GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - SANParks employees from across the Garden Route were recognised for their dedication and contributions to conservation at an awards ceremony last week, celebrating their role in protecting biodiversity, preserving natural resources and maintaining essential ecosystems.
A total of 44 employees were honoured at the SANParks Garden Route Achievement Awards held at Villa Castollini in Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna, on Friday 30 October. Forty-five trophies and certificates were presented across nine categories, recognising contributions from the park's Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections.
Among those recognised were lifetime achievers Roland Kivetts and Joseph Geduld, whose combined service to conservation spans 88 years. Geduld was honoured for 45 years of service, while Kivetts has served SANParks for 43 years.
Property Mokoena, managing executive of SANParks' operations, said each award reflected dedication and colleagues who had gone beyond expectations. He encouraged employees to celebrate one another, emphasising that conservation could not be achieved in isolation. "We succeed when our colleagues succeed," he said.
The ceremony also recognised stakeholders who supported the park's community development, tourism and conservation initiatives during the 2025/26 financial year. Their contributions included donating school shoes and uniforms to children living near the park, promoting entrepreneurship through hiking trails and protecting the biodiversity of the Knysna fynbos. Mokoena highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing increasingly complex conservation challenges.
Among the recipients were Moipone Thathane, who received the leadership award, and the Garden Route Dive Unit, which received the research, initiatives and innovation award.
The Tsitsikamma section was named the best-performing park, while Storms River Mouth Camp and Ebb & Flow Rest Camp shared the best-performing camp award.
The Tsitsikamma and Wilderness Ranger Posts were recognised as the best-performing ranger posts. Rebecca Mbenyane and Nadia Erasmus received the best customer service award.
The lifetime contribution awards went to Geduld and Kivetts, while 28 employees and teams were recognised for excellent performance in the workplace. Six teams also received recognition in the best-performing division/business unit category.
Mokoena congratulated all nominees and recipients, encouraging them to maintain high standards and continue contributing to conservation.
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