TALKING POINT

The mighty Orange River thundering down at Augrabies Falls NP

Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli General Manager: Media, Events and Stakeholder Relations

The year 2022 is in full swing colleagues, and it’s exciting to be part of an organisation which is buzzing with activity and change.

As a leading conservation agency, transformation is vital to keep the organisation afloat as well as sailing towards its mission and vision, and that is why transformation is one of our important values, as we seek to promote it in and outside of the organisation.

We hope that you are embracing the migration to the Web self-service (WSS), an easy-to-use and time-saving solution to access your leave balances payslips and much more. Read more on the new solution initiated by Human Capital Management on page 6.

The CRM Loyalty solution project is still underway. The project team has finalised most of the user training and is conducting final tests on the solution. Colleagues, this tool will optimise the experience that our customers have with us as the tool will change how we manage and nurture relationships with our customers, a very important stakeholder in our value chain. Look out for more communication in the coming weeks as the project nears it’s go-live date. As the financial year-end is approaching, I am pleased to announce that the Annual Performance Plan for 2022/2023 has been finalised and will soon be available on the intranet. Staff are urged to familiarise themselves with their specific divisional outcome goals.

Read more about World Wetlands Day on page 4, which is celebrated each year on 2 February to raise awareness about wetlands. Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests.

Also read about the success of the Tourism Monitor’s programme on page 8, an initiative of the National Department of Tourism as part of their Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and implemented through Biodiversity and Social Projects (BSP) Unit with support from Learning and Development within our National Parks.

3 November – 3 December marked Disability Rights Awareness Month, and 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Read more about the organisation’s Disability Awareness agenda on page 10.

On behalf of the leadership of SANParks, I would like to applaud Riaan Nel, Gregory Fish and Gavin Lottering, Rangers at Karoo National Park, for their selfless efforts in bringing the Gardner family to safety after their vehicle was washed 30 metres into a river, due to a flash flood. Outstanding work colleagues! Well done!

Colleagues, as we reconnect with and inspire society whilst remaining sustainable, let us embrace the year ahead with vigour and enthusiasm. Indeed SANParks is a transforming organisation. Make sure that where ever you are, in whichever corner you are in, that you are part of this exciting transformation journey.