Bravery Honoured at Kruger National Park Achievement Awards
By Nokulunga Lebambo | Skukuza
The Kruger National Park (KNP) celebrated courage and commitment during its annual Achievement Awards held on Friday, 7 November 2025, at the Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre. The ceremony honoured staff members who have shown exceptional dedication to their duties including four Bravery Award recipients whose stories of survival and selflessness moved everyone in attendance.
The Bravery Award, also known as the Kruger Cross, is the park’s highest honour and is reserved for employees who display extraordinary courage in the face of life-threatening danger while protecting their colleagues, visitors, or wildlife.Albert Mkansi: Courage in the Face of DangerVeteran field ranger Albert Mkansi was among those honoured for his incredible acts of bravery in the bush. Known for his commitment to anti-poaching operations and his willingness to go the extra mile, Mkansi survived two deadly wildlife encounters which include a leopard attack and, more recently, a confrontation with a hippopotamus in September 2024.
During the hippo incident, the animal charged from just ten metres away, leaving Mkansi with severe injuries to his hands and foot. Despite bleeding heavily, he managed to fire several shots, driving the animal back to the water and saving his colleagues. His left foot was later amputated due to the injuries, but his calmness, quick response, and determination saved lives that day.Buffalo Encounter Turns into Battle for SurvivalField rangers Katekani Sibuyi and Nicolus Mathebula, both stationed at Pretoriuskop, were also recognised for their extraordinary courage following a terrifying buffalo attack in August 2024.
While on patrol along the western boundary between the Sabie River and the park fence, the two rangers were ambushed by a buffalo hidden in thick reeds. The animal charged at Mathebula, who narrowly escaped by diving into nearby bushes. Seeing his colleague in danger, Sibuyi made a split-second decision instead of firing his rifle toward the animal; he clapped loudly to divert its attention away from Mathebula.The plan worked but it came at a cost. The buffalo turned its fury toward Sibuyi, charging him multiple times. In a desperate act of survival, Sibuyi grabbed the buffalo by its horns and clamped down on its nose, forcing the massive animal to retreat momentarily.
Though badly injured, he managed to climb a tree for safety only for the buffalo to ram the tree and drag him down again.With sheer willpower, Sibuyi repeated the same tactic, gripping the buffalo’s nose until his partner returned and shot the animal. Both men survived the ordeal and returned to duty after recovering from their injuries.A Lone Ranger Against PoachersThe fourth recipient, Vusi Lubisi, was recognised for his fearless actions during an anti-poaching operation. A skilled dog handler and team leader, Lubisi continued a solo patrol after dropping off a colleague an unusual move that would soon test his courage.
Spotting suspicious movement, he advanced cautiously before realizing he had walked into an armed poaching group. As the suspects aimed at him, Lubisi reacted instantly, engaging them in a firefight. He managed to subdue the attackers and called for backup, effectively stopping the poaching attempt single-handedly.His quick thinking and unwavering bravery have made him one of KNP’s most respected rangers.Celebrating the Spirit of KrugerThe stories of Mkansi, Sibuyi, Mathebula, and Lubisi reflect the true spirit of the Kruger National Park. one of courage, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to protecting South Africa’s natural heritage.
The awards formed part of KNP’s broader celebration of staff excellence, honouring employees who have gone beyond the call of duty in their service to conservation, safety, and visitor experience.“These men remind us that bravery is not the absence of fear, it’s the strength to act despite it,” said a SANParks Managing Executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu.
