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Employees of the Kruger National Park (KNP) were recognised for their exceptional dedication and hard work at the annual KNP Achievements Awards, held on Friday, 7 November 2025, at the Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre inside the world-famous park.
The awards form part of SANParks’ ongoing initiative to celebrate employees who go above and beyond their daily duties, contributing significantly to the organisation’s success. Recipients were selected based on performance, innovation, teamwork, leadership, and service excellence.
This year’s awards coincided with an outstanding year for SANParks, which reported a 10% revenue increase, rising from R3.67 billion to R4.1 billion for the 2024/25 financial year. The organisation achieved 86% of its operational targets and received an unqualified audit opinion, confirming the strength of its financial and governance systems.
Award categories included Excellent Performance in the Workplace, Best Customer Service, Leadership, Innovation, Bravery, and Lifetime Achievement, among others. Facilities were also recognised in categories such as Ranger Post of the Year, Camp of the Year, and Entrance Gate of the Year.
Four employees — Albert Mkansi, Vusi Lubisi, Katekani Sibuyi, and Nicolus Mathebula — received the prestigious Bravery Award, also known as the Kruger Cross, for acts of exceptional courage in confronting armed suspected poachers and dangerous wildlife, risking their own lives to protect others.
Long-serving employees were honoured for their decades of dedication, including Oupa Manzini (28 years), Richard Vukeya (31 years), Jairos Chiloane (34 years), and James Mdluli (35 years), each recognised for their unwavering commitment and service to SANParks.
All finalists were assessed against strict criteria emphasising initiative, leadership, creativity, and consistent excellence. The facility awards also considered financial performance, guest feedback, compliance, and overall presentation.
The event concluded with management commending staff for upholding the legacy and values of SANParks, reinforcing its commitment to conservation, professionalism, and service excellence across the Kruger National Park.
