SKUKUZA – More than 100 awards were handed out to Kruger National Park (KNP) staff members, who excelled in various categories during 2015 on Friday night.

The KNP Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Mr Nicholas Zambatis who is retiring at the end of June after a career of 43 years in conservation.

Zambatis worked for Scientific Services from 1987 to 2007, first as technician and later as a scientist. He worked at the weather station in Skukuza and ensured that its data was reliable and of a high standard, thus assisting in making this weather station one of the best run in the country.

He acted as fire protection officer in Kruger and assisted with getting all the relevant and required documentation in place for the Greater Kruger Fire Protection Agency, including the GKFPA business plan and the KNP veld fire protocol.

Throughout all the years that Zambatis has done plant collection for herbaria. He collected over 2 100 specimens. These are in the Hans Hoheisen Herbarium, Skukuza Biological Collection and the Pretoria National Herbarium. As recognition for all this work, particularly in the Lowveld, a plant was named after him, Nesaea zambatidis.

The KNP Bravery Award was bestowed on Mr Vusi Mkansi. He risked his life to save the Olifants Camp generator room which caught fire. He was instrumental in ensuring that the fire was contained without causing further damage, and helped prevent what could have been an expensive and tragic incident.

A posthumous award was bestowed on the family of the late Mr Silas Mukoki for outstanding service in the workplace.

All the finalists went through a selection process based on a set of stringent assessment criteria. Apart from their extra mile achievements, individual nominees had to possess qualities such as independent and progressive thinking, initiative and creativity, a positive approach to work, leadership and ability to interact at all levels regardless of training and skills.

The awards for facilities were judged on areas such as overall performance, implementation of various systems, financial performance and management, guest complaints and compliments, compliance to policies and general neatness of the facility.

Nyalaland Wilderness Trails was announced as best Wilderness Trails Camp of the year.

The Ranger Post of the Year was awarded to Kingfisherspruit while the Entrance Gate of the year was Phalaborwa Gate.

The environmental education contribution award went to Dyondzekani Primary School.

The following awards for outstanding service in the workplace was awarded to:

Conservation management department: Michele Hofmeyr, Dr. Edward Riddell,Nelson, Mudzedzi, Meurel Baloyi

Technical services department: Richard Themba, Petrus van Wyk, Linford, Molaba Alfred Khoza, Jim Shadrack Mhlongo, Jan Chawana, Donald Chiloane,  Reckson Baloyi, Eckson Mhlanga

Finance department: Cindy Lukhele

Scientific services department: Nokukhanya Mpanza, Patricia Khoza

Human capital department : Nonhlahla Ntimane, Anickie Mthebula, Phineas Nxumalo, Patrick Dube, Thonny Lubisi, Confidence Chauke

Communcations and marketing: Tronity Lindiwe Mbowane

People and conservation: Lucia Hlatshwayo, Jeremiah Machavi

Ranger services: Combined regions (Marula & Nxanatseni): Nelson Nkuna, Ernest Manyike, Harrison Mathebula, Hendry Maswanganyi, Joes Shihlangu, John Sibiya, Albert Smith, Robert Hlane, Baloi Mduduza, Robert Baxter, Adolph Mashabane, Mizi Marima, Richard Sowry, James Jack Manzini,  Brian Nkuna, Katherina Keet, Samuel Sehwana, Sam Baloi, Daniel Chavalala (Phalaborwa), Robert Thomson, Mkhacani Daniel Chavalala (Pafuri), Nkateko Vicent Hlungwani, Sandra Visagie, Tomas Macie

Protection services: Mahlatse Mabetlela,Godfrey Ndhlovu, Ayanda Ndebele

Wilderness trails: Outstanding service to Tourists/ Customers/ Clients: Rangani Tsanwani, Moses Mokansi, Jobe Shabangu, Ronnie Mulhovo

Marula region: Outstanding service in the workplace: Anna Khoza, Vincent Manhique, Gideon Sibuyi, John Mnyuku, Ntombizodwa Mahlalela

Marula: Outstanding Service to Tourists/ Customers/ Clients:  Thembi Mavunlha, Noel Ngwenya, Zulu Bridgeman, Rofhiwa Nedididi, Dumisane Ntlemo, Lunga Mamize, Johannes Ndzovela, Aitah Mogane

Nnxanatseni region: Outstanding service in the workplace: Titus Nkuna, Bassie Marivate,

Nnxanatseni: Outstanding Service to Tourists/ Customers/ Clients:  Rodgers Hobyane, Elinah Mona, Welheminah Mabasa

Managing executive special awards: Lesley Nyawo, Dr Marisa Coetzee, Danny Thwala, Otch Otto, Christa von Elling

Special team effort award: Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre, KNP Aerial Census Team Walk and Learn on the Wild side Team

Department of the year:  Communications and Marketing Department

Camp of the year: Olifants Camp

Bush Camp of the year: Bateleur

Most cleanest living quarters: Stolsnek Ranger Staff Village

Appreciation awards: Capitec Bank, Nedbank, Gladys Mathebula, Biodiversity Social Project Program, Raymond Steyn, Allan and Madeleine Campbell, Dalene Preston, Rosemary Hancock

Chief executive awards:  Website Community Choice Award: Dorris Khosa