GKEPF (Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation) continues to work closely with its founding members and partners to coordinate a number of counter-poaching measures. This month we say farewell to our COO, Andre Hendrikz, and welcome our new CEO, Sharon Haussmann.

Farewell and thanks to our COO, Andre Hendrikz
Effective 30 November 2020, Andre Hendrikz will be stepping down as the COO of GKEPF for personal reasons. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Andre for the valuable contribution he has made in progressing the aims and objectives of the organisation over the past few years. We wish him well for the future.

Welcome to Sharon Haussmann, the new CEO of GKEPF
We are pleased to announce that effective 12 October 2020, Sharon Haussmann has been appointed as the CEO of GKEPF. Sharon is known to many of you and is currently the Chairperson of Balule Nature Reserve. She has been the Vice Chairman of GKEPF for the past 2 years and so the transition from a non-executive to an executive role should be seamless.

“It is with great excitement that I embrace this opportunity to contribute to the protection of wildlife in this world-renowned conservation area in my role as CEO of GKEPF. The function and effectiveness of GKEPF in this vast open system, which is home to the world’s largest wild rhino population and many other iconic species, is critical. Only through effective communication, aligned approaches and committed cooperation will we succeed in protecting the species that make this such a significant and unique conservation area. GKEPF’s vision aligns closely with my personal philosophy and I embark on this journey fuelled by an overwhelming passion for the cause. “

Sharon is well aware of the challenges that she and the organisation face. Over the years, Sharon has built strong relationships with many of our stakeholders, including conservation authorities, neighbouring communities and nature reserves, and the Kruger National Park. She is also the Vice-Chairperson of the Joint Management Committee (JMC) under the Great Limpopo Trans-frontier Cooperative Agreement, a role perfectly aligned with being the CEO of GKEPF.

Sharon has identified some immediate tasks which include the following:

  • To strength the relationship with SANParks and key personnel within SANParks
  • To establish and implement the role GKEPF has promised to fulfil in terms of the GLTFCA structure and the Greater Kruger Strategic Development Plan
  • To continue to build relationships with various external partners and organisations including, DEFF, local authorities MTPA and LEDET, SAPS, PPF, SAWC, WWF and other aligned foundations
  • To communicate with all stakeholders on a regular, structured basis to ensure that the role of GKEPF is clearly understood and that areas of success are highlighted.
  • To provide innovation and support services to our underlying member reserves, particularly those who fund our operations, and to reinforce our role of assistance and communication.

Sharon can be contacted on +27 (0) 82 465 2292 or email sharon@gkepf.org.

GKEPF would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Over the last few years, entities such as GKEPF have committed more and more funding to help combat wildlife crime and we welcome the government announcement of the Integrated Wildlife Zones. As a Board, we remain committed to protecting and preserving wildlife in the JPZ for future generations.