2005/2006 - SANParks

2005South African National ParksCORPORATE COMMUNICATIONSThe period under review saw the division continuing to amplify effortsto ensure effective management of SANParks’ image and reputation asperceived by the organisation’s internal and external stakeholders.Over and above the various regionally based communicators anddepartments across the organisation, the Corporate CommunicationsDivision comprises the following units:• Media Liaison and Stakeholder Management• Public Relations and Publications• Internal Communications and;• E-CommerceNotably, SANParks Management continues to render its unwaveringsupport for initiatives and projects navigated by the Division and thishas better placed the Corporate Communications Division as a keysupport function, not only for the various other business units but alsothe organisation at large.Based on the organisation’s strategy and, much in line with the BalancedScorecard (BSC) business process, the division has performed wellin promoting the sharing and provision of access to information andknowledge as well as enhancing SANParks’ overall reputation.The self generated (proactive), positive media coverage worth an estimatedR10 million which was amassed during the period under review attests tothe fact that SANParks’ Communications Division is effectively managingthe organisation’s reputation.In addition, a number of articles and academic publications on People andConservation focal areas within SANParks and surrounding communitieshave promoted awareness and interest at both the local and internationallevel. This included publishing eleven articles in the Mail and Guardian’s “TheTeacher” and a number of articles in accredited scientifi c journals.Another seminal initiative which was incepted during this fi scal year wasthe launch of the Kudu Awards. Placing SANParks as a leader withinconservation circles (and enhancing the organisation’s image), the initiativeaims at recognising and awarding persons and entities that have madea signifi cant contribution to conservation in South Africa. Further to this,the Kudu Awards aim to communicate to the outside world SANParks’key successes and milestones and thus, affi rming leadership in its areaof operation.The SANParks website continues to be an effective (and cost-effective)tool of optimally disseminating information through to the public domainand it has also been used to market various SANParks products whichhas led to a sustained increase in visitor numbers and ease of reference34