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Conservation heroes, many of whom risk their lives to
protect South Africa's natural heritage, have been
acknowledged and rewarded at South African National
Parks (SANParks) Kudu Awards 2017 ceremony. Held
on Thursday, 23 November, at the CSIR Convention Centre
in Pretoria, the 13th annual awards ceremony was hosted
by SANParks, supported by Total South Africa and First
National Bank (FNB).
Fundisile Mketeni, SANParks CEO, said that the Kudu
Awards "recognise internal and external stakeholders for
their vital contribution in making South African
National Parks the custodian of choice for the national
parks system in South Africa".
¡§These awards honour people for their meaningful
contributions to the protection of the environment
through various means, which reflects society¡¦s
admirable social responsibility ¡V giving meaning to the
SANParks vision of ¡¥A Sustainable National Parks System
Connecting Society¡¦,¡¨ said Mketeni.
Kgosi Ledimo, CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, said
that the Kudu Awards were vital in the preservation of
the environment.
"It¡¦s only through recognising people that are doing the
hard work that we will see the success seen over the few
years. Our involvement in these awards is also a way of
adding our voice to signal the urgency with which we
must respond to the threats posed to the environment.
Going forward, we hope to recognise more individuals
that selflessly serve South Africa¡¦s environmental
challenges,¡¨ added Ledimo.
Pierre-Yves Sachet, CEO and MD of Total South Africa,
said that in 2018, Total and SANParks would celebrate 60
years of working together and many initiatives would be
rolled out during the year.
One of the most prestigious awards, the Lifetime
Contribution Award, went to Ananias Jamie Mulhovo from
the Kruger National Park.
According to SANparks, Mulhovo joined SANParks in 1971
as a General Worker in Technical Services. He was
assigned to the Skukuza Camp maintenance team in 1998
"where he continued to serve the camp with distinction
until his retirement last month".
¡§When you enjoy your job like I do, time flies. I cannot
believe that I have been in the park for so many decades
¡K seeing the Lifetime Achievement Award and certificate
is proof that I have received this prestigious honour,¡¨
said Mulhovo.
Two special awards went to Dr Freek Venter of the Kruger
National Park and Ronnie Steinbrucker of Table Mountain
National Park for the "massive impact they have had in
their various operations of SANParks". SANParks said
that they had spent over three decades each of unbroken
and loyal service in the employ of SANParks.
¡V Source:
Traveller24 |
