South African National Parks (SANParks) has honoured outstanding individuals and organisations dedicated to protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage at the 19th Annual Kudu Awards, held this Thursday, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
The event recognised both internal and external partners whose commitment to sustainability, community upliftment and environmental stewardship has contributed significantly to conservation efforts across SA’s protected areas. Through innovation and passionate leadership, this year’s winners have advanced both conservation outcomes and community wellbeing.
This year’s ceremony comes as SANParks prepares to celebrate a major milestone in 2026: the centenary of the Kruger National Park (KNP). On May 31, 2026, KNP will mark 100 years of conservation leadership, community partnerships and globally renowned wilderness experiences. As SANParks reflects on this legacy, the Kudu Awards spotlight the people and organisations shaping the next century of conservation excellence.
Supported by TotalEnergies and First National Bank (FNB), the awards brought together leaders from government, conservation institutions, research bodies and communities to honour collaborative efforts that safeguard SA’s rich biodiversity. The Kudu Awards remain one of the sector’s most respected platforms for celebrating impactful work on the ground.
CEO Special Kudu Award
The CEO Special Kudu Award was presented posthumously to Sharon Haussmann, the late CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF). Her role in establishing GKEPF as a strategic conservation partner to SANParks and the Kruger National Park was widely acknowledged. Haussmann was celebrated for her ability to unify diverse stakeholders, from community groups to reserve managers, and for leaving a lasting legacy of empathy, leadership and collaboration.
Media Awards
Savanna Strauss of Media24 received the Best Journalist: Print award for reporting that powerfully links ecological integrity with human wellbeing. Her work was commended for being accessible, balanced and deeply engaging.
The Best Journalist: Electronic category had two winners:
• Sikonathi Mantshantsha (Media24), recognised for investigative reporting on environmental risks linked to sewerage management failures in the Mogale City Municipality.
• Ulrich Hendricks and Lereko Motseko (SABC), honoured for field reporting that highlighted the cultural and ecological importance of the Richtersveld community, shedding light on environmental risks, plant poaching, climate pressures and notable botanical discoveries.
Innovation Award
Jocelyn Anderson received the Innovation Award for creating a pioneering national schools programme that brings sustainability into the classroom. Using a blend of technology, coaching and learner-driven projects, the initiative builds young champions for biodiversity conservation and climate action.
Women in Conservation Award
Kutlwano Masilo was honoured for her significant contribution to environmental education. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, she inspires young people to appreciate and protect SA’s ecological heritage.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
SANParks recognised three long-serving employees whose decades of commitment have left a profound mark on the organisation:
• Kingsley Boesack: honoured for 40 years of service and exceptional ecological and botanical expertise in the Tsitsikamma Section.
• Daniel Engelbrecht: Recognised for 40 years of dedicated service to Table Mountain National Park.
• Lucius Moolman: celebrated for 36 years of leadership and a distinguished conservation legacy within SANParks and the Arid Region.
The ceremony also included the Chief Executive Awards, with 35 awards presented in categories such as Best Customer Service, Best Ranger Post, Best Performing Camp, Best Performing Park, Best Constituency Builder, Excellent Performance, Best Leadership, Special Team Effort and the esteemed Shield Award.
–ChannelAfrica–
