According to an announcement by SANParks on February 22, Gareth Coleman will leave the position of managing executive for the KNP in September after the board approved a six-month extension to enable him to hand over to his successor.

The acting chief executive of SANParks, Dumisani Dlamini, made the announcement to staff through an internal memo and thanked Coleman for his contribution since assuming his position.

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“Coleman was engaged to stabilise the KNP and prepare a revised business model and strategy for the park. He took over when the country was in a total lockdown due to Covid-19, which impacted on the timelines of his mandate,” the SANParks statement read.

“Despite the lockdown, Coleman still managed to achieve the upgrading of KNP staff accommodation, and undertook extensive consultation processes with employees and outside stakeholders on their role in the park.

“This was all to inform them about a turnaround plan for the KNP, which aims to keep its place among the best managed national parks in the world. The plan includes a new business model for the KNP and creating opportunities for businesses from communities adjacent to the park.

“He hosted successful roadshows that were well attended by both SMMEs and funding agencies to highlight opportunities in which they need to participate to revive the rural economy in their respective areas and thereby creating job opportunities.”

He will spend the six-month extension of his contract finalising the strategy and to ensure a smooth handover to his successor.

Coleman expressed his gratitude at serving in the KNP. “It has been a privilege and an honour to serve SANParks in driving change in one of the greatest destinations and national parks in the world.

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“When I arrived I had no illusions about what could be achieved in two years. My aim was always to try and get everyone looking forward and in the same direction, this despite it being a difficult period to lead as a result of the pandemic.

“I will use the final six months to work with management and employees to finalise a business model and organisational structure that will ensure the ongoing sustainability of the park in a more participative, green and inclusive manner.”