27 November 2025
South African National Parks (SANParks) honoured exceptional individuals and organisations committed to safeguarding the country’s natural and cultural heritage at the 19th Annual Kudu Awards, held on Thursday, 27 November 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
The prestigious event recognises both internal and external partners who demonstrate remarkable dedication to sustainability, community upliftment, and the protection of South Africa’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes. Through their drive, passion, and innovation, this year’s winners have made a meaningful impact on conservation and community wellbeing across the national parks system.
This year’s ceremony comes as SANParks prepares to mark a historic milestone in 2026: the centenary of the iconic Kruger National Park (KNP). On 31 May 2026, KNP will celebrate 100 years of conservation excellence, community partnerships, and world-renowned wilderness experiences. As SANParks reflects on this legacy, the Kudu Awards highlight the people and organisations whose contributions continue to shape the next century of conservation leadership.
Supported by TotalEnergies and First National Bank (FNB), the evening brought together leaders from government, conservation agencies, research institutions, and community partners to celebrate collective efforts that safeguard South Africa’s rich biodiversity.
The Kudu Awards remain one of the sector’s most respected platforms, showcasing how collaboration, innovation, and resilience can create lasting, on-the-ground change.
Special Recognition: CEO Special Kudu Award
This year’s special recognition of the CEO Special Kudu Award was presented posthumously to the late Sharon Haussmann, CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF). Her vision and determination were instrumental in establishing GKEPF as a strategic conservation partner to SANParks and the Kruger National Park. Sharon was a trailblazer whose leadership, empathy, and ability to unite people—from community members to reserve managers—left an enduring legacy. SANParks salutes her immense contribution.
Media Awards
Best Journalist: Print was awarded to Savanna Strauss (Media24) for her outstanding reporting that highlights the intrinsic link between ecological integrity and human wellbeing. Her writing makes conservation accessible to wider audiences through balanced, insightful, and compelling storytelling.
Best Journalist: Electronic had two winners this year:
Sikonathi Mantshantsha (Media24) for her powerful investigative work exposing environmental risks linked to sewerage management failures in the Mogale City Municipality.
Ulrich Hendricks and Lereko Motseko (SABC) for their exceptional field reporting that illuminated the cultural and ecological significance of the Richtersveld community. Their coverage brought critical national and international attention to responsible environmental management, plant poaching, climate impacts, and groundbreaking botanical discoveries.
Innovation Award
Awarded to Jocelyn Anderson for a pioneering national schools programme that integrates sustainability into classroom learning. By combining technology, coaching, and learner-led projects, the initiative cultivates champions for biodiversity protection, climate action, and sustainable resource management.
Women in Conservation Award
Presented to Kutlwano Masilo for her transformative contribution to environmental education. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, she inspires young people to value, understand, and actively protect South Africa’s biodiversity.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Three long-serving SANParks employees were honoured for their decades of dedication:
Kingsley Boesack – recognised for 40 years of exemplary service and unmatched ecological and botanical field expertise in the Tsitsikamma Section.
Daniel Engelbrecht – honoured for 40 years of committed service to Table Mountain National Park.
Lucius Moolman – celebrated for 36 years of leadership and a profound conservation legacy in SANParks and the Arid Region.
The evening also featured the Chief Executive Awards, recognising the outstanding performance and selfless dedication of SANParks employees. A total of 35 awards were presented across categories including Best Customer Service, Best Ranger Post, Best Performing Camp, Best Performing Park, Best Constituency Builder, Excellent Performance, Best Leadership, Special Team Effort, and the prestigious Shield Award.
Tonight’s honourees remind us that conservation excellence is driven by people who go beyond duty to make a lasting difference. As SANParks approaches a historic milestone in 2026, we celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to responsibly manage South Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and community relations for the next hundred years.
Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks)
JP Louw: SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson.
