After months of speculation in environmental and wildlife circles, the name of the new director for the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga has finally been announced. He is Isidore Bandile Mkhize, who has held various senior management positions in the province in recent years. Announcing the appointment today, South African National Parks (SanParks) chairperson Murphy Morobe said Mkhize was well equipped to take up this important position. "He is committed to ensuring that the national assets within Kruger are conserved, and that the importance of eco-tourism is valued and understood by the various stakeholders of this flagship park", Morobe added. He pointed out that Mkhize was a known tourism expert; the thesis for his PhD was entitled "The meaning and expression of Tourism among Urban Blacks: A Geographic Perspective".

"His training and background will stand him in good stead in facing the strategic challenges of the future in the Kruger National Park," Morobe observed, commenting on the SanParks Board decision to appoint Mkhize. Mkhize's experience as CEO of Trade and Investment in KwaZulu-Natal would also enable him to lead the business modelling and strategy development programmes of this important national park, Morobe added. SanParks CE David Mabunda, a former KNP Director, has wished Mkhize well in his new task, and expressed his eagerness to work closely with him. – BuaNews.