping RetrEats) for his entrepreneurship and stimulating SA’s local economy.
The Women in Conservation Award had three winners: Kelly Thomson for raising money for a community centre in Tshokwane, Annlin Mantshebi Matabane for her contribution to cultural heritage and Kerri Wolter for her protection and passion for African vultures.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on three dedicated employees, Koos Josob, Dr Ian Russell and Batista Baloyi. Koos Josob was awarded for 31 years of exceptional dedication and service to SANParks in safeguarding SA’s natural heritage in Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park. Dr Ian Russell served SANParks for 34 years in the Garden Route National Park and was dedicated to the management and preservation of SANParks’ aquatic ecosystems. Batista Baloyi was honoured for 47 years of exceptional service to SANParks as Assistant Section Ranger, Special Operations in the KNP.
The Chief Executive Awards recognised dedication and selfless efforts of SANPark employees towards achieving SANParks’ goals. A total of 58 Chief Executive Awards were awarded this year ranging from the Shield Award, Best Customer Service, Best Constituency Builder, Best Ranger Post, Best Performing Camp, Best Performing Park of the Year, Excellent Performance in the workplace, Best Performing Division, Best Leadership Award and Special Team Effort Award.
