Marakele National Park best in northern cluster

Photographed during the awarding ceremony are, from left to right, Mr Johan Taljaard (Marakele National Park manager), Mr Risenga Craven Mashave (Regional manager's special award winner) and Mr Property Mokoena (Regional general manager).

Marakele National Park best in northern cluster

The Marakele National Park in the Waterberg biosphere received the award as the northern cluster's Park of the Year during a ceremony held at Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage site a fortnight ago.

SANparks' northern cluster parks comprise Mapungubwe, Marakele and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The annual awards acknowledge excellent work of committed employees and it is one of the initiatives driven by the annual Kudu awards intended to award excellence throughout SANparks. The ceremony also meant to instil a culture of achievements and excellence, encourage excellent performance and ensure a continuous quality service for the stakeholders.

Employees, mostly from Marakele Park, walked home with most of the accolades during Friday's ceremony. Mr Risenga Craven Mashave received the most prestigious award of the day, namely the regional manager's special award. This award also came with a R3 000 prize.

SANParks' northern regional manager, Mr Property Mokoena, said the ceremony would motivate the team of at least 400 employees in the northern region to compete and uplift the region to the highest level. “We are celebrating those employees who work tirelessly in their daily jobs,” he said.

Mr Mokoena said the northern region national parks were very complex and faced many challenges. “Our parks are buffer zones. We worry not only about animals, but also about how we can connect with people. I am here to provide a platform and support,” added Mr Mokoena.

Prizes were also awarded in other categories, such as: Reception of the Year, Camp of the Year, Best Ranger Post, Research and Initiatives, and Excellence in Customer Service award.

Some employees were also recognised for their involvement in the fight against rhino poaching through implementing innovative measures. These measures include the development and strengthening of relationships with the authorities such as security institutions to help fight poaching.

Some of the winning employees, photographed with the parks manager during the SANparks northern region annual awards.

Date:07 August 2014

By: Phathutshedzo Luvhengo

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