Traffic officers, visible policing and other members of the Kruger National Park's (KNP) protection services department were ceremoniously handed rank insignia and certificates in Skukuza on Thursday, May 25, 2006 by the executive director Dr Bandile Mkhize.
The rank insignia is similar to that used in other protection services around the country and will help visitors identify members of this department from other KNP personnel. The certificate was presented after all members of this department underwent their first level course of the South African Body Guard Association training schedule.
Dr Mkhize urged all the members to continue doing their important task and stressed that they should always be courteous, professional and transparent. "It is a fact that Kruger faces a huge challenge regarding rule-breakers in this park.
It is your responsibility to act against those who behave like this in our beautiful park and the ball is now squarely in your court," he urged. The Protection Services Department is made up of eight traffic officials, 25 visible policing officers, the Emergency Call Centre operators and other administration staff, all of whom received rank insignia and certificates.
"With your new rank insignia on your shoulders, people can identify you as bona fide law enforcement officers and you should go out there and uphold the rules and regulations of this beloved park of ours. Always remember that you are not here to please anyone but to do your job.
"However, in the course of executing your responsibilities, always remember that these people are our guests and they should be treated with respect," Dr Mkhize concluded. The Emergency Call Centre operates 24-hour, seven-days a week and anyone may report any emergency, including rule infringements, to 013 735 4325.
