SANParks has issued a statement stating that following the disciplinary enquiry against its CEO, Fundisile Mketeni, his employment has been terminated.

Mketeni took special leave from his work engagements (and has been on special leave or suspension since that time), following assault and sexual assault complaints laid against him on May 7, 2021, in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.

He appeared in court later that month, along with three other individuals on similar charges (two males employed by SANParks and a female who is not a SANParks employee). 

The Chair of SANParks, Joanne Yawitch, said at the time: “The board of SANParks views the allegations made in an extremely serious light… The board will, however, investigate whether the circumstances surrounding the allegations led to any improper or illegal conduct which may affect the employment relationship.”

Acquitted

The CEO and two colleagues were acquitted of sexual assault and assault charges in the Bushbuckridge Magistrates Court in October last year. 

The SANParks Board met to deliberate the ruling of the disciplinary process (chaired by an independent professional) and the recommended sanction against Mketeni. 

Notwithstanding the outcomes of the criminal proceedings against the CEO, the Board determined that “the relationship between the CEO and SANParks will be terminated with immediate effect, as of June 1, 2022”.

SANParks says the Board’s decision was based on the CEO being found guilty of six of the seven charges levelled against him based on his having breached the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Policy and the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure of SANParks.