By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Hard work always pays off, the KNP(Kruger National Park) annual awards are awards which motivates a number of employees and also make people want to be part of the National Park.
It was all in vintage style as it was stated for the special ceremony in honouring its employees for exceptional performance in their duties at the annual KNP Achievements Awards.
The extravagant ceremony was held at the Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre(in the KNP)on Friday 7 November 2025, recognised employees who have gone above and beyond in their respective roles, following the end of the financial reporting period.
The employees were recognised for, amongst others, outstanding efforts in the workplace, outstanding service to clients, team work and creativity, exceptional long service spanning for over three decades.
Some of the winners were recognised for showing bravery and coming to the aid of their colleagues in dangerous incidents, showing unwavering determination while ensuring quality and integrity in their actions.
The categories included; Leadership, Reasearch Initiative and Innovation, Best Constituency Builder, Lifetime Achievement, Ranger Post of the Year, Camp of the Year, Bush Camp of the Year, Entrance Gate of the Year, Managing Executive Special Awards, amongst other.
SANParks(South African National Parks) spokesperson, JP Louw, said the employees were rewarded based on merit and their contributions towards the success of the organisation.
In addition, Louw said the awards come against the background of impressive achievements by SANParks in its operational and financial performance for 2024/25 financial year, reporting a 10 % increase in revenue from R3.67-billion to R4.1-billion in 2024/25.
“ On the operational front, SANParks achieved 86% of its performance. SANParks also received an unqualified audit outcome for the past year, affirming the strength of its financial governance and management practices.
“ All the finalists went through a selection phase based on a set of stringent 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,” said Louw.
Additionally, Louw said 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.
Albert Mkansi, Vusi Lubisi, Katekani Sibuyi, and Nicolus Mathebula, received the Bravery Award, also known as the Kruger Cross, for their exceptional bravery in confronting armed suspected poachers and dangerous animals.
This award reportedly also recognises employees for performing an act of exceptional bravery to save a colleague, tourist or any person or animal’s life.
Four long-serving employees; Oupa Manzini, Richard Vukeya, Jairos Chiloane, and James Mdluli, were recognized for their significant contributions to SANParks over 28, 31, 34, and 35 years of service, respectively.
