New board for KZN Wildlife

MEDIA RELEASE 2007 - 03
For immediate release
MEC ANNOUNCES REAPPOINTMENT OF BOARD FOR KZN WILDLIFE
The KZN MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Mr Mtholephi
Mthimkhulu announced the names of Members of the KZN Nature Conservation
Board who will serve for a further three year term of office.
They are:
Dr Patrick Sokhela - appointed for his extensive knowledge of the business
sector;
Philani Shangase - appointed for his extensive knowledge and experience of
labour matters;
Thulani Nkosi - appointed by the Minister to enhance the competency of the
Board;
Obed Shabangu - representing community based organizations from rural areas;

Ilan Lax - appointed for his knowledge and experience of environmental law.
Dr Patrick Sokhela will stay on as Chairman for a further three years, and
Inkosi MZN Madlala who represents Traditional Authorities, will continue to
serve his second term of office.
The MEC congratulated Board members on their reappointment and expressed his
gratitude for their contribution over the previous three years.
The Board has steered KZN Wildlife through some challenging times, of which
include the restructuring of the organization and the appointment of Blacks
to the Executive, a significant milestone in the achievement of the
transformation of KZN Wildlife, and a process which took over a year.
“Whilst I have reappointed Board Members for a further term of three years,
I will retain my prerogative to review the appointment periods of Board
Members within the coming three years, dependent on changing needs.” said Mr
Mthimkhulu.
In order to comply with the legislative minimum requirements, the MEC is
currently in the process of appointing additional Board Members to fill
existing vacancies, whose names will be announced in due course.
“The Board is honoured that the MEC has entrusted Board Members with this
responsibility, and the Board will go forth with renewed commitment. With
the finalization of the business review process, the emphasis of the Board
will be on service delivery and meeting the challenges which lie ahead.”
said Dr Patrick Sokhela, Chairman of the KZN Nature Conservation Board.
“These include the advancement of BEE in our protected areas, the settlement of land claims, the completion of the establishment of Local Boards which are a vital link with local communities in our conservation efforts, the promotion of our parks and ecotourism facilities to Black people through youth educational programmes, and the development of strategic partnerships with various Government Ministries” he added.