SANParks celebrates National Women’s Month by recognising
just some of the extraordinary women within the organisation
A Message from SANParks CEO
As we celebrate National Women’s Month, it is an honour to recognise the extraordinary women of South African National Parks (SANParks). This month reminds us of the courageous women who marched in 1956 for equality and justice, and it offers a moment to reflect on how women are reshaping conservation, hospitality, scientific research, and wildlife protection across our 21 national parks and 10 marine protected areas.
I wish to acknowledge the leadership of the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Honourable David Maynier, whose commitment to strengthening South Africa’s environmental mandate inspires our work. I also extend appreciation to the Chairperson of the SANParks Board, Ms. Beryl Ferguson, for her strategic guidance and unwavering dedication to inclusive conservation. Their stewardship creates the enabling environment in which women and men across SANParks can thrive and lead.
For decades, conservation was perceived as a male-dominated space. Today, that narrative has shifted. Women are not only participating–they are leading.
From formidable female field rangers on the frontlines of anti-poaching, to scientists analysing climate impacts, to business, tourism, and financial managers driving organisational excellence, women form the backbone of SANParks. Their resilience, innovation, and community-centred leadership enrich our operations every day.
This Women’s Month is especially meaningful as we mark the centenary of the Kruger National Park in 2026. Reflecting on 100 years of conservation excellence challenges us to consider the next century. Through Vision 2040, SANParks is charting a bold path for inclusive conservation that integrates biodiversity protection with socio-economic transformation and community benefit-sharing.
True sustainability requires inclusivity. We are committed to removing institutional barriers and expanding pathways for women to lead–from specialised anti-poaching training to scientific mentorship and leadership development. Our goal is clear: women must be equipped to occupy any space and influence any decision-making forum in the global environmental sector.
While this month rightly centres women, it is also important to acknowledge the men across SANParks who stand as allies and champions of gender equity. Their support strengthens our collective mission and reinforces that inclusive conservation is built through partnership.
The profiles in this publication reflect only a fraction of the talent and dedication within SANParks. To all the women across our organisation and parks: thank you for your courage, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment. You are the guardians of our natural heritage–and the architects of our sustainable future.
Adelaide Klaasen, Data Capturer, Biodiversity Social Projects (BSP), Namaqua
Adelaide Klaasen serves as the Data Capturer for the Biodiversity Social Projects (BSP) in the Arid Region and is an invaluable contributor to the success of conservation initiatives within the Arid Cluster. Although her position is primarily administrative, she consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail in every aspect of her work.
Adelaide plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and efficient management of WIMS data, the timely processing of contract payments, and the compilation of comprehensive reports that support informed decision-making. In addition, she is instrumental in coordinating training and skills development activities, helping to build capacity and strengthen the effectiveness of BSP teams across the region.
Her reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence have earned her the respect of colleagues and stakeholders alike. Adelaide approaches every task with diligence and a positive attitude, consistently ensuring that administrative processes run smoothly and efficiently. Her behind-the-scenes efforts are essential to enabling effective conservation operations and supporting field teams in achieving SANParks’ strategic objectives.
Through her unwavering commitment, professionalism, and valuable contributions, Adelaide exemplifies the core values of SANParks and is a highly deserving candidate for recognition. Her work continues to make a meaningful impact on both the BSP programme and the broader conservation mandate of the organisation.
Charmain Simerie, Receptionist, West Coast National Park
For 38 years, Charmain has faithfully served at West Coast National Park, making her one of the Park’s longest-serving employees. As the receptionist, she is often the first face, first smile and first point of welcome for visitors, colleagues and stakeholders entering the Park’s office.
But Charmain’s story is about much more than her position.
It is a story of commitment, perseverance, loyalty and strength.
This year, West Coast National Park celebrates 41 years of existence. Charmain has been part of that journey for 38 of those years–meaning that for almost the entire history of the park, a woman from the local Langebaan community has been faithfully showing up, serving others and contributing to the organisation she has become such an integral part of.
As a Langebaan local with deep family roots in the community, Charmain carries a connection to this place that is personal. She has not only witnessed the changes that have taken place around her; she has lived through them. Her family history is part of the history of Langebaan, while her professional journey has become part of the history of West Coast National Park.
Over 38 years, Charmain has seen generations of people pass through the Park. She has welcomed visitors, assisted colleagues, answered countless calls, shared information, solved problems and provided a familiar presence to those who have come to know her.
And while much of this work may happen quietly, faithful service is never insignificant.
Charmain represents the strength of women whose impact is not always found in the spotlight, but in their consistency, dedication and willingness to serve others day after day.
Her journey reminds us that a legacy is not always built through grand gestures. Sometimes, it is built through showing up, doing your work with pride, treating people with kindness and remaining committed—even as the years pass and the world around you changes.
A Woman Who Stayed
Thirty-eight years is more than a number.
It represents thousands of working days, countless interactions and four decades of experiences, challenges, changes and memories.
It represents a woman who has grown alongside an organisation while remaining connected to the community she calls home.
This Women’s Month, we honour Charmain Simerie for the woman behind the role—the woman whose dedication has stood the test of time, whose presence has welcomed generations of people, and whose story deserves to be remembered.
Charmain is a reminder that women leave their mark not only through what they achieve, but through the people they serve, the communities they strengthen and the example they leave behind.
Dr Constance Mafuwane – General Manager: Socio- Economic Transformation, Kruger National Park
Dr Mafuwane is an exceptional conservation and transformation leader whose work demonstrates that conservation is not only about protecting nature it is about transforming lives, creating opportunities and building lasting partnerships between protected areas and the communities that surround them. Through her leadership, strategic vision and commitment to inclusive development, she has consistently worked to position socio-economic transformation as an integral part of conservation and the long-term sustainability of protected areas.
One of Dr Mafuwane’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect conservation with economic opportunity. She champions initiatives that create pathways for communities, women, youth, emerging entrepreneurs and historically disadvantaged enterprises to participate meaningfully in the conservation and tourism value chains. Her work encompasses enterprise and supplier development, biodiversity economy initiatives, community beneficiation, youth empowerment, localisation, sustainable livelihoods and strategic partnerships.
Dr Mafuwane understands that the future of conservation depends on ensuring that people living alongside protected areas see tangible and sustainable benefits from conservation. She therefore promotes a model of conservation that seeks to move communities from being beneficiaries of isolated projects to becoming active partners, entrepreneurs, service providers and participants in the nature-based economy.
A defining feature of her leadership is her commitment to women and youth empowerment. She actively supports initiatives that create employment, entrepreneurship, skills development and leadership opportunities for young people and women. Her approach recognises that the conservation sector can become a powerful platform for addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality while simultaneously strengthening conservation outcomes.
Her leadership has also contributed to strengthening relationships between SANParks and communities, traditional leadership structures, land claimant communities, government departments, development institutions, universities, private-sector partners and other stakeholders. She understands that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved by one organisation alone and therefore actively promotes strategic partnerships and collaborative solutions.
Dr Mafuwane has demonstrated particular commitment to community beneficiation and the socio-economic opportunities arising from land restitution and conservation. She has contributed to advancing conversations around community benefits, enterprise opportunities, local participation and sustainable economic models, recognising that the resolution of historical inequalities must translate into practical and lasting economic opportunities.
Her vision extends beyond conventional community development. She actively explores innovative opportunities within the biodiversity economy, green economy, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, tourism, enterprise development and community-based economic initiatives. This forward-looking approach positions conservation as a catalyst for local economic development and creates opportunities for communities to derive value from natural assets while safeguarding them for future generations.
What distinguishes Dr Mafuwane is that she combines academic excellence, professional experience, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to people. Her doctoral-level academic background and extensive management experience enable her to approach complex socio-economic and conservation challenges analytically, while her people-centred leadership ensures that policies and strategies remain grounded in the realities experienced by communities.
As a woman leader in the conservation sector, Dr Mafuwane serves as an important role model for other women and emerging leaders. She demonstrates that women can occupy strategic leadership positions, influence institutional transformation, lead complex stakeholder processes and shape the future of conservation and sustainable development.
Her leadership philosophy is founded on the belief that conservation must create hope and opportunity. Whether through youth employment, enterprise development, community beneficiation, biodiversity economy initiatives, stakeholder partnerships or sustainable livelihood opportunities, she consistently seeks ways to turn conservation challenges into opportunities for people and nature.
Dr Mafuwane’s contribution is particularly significant in the context of SANParks’ long-term transformation ambitions. Her work supports the vision of a protected-area system where conservation excellence, community well-being, economic inclusion and environmental sustainability reinforce one another. She is helping to advance a new generation of conservation leadership–one that recognises that the strength of a protected area is also reflected in the resilience and prosperity of the communities around it.
Dr Maruping-Mzileni, General Manager, Cape and Arid Research Unit, Scientific Services
Dr Maruping-Mzileni is a distinguished conservation scientist and biodiversity leader whose exceptional leadership, dedication to mentorship, and passion for conservation make her a highly deserving nominee for the Woman in Conservation recognition.
With over 16 years of experience in wildlife ecology and adaptive management, Dr. Maruping-Mzileni currently serves as the General Manager for the Cape and Arid Research Unit, Scientific Services. In this pivotal role, she leads teams of scientists and biotechnicians in biodiversity research and monitoring across twelve national parks. Her extensive field expertise spans tracking desert black rhinos in Namibia, studying apex predators in the Kruger National Park, and managing complex ecosystems across South Africa’s diverse landscapes.
Beyond her scientific rigor, Dr. Maruping-Mzileni is deeply committed to developing others. Her active participation in prestigious programs, including the Women in Conservation Leadership network and the Pathways Africa Women in Conservation Leadership Training, highlights her dedication to elevating women in the field of biodiversity conservation. As a council member of the South African Wildlife Management Association (SAWMA), she leverages her platform to mentor upcoming scientists, advocate for diversity, and bridge the gap between complex science and national biodiversity policy.
Dr. Maruping-Mzileni’s career embodies a rare combination of scientific excellence and socially relevant leadership.
Dr Maruping-Mzileni’s unwavering commitment to advancing robust conservation management, while actively empowering the next generation of biodiversity leaders, makes her an outstanding champion and a highly deserving candidate for recognition under the Women in Conservation nomination.
Ester van der Merwe, Biotechnician: Black Rhino Monitor, Addo Elephant Park
As a Black Rhino Monitor at Addo Elephant National Park, Ester plays a critical role in safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage. Her work requires an unwavering commitment to the protection and monitoring of black rhino populations, often under challenging and demanding field conditions. Through her vigilance, attention to detail and deep understanding of wildlife behaviour, she contributes significantly to the conservation and long-term survival of this critically important species.
Ester is more than a dedicated conservation professional. She is an inspiration to women working in the environmental and conservation sectors. In a field that has traditionally been male dominated, she has demonstrated remarkable courage, determination and professionalism, proving that women are indispensable leaders in biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection.
Her passion for conservation is evident in her daily work, whether conducting field observations, collecting and analysing camera trap data, supporting anti-poaching efforts, or collaborating with colleagues to ensure effective species management. Ester approaches her responsibilities with a strong sense of purpose and pride, understanding that every observation contributes to the broader goal of securing a future for black rhinos in South Africa.
Beyond her technical contributions, Ester serves as a role model for young women aspiring to build careers in conservation. Her dedication, work ethic and commitment to protecting South Africa’s wildlife demonstrate that meaningful conservation outcomes are achieved through perseverance, knowledge and passion. Ester’s contribution extends far beyond her job description. For her outstanding dedication to black rhino conservation and her contribution to advancing the role of women in conservation, Ester van der Merwe is a deserving recipient of the Women in Conservation Award.
Her work reflects the very essence of conservation excellence: protecting wildlife today while inspiring future generations to do the same.
Itshekeng Lamola, Senior Manager Sales and Marketing, Groenkloof National Park
Her career began in corporate communications, where she developed expertise in strategic communication, corporate events and brand management. Motivated by a desire to contribute more directly to the tourism space, she transitioned into destination marketing. This move has allowed her to combine strategic thinking with creativity to promote our national parks and inspire more people to experience the beauty and value of conservation.
Beyond her passion for destination marketing, she has become a strong advocate for marketing innovation. She recognises that today’s travellers expect immersive and engaging experiences long before they arrive at a destination. As a result, she has championed the introduction of emerging marketing technologies, including Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, to transform how SANParks showcases its destinations. By embracing these technologies, she has helped position SANParks as a forward-thinking tourism brand, creating richer digital experiences that inspire travel while making conservation more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.
In her current role, she has played a key role in strengthening SANParks’ brand through strategic marketing initiatives and high-profile corporate events. She understands that destination marketing is about much more than attracting visitors. It is about creating meaningful connections between people and nature in building lasting appreciation for South Africa’s protected areas.
She works collaboratively across teams, builds strong relationships with stakeholders, and leads projects with confidence and humility. She knows when to take the lead and when to support others, creating an environment where people feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
Her soft power is rooted in developing others and fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous learning.
Nthabiseng “Pat” Bopape, Park Manager, Tsitsikamma National Park
Nthabiseng “Pat” Bopape is an exceptional conservation leader whose career exemplifies dedication, resilience, innovation and service to protected area management. With a Master of Business Leadership qualification and over 15 years of experience as a Park Manager across several National Parks, she has distinguished herself as one of SANParks’ most accomplished women leaders in conservation.
As Park Manager of the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, Pat leads one of the most complex conservation landscapes in South Africa. The area encompasses a globally significant Marine Protected Area, extensive indigenous forests, rugged mountain catchments, high tourism volumes, biodiversity conservation priorities, commercial tourism concessions, and ongoing environmental crime challenges, including threats associated with marine resource exploitation. Managing this intricate socio-ecological system requires balancing biodiversity conservation, visitor experience, law enforcement, stakeholder interests, infrastructure management and sustainable development within a rapidly changing environmental and socio-economic context.
Pat has consistently demonstrated strategic leadership in navigating these complexities while maintaining conservation outcomes and operational excellence. Her business leadership background has enabled her to introduce systems-thinking approaches to conservation management, ensuring that ecological sustainability, tourism growth, community benefits and financial sustainability are addressed holistically.
As part of her management approach, Pat is deeply committed to community development and transformation. She actively promotes opportunities for neighbouring communities through environmental education programmes, local economic participation, youth development initiatives and stakeholder engagement platforms that strengthen relationships between protected areas and surrounding communities. Her leadership reflects the understanding that conservation success depends not only on protecting biodiversity but also on creating meaningful partnerships with the people who live alongside protected areas.
Pat is also a participant in the prestigious African Leadership University Park Management Leadership Development Programme, where she continues to strengthen her expertise in adaptive leadership, systems thinking, innovation and the implementation of SANParks Vision 2040. Through this programme she is equipping herself with the knowledge and skills required to lead conservation organisations in an increasingly complex world.
Beyond her conservation responsibilities, Pat has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to community development and social upliftment. Under her leadership, Tsitsikamma has actively supported vulnerable communities during times of need, including assistance provided to the Sanddrift community following adverse weather events. The appreciation expressed by community members highlighted SANParks’ willingness to go beyond its traditional mandate in supporting local residents and strengthening community resilience.
As a young Black woman occupying senior leadership positions in a traditionally male-dominated sector, Pat has become a powerful role model within conservation. She has consistently made her voice heard in conservation leadership forums and boardrooms, bringing professional credibility, courage and strategic insight to decision-making processes. Her remarkable ability to influence, inspire and lead has helped create pathways for greater diversity and inclusion within the conservation sector.
Ms Phumlile Nyathikazi, Regional SET Manager, Garden Route NP
Her approach to the work is grounded in community engagement, partnership-building, and creating practical opportunities for people to participate in and benefit from conservation.
Phumlile believes that meaningful transformation starts with listening to communities and understanding their lived experiences. She recognizes that opportunities that may appear small from an organizational perspective can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals, young people, or households. For this reason, she approaches SET not simply as the implementation of projects and achievement of targets, but as a means of creating opportunities that communities can participate in and take ownership of.
A particular strength in Phumlile’s approach is her emphasis on meaningful participation. She is passionate about ensuring that communities and young people are not only consulted but also given opportunities to contribute to programs and decisions that affect them. She sees her role as a facilitator and connector—listening to needs, identifying opportunities, linking people with relevant stakeholders, and helping create pathways for participation.
This approach is important within the Garden Route, where SET works with a broad range of stakeholders, including municipalities, NGOs, educational institutions, community structures, youth forums, SMMEs, and conservation partners. Park Forums and other stakeholder platforms have enabled communities to raise issues such as beneficiation, youth participation, safety, pollution, and collaboration, strengthening their role in shaping priorities.
Youth development is particularly important to Phumlile. SET initiatives in the Garden Route have created opportunities for young people to gain exposure to conservation, environmental education, skills development, and possible future participation in the sector. Partnerships with organizations such as the Skippers Foundation and Nature’s Valley Community Trust have supported youth-focused conservation camps and environmental education programs, including pathways to future volunteering opportunities.
The broader program has also demonstrated the value of creating opportunities through education and skills development. The Kids in Parks program reached 512 learners and 22 teachers, exceeding its target of 500 learners. In another initiative, 40 graduates completed accredited training in beauty-product production and leather craftsmanship, with further support for enterprise development and market access planned. These interventions reflect the type of opportunity creation that Phumlile believes should form part of conservation’s contribution to surrounding communities.
An important aspect of Phumlile’s contribution is also her understanding that SANParks does not have to provide all the solutions itself. Effective socio-economic transformation depends on collaboration with communities and partners who bring different skills, resources, and experience. She values these relationships and recognizes that sustainable outcomes are more likely when communities themselves are actively involved in determining priorities and implementing solutions.
Phumlile is equally aware that the impact of SET work is not always immediate. Some interventions may take time before their full benefit becomes visible. For her, the measure of success is therefore not only whether a project has been completed, but whether it has left people with greater confidence, skills, access to opportunities, and the ability to continue building on what has been started.
She approaches this responsibility with humility and acknowledges the importance of the trust placed in her by communities, as well as the contribution of colleagues and partners who work alongside her. This collaborative attitude is important in a field where relationships are central to achieving sustainable transformation.
Thato Tshukudu, Programme Manager: Wild Card, Groenkloof National Park
True digital transformation is not driven by technology alone, but also by leaders who can connect people, strategy and innovation to create an impactful organisational change.
Throughout her career at SANParks, Thato Tshukudu has demonstrated this by playing a pivotal role in the modernisation of the organisations’ customer ecosystem whilst ensuring that digital innovation delivers value for guests, employees and ultimately conservation.
As one of the business leaders responsible for implementing SANPark’s new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, Thato has helped transform the way the organisation understands and engages with customers. With a holistic view of the customer across all touchpoints, the CRM system has enhanced customer service, strengthened engagement and equipped SANParks with richer insights for informed decision-making and personalised visitor experiences.
Thato also played a leading role in the implementation of new Loyalty system on which the organisation’s Wild Card Programme operates on, not only ensuring sustained revenue growth contribution but also a solid foundation for the launching of SANParks’ evolved loyalty programme in the near future. Her involvement in digital transformation continues through her involvement in the implementation of the organisation’s new Property Management System. Her ability to understand operational realities has made her a valued contributor to this significant digital initiative.
Her passion for innovation extends beyond enterprise systems. As a member of the team that conceptualised and delivered SANParks firs TV series, Away For Repair, Thato contributed to innovative digital storytelling that showcased protected areas to new audiences.
Tiffany Appollis, Field Ranger, Mapungubwe National Park
Tiffany Appollis began her career in 2021 as a Tourism Monitor, hosted by West Coast National Park. At the time, she did her NQF Level 4 in Tourism Guiding, and had the opportunity to work closely with the Rangers. Being exposed to their work made her realise how much she enjoyed being in the field and working in conservation.
She was then fortunate enough to get the opportunity to become an Environmental Monitor in 2022 and to go through Field Ranger Training. This was a turning point for her because it gave her the chance to learn new skills, challenge herself and gain a better understanding of what it takes to work in conservation and protect the natural environment.
In 2024, she joined the Mapungubwe team. Moving from a coastal park to an inland park was a big change. The two environments are very different, and each comes with its own challenges. At the same time, Mapungubwe has given her the opportunity to learn, grow and experience conservation from a different perspective. Every environment teaches you something new, and she has learned a lot from the people she works with, the landscape and the challenges they face.
She also tries to develop herself academically. She has an NQF Level 4 in Tourism Guiding and an NQF Level 5 in Life and Environmental Sciences. She is currently studying towards my NQF Level 6 in Applied Natural Resource Management, as well as a BA in Environmental Management.
Throughout her career, Appollis has benefitted from opportunities to work across different protected areas, gaining valuable experience and learning from people she has encountered along the way.