HOEDSPRUIT – The conservation community lost one of their trailblazers, Sharon Haussman, CEO of Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF), after she passed away on May 31.

On their Facebook page, GKEPF hailed Haussman’s contribution to conservation.

“Sharon was, above all, a friend to her colleagues, to those who worked alongside her, and to anyone who crossed her path in the world of conservation. Trained as an engineer and accomplished as an entrepreneur, Sharon never missed an opportunity to “do better” in all that she did, starting with her cherished area of Balule, where she made her home. She took the GKEPF helm at a time when the region was in dire need of an experienced and accomplished coordinator. In a landscape marked by complex challenges, she had a rare ability to bring people together, from communities living on the edges of Kruger and Mozambique, to captains of industry and reserve managers across the Greater Kruger,” it stated.

They said that she will be remembered for her wicked sense of humour, her love of the celebration of hard work and a job well done, her relentless vision and drive, and above all, her fierce passion for wildlife, especially her rhino and spotted hyenas.

“Raised on a farm, Sharon was a free spirit who loved to jump into dams and rivers. Her love of animals, nature, and her intuitive understanding of the bush were touching and inspiring. She always said “yes” to adventure without hesitation, her enigmatic and beautiful smile always leading the way. Sharon had a unique gift for making people feel valued, empowered, and included. Everyone was welcome; everyone was involved. She was not one to sit on the sidelines; she made things happen. She influenced, connected, persuaded, and inspired. Whether relocating rhinos from Klerksdorp to Kruger, monitoring fences in government reserves, darting rhinos, or organising youth soccer tournaments, Sharon approached every task with courage and enthusiasm,” added GKEPF.

Koru Camp said that they were profoundly saddened to learn of Sharon’s passing.

“As CEO of GKEPF, she was not only a champion of collaborative conservation but also paved the way for women in a historically male-dominated industry. We were immensely proud to work with Sharon to create greater access for our local communities to nature. She had a strong connection to our reserve, where Koru Camp now calls home, having grown up right here whilst her father was the manager. As it happened, she never lost her fearless streak or deep love of nature – two defining characteristics that helped make her such a remarkable leader and changemaker in conservation,” they said.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann, and their son, Aden. She also leaves behind her mother, Marie Hearne; her father, Steven Hearne; and her brother, Ralph Hearne and his extended family.