Latest news with #GreaterKrugerEnvironmentalProtectionFoundation
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
Conservation world mourns loss of visionary leader Sharon Haussmann
Sharon Haussmann, a trailblazer in the field of conservation and the CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation, has died. Her death last weekend has sent ripples of grief across the conservation community, where she was widely admired for her relentless drive, strategic brilliance and deep love of wildlife. Haussmann was more than a CEO – she was a connector, mentor and fierce protector of South Africa's natural heritage. Known for her wicked humour and capacity to inspire those around her, she led the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) through a pivotal period of transformation. With great skill, she united fragmented stakeholders, from private landowners to public institutions, forging partnerships in one of the country's most contested conservation landscapes. 'Sharon's leadership acumen was evident in every engagement,' said SANParks Board Chairperson Pam Yako in a statement on Monday, 2 June 2025. 'Her clarity of thought, strategic foresight and deep understanding of the complexities of conservation partnerships consistently elevated the quality of dialogue and decision-making.' Under Haussmann's leadership, GKEPF became a key strategic partner of the Kruger National Park and SANParks. Her work helped build the foundation for Vision 2040, SANParks' new agenda for inclusive, sustainable conservation. Yet her passion was always grounded in action. Whether darting rhinos, coordinating anti-poaching units or organising youth soccer tournaments in remote communities, Haussmann was hands-on. Her presence in Balule, where she lived, exemplified her commitment to living and working at the frontline of conservation challenges. 'She influenced, connected, persuaded and inspired,' said the GKEPF in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. 'From relocating rhinos to mentoring young rangers, Sharon approached every task with courage and enthusiasm.' She was especially devoted to rhinos and spotted hyenas – animals she defended with fervent conviction. But it was her people skills that made her irreplaceable. She had a rare ability to make others feel valued and empowered, never standing on ceremony, always leading from the front. Sharon Haussmann is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann and their son, Aden. The GKEPF family expressed its heartbreak in a public statement, noting that 'her presence, strength, and leadership will be sorely missed'. SANParks said in a media statement that it would 'honour her memory by recommitting ourselves to the path she eloquently helped to forge – one of unity, innovation and unwavering dedication to the protection of our natural heritage'. Her legacy, etched into the landscapes she fought to protect, will live on in every rhino rescued, every fence line patrolled and every young conservationist she inspired. DM
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
LISTEN: Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation mourns CEO's passing
The Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) has shared the news of the passing of its CEO, Sharon Haussmann. She passed away on Saturday, May 31, at the age of 55. The GKEPF said her death was sudden and unexpected. Haussmann is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann, and their son, Aden, along with her mother, Marie Hearne, her father, Steven Hearne, and her brother, Ralf Hearne. SANParks Pays Tribute to the Late Ms. Sharon Haussmann, CEO of GKEPF SANParks expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Sharon Haussmann, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF). — SANParks (@SANParks) June 2, 2025 The GKEPF described Haussmann as a friend to her colleagues and to anyone who crossed her path in the world of conservation. 'Trained as an engineer and accomplished as an entrepreneur, Sharon never missed an opportunity to do better in all that she did, starting with her cherished area of Balule, which she made her home. She took the GKEPF helm at a time when the region was in dire need of an experienced and accomplished co-ordinator,' said GKEPF in a statement. 'In a landscape marked by complex challenges, she had a rare ability to bring people together, from communities living on the edges of Kruger and Mozambique, to captains of the industry and reserve managers across the Greater Kruger,' read the statement. The GKEPF says Haussmann will be remembered for her sense of humour, her love of the celebration of hard work and a job well done, her relentless vision and drive, as well as her passion for wildlife, especially her rhinos and spotted hyenas. LISTEN HERE: 'She made things happen. She influenced, connected, persuaded and inspired. Whether relocating rhinos from Klerksdorp to Kruger, monitoring fences in government reserves, darting rhinos, or organising youth soccer tournaments, Sharon approached every task with courage and enthusiasm,' reads the statement. ALSO READ: Poaching affects everyone, says KNP SANParks has expressed its deepest condolences to Haussmann's family, friends and colleagues. SANParks says Haussmann's passing came at a critical time in the history of conservation in the country. Her death came at the time when SANParks is embarking on a new strategic direction, Vision 2040, which places collaboration, sustainability and inclusive conservation at the heart of building resilient protected areas. 'Sharon's leadership acumen was evident in every engagement. Her clarity of thought, strategic foresight and deep understanding of the complexities of conservation partnerships consistently elevated the quality of dialogue and decision making. It was through her vision and determination that the GKEPF was established, becoming a strategic partner to both the Kruger National Park and SANParks,' reacted the SANParks board chairperson, Pam Yako, following the news. 'May her legacy continue to inspire us as we walk the trail she so courageously blazed. May her soul rest in peace,' added Yako. The James Mayinga Foundation, which worked together with Haussmann, making a difference in influencing social cohesion through sport, and uniting conservation and communities through sport, told Lowvelder that a giant has been lost. ALOS READ: Game rangers' association labels former Kruger National Park regional ranger a disgrace 'We have lost a trailblazer who led from the front. It is with deep sorrow that we join the GKEPF family in mourning the passing of their remarkable CEO,' said James Mayinga, the founder of the James Mayinga Foundation. 'At the James Mayinga Foundation we were privileged to work alongside Sharon and witness her unwavering commitment to building a better future for both people and nature. Her legacy will live on through the conservation work she led with heart and courage. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and the entire GKEPF team. The Chairperson of Balule Private Nature Reserve, Sharon Haussmann, says this is a huge step towards the right direction for #Conservation. #TheGreaterKruger — Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) March 19, 2019 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
