The Kruger National Park (KNP) celebrated the outstanding commitment and performance of its staff on Friday, November 7, at the annual KNP Achievement Awards.

Held at the Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre, the event, organised by KNP management, formally acknowledged employees who consistently go “beyond the call of duty”.

According to the park’s managing executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu, the awards programme recognises employees based on merit and their significant contributions to the organisation’s success at the end of the financial reporting period.

Mthimkhulu highlighted the awards’ significance against the backdrop of SANParks’ impressive performance for the 2024/25 financial year.

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The organisation recorded a 10% increase in revenue from R3.67b to R4.1b, achieved 86% of its performance targets, and received an unqualified audit outcome, affirming its strong financial governance and management practices.

The award recipients demonstrated excellence across a wide range of categories, including outstanding workplace performance, superb client service, effective teamwork and exceptional creativity.

Mthimkhulu specifically praised employees who had worked tirelessly for over three decades and those who displayed bravery in rescuing colleagues from imminent danger, demonstrating remarkable determination and integrity.

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The selection process for individual nominees was based on stringent criteria, including: extra-mile achievements; independent and progressive thinking; initiative and creativity; a positive work approach; and leadership and ability to interact effectively at all levels.

Awards were presented to both individuals and facilities. Facility awards were judged on criteria such as overall performance, system implementation, financial management, guest feedback, compliance and general neatness.

The Bravery Award, also known as the Kruger Cross, is the highest accolade in KNP. It is reserved for exceptional acts of bravery performed to save any person’s or animal’s life.

This year, four staff members were awarded this honour: Albert Mkansi, Vusi Lubisi, Katekani Sibuyi, and Nicolus Mathebula.

They were recognised for placing their own lives in danger by single-handedly confronting armed suspected poachers or dangerous animals.

Management also recognised the significant, unbroken contribution of four long-serving employees with the Lifetime Contribution Award:

• Oupa Manzini (28 years of service)
• Richard Vukeya (31 years of service)
• Jairos Chiloane (34 years of service)
• James Mdluli (35 years of service).

Mthimkhulu congratulated all the award recipients, affirming that they truly deserve the recognition and urging them to “continue to shine the light of the KNP”.