SKUKUZA – The 16th Kruger National Park (KNP) Achievement Awards took place on Friday May 29.
This was the first event to be officiated by the newly appointed managing executive (ME) of the park, Mr Glenn Phillips, and the last for the acting ME, Mr Danie Pienaar.
Special guests included the chief executive officer of SANParks, Mr Fundisile Mketeni.
Awards were given to staff members who excelled in the categories of outstanding service during the past year. Other awards in the category of “best of”, were also handed over.
The lifetime achievement award went to Mr Zondane Urrene, who started working in KNP 40 years ago.
The Total Top Service Award went to the Mopani Rest Camp’s filling station. It was handed to Mr Johann Mdluli, the camp’s hospitality services manager.
Handing over the award was Ms Nyameka Makonya, sustainable-development manager for Total SA.
Other awards that were handed out:
• The Best Wilderness Camp of the Year – Olifant Trail
• Bush Camp of the Year Award – Bateleur Bush Camp
• The Entrance Gate of the Year – Pafure Border Gate
• The Camp of the Year – Shingwedzi Rest Camp
• The Ranger Post of the Year – Stolsnek Ranger Post
• The Environmental Education Contribution of the Year – Mpithi Combined School.
Staff members in various departments were honoured for outstanding efforts made in the workplace by going beyond a call of duty.
In the hospitality category awards were given to those staff members who walked the extra mile with customers, tourists or clients.
Performing during the ceremony was the group the Soweto Opera Quadro, much to the delight of all the guests.
