The Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) has shared the news of the passing of its CEO, Sharon Haussmann.

She passed away on Saturday, May 31, at the age of 55. The GKEPF said her death was sudden and unexpected.

Haussmann is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann, and their son, Aden, along with her mother, Marie Hearne, her father, Steven Hearne, and her brother, Ralf Hearne.

SANParks Pays Tribute to the Late Ms. Sharon Haussmann, CEO of GKEPF

SANParks expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Sharon Haussmann, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF). pic.twitter.com/378zq3WOEK

— SANParks (@SANParks) June 2, 2025

The GKEPF described Haussmann as a friend to her colleagues 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, which she made her home. She took the GKEPF helm at a time when the region was in dire need of an experienced and accomplished co-ordinator,” said GKEPF in a statement.

“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 the industry and reserve managers across the Greater Kruger,” read the statement.

The GKEPF says Haussmann will be remembered for her sense of humour, her love of the celebration of hard work and a job well done, her relentless vision and drive, as well as her passion for wildlife, especially her rhinos and spotted hyenas.

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“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,” reads the statement.

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SANParks has expressed its deepest condolences to Haussmann’s family, friends and colleagues.

SANParks says Haussmann’s passing came at a critical time in the history of conservation in the country.

Her death came at the time when SANParks is embarking on a new strategic direction, Vision 2040, which places collaboration, sustainability and inclusive conservation at the heart of building resilient protected areas.

“Sharon’s leadership acumen was evident in every engagement. Her clarity of thought, strategic foresight and deep understanding of the complexities of conservation partnerships consistently elevated the quality of dialogue and decision making. It was through her vision and determination that the GKEPF was established, becoming a strategic partner to both the Kruger National Park and SANParks,” reacted the SANParks board chairperson, Pam Yako, following the news.

“May her legacy continue to inspire us as we walk the trail she so courageously blazed. May her soul rest in peace,” added Yako.

The James Mayinga Foundation, which worked together with Haussmann, making a difference in influencing social cohesion through sport, and uniting conservation and communities through sport, told Lowvelder that a giant has been lost.

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“We have lost a trailblazer who led from the front. It is with deep sorrow that we join the GKEPF family in mourning the passing of their remarkable CEO,” said James Mayinga, the founder of the James Mayinga Foundation.

“At the James Mayinga Foundation we were privileged to work alongside Sharon and witness her unwavering commitment to building a better future for both people and nature. Her legacy will live on through the conservation work she led with heart and courage. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and the entire GKEPF team.

The Chairperson of Balule Private Nature Reserve, Sharon Haussmann, says this is a huge step towards the right direction for #Conservation. #TheGreaterKruger pic.twitter.com/pgTcYTDmuI

— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) March 19, 2019