Conservationists receive Kudu Awards

In the category for profit-making organisations, the Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award went to Nampak for their investment in developing patent baboon-proof dustbins that separate recyclable and non-recyclable waste in the Kruger National Park, as well as The Vineyard Hotel for their effort and commitment to nature conservation by volunteering to clear alien species in an 8.5ha plot in Silvermine in the Table Mountain National Park.

Best journalist

This year's Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation: Best Journalist of the Year, went to Sheree Bega from the Saturday Star for consistently exhibiting integrity and interest in environmental and conservation issues in the media covering a variety of topics. Dianne Tipping-Wood from Wild Magazine and Promise Moripa from Bushbuckridge FM received Merit Awards.

Lennox Mathebula was recognised for his dedication and passion to nature conservation and his involvement in fund-raising activities and received the Community Contribution to Conservation Award (Individual), while the Friends of Vlakkernberg and Friends of Silvermine Tuesday Clearing group were awarded the Community Contribution to Conservation Award (Group) for their efforts in mitigating effects of alien species within the Table Mountain National Park.

"The Kudu Awards is an important initiative that recognises external stakeholders for their contribution and internal stakeholders for efforts in making South African National Parks the custodian of choice for the national parks system. SANParks also plays a significant role in the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, thus protecting South Africa's most valuable national assets," Dr David Mabunda, SANParks CEO said.

Lifetime contribution

Danny Zandamela, CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, added that the Kudu Awards were fundamental to the practice of recognising, acknowledging and praising the people who have, over the years, created and maintained a conducive and enabling environment for nature conservation projects to be managed effectively. He further expressed that the individuals that have been recognised are at the forefront of inspiring, educating and mobilising their peers through their commitment to environmental issues.

As part of the awards programme, SANParks also recognised employees who have played a significant role in the national parks operations by bestowing a Lifetime Contribution Award. This award was granted to Alex Brooks from Table Mountain National Park. "Alex has given 48 years of service to SANParks and he is totally dedicated to his park," Dr Mabunda said. "He has been instrumental in not only the upgrades of the tourism facilities, but also the maintenance of these sites to ensure that the 800,000 visitors we receive at Cape Point every year have the best possible experience at our facilities."

Winners of the 2013 Kudu Awards in the respective categories are:

Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award (Business Partner of the Year):

Tigers Eye Kruger National Park, Addo & Tsitsikamma Retail, were recognised for their outstanding performance and exceeding targets in the 2012/2013 financial year.

Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award (Profit-making Organisation):

Nampak won the Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award for their investment in developing patent baboon-proof dustbins that separate recyclable and non-recyclable waste in the Kruger National Park.

The Vineyard Hotel won the award for their effort and commitment to nature conservation by volunteering to clear alien species in an 8.5 ha plot in Silvermine, Table Mountain National Park.

Corporate Contribution (Non-profit Organisation):

In this sub-category, Crew Outramps, were awarded for their work in conservation and saving of rare and endangered wild flowers in the Southern Cape in support of South African National Biodiversity Institute programmes.

Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation (Best Journalist):

This year's Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation, Best Journalist of the Year went to Sheree Bega from Saturday Star. She consistently exhibits genuine integrity and interest in environmental and conservation issues in the media covering a variety of topics.

Dianne Tipping-Wood from Wild Magazine received a Merit Award in this category in recognition of her contribution in covering diverse stories relating to nature conservation and tourism in a balanced and educational manner.

Promise Moripa from Bushbuckridge FM also received a Merit Award in this category for consistently providing in-depth reporting on rhino poaching issues and creating awareness in the local communities about the impact of rhino poaching to conservation and tourism.

Community Contribution to Conservation (Individual):

The recipient of this award, Lennox Mathebula, was recognised for his dedication and passion to nature conservation and his involvement in fund raising activities that are aimed at benefiting communities.

Community Contribution to Conservation (Group):

In the group sub-category, Friends of Vlakkernberg and Friends of Silvermine Tuesday Clearing group who won for their efforts in mitigating effects of alien species within the Table Mountain National Park.

Mothopong Organic Farming Community Project received a merit award for their contribution to the community of Lebowakgomo by supplying the poor with food through an organic farming community project.

Community Contribution to Conservation (Region):

This is the SANParks Honorary Rangers (a volunteer organisation working in national parks) Award. This year's winner is the Virtual Honorary Rangers for their efforts in nature conservation issues and contribution to SANParks through fundraising and support of environmental education programmes.

Community Contribution to Conservation (Project of the Year):

The second winner in the Honorary Rangers Awards is the SANParks Honorary Rangers Conservation Services National Project and the UNITRANS / Unite Against Poaching fundraising project, in support of SANParks anti-poaching operations.

Environmental Capacity Award:

Londidha Primary School received the Environmental Capacity award for actively bringing environmental education, especially conservation into the classroom.

Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award (Individual):

Alyssa Carter received the merit award for this year's Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award (Individual). This was in recognition of her entrepreneurial spirit and acknowledging that the fight against rhino poaching requires funding.

The awards evening also saw SANParks staff members being rewarded through the Chief Executive Awards. A total of 16 Chief Executive Awards were given out this year.