Saturday Citizen reports that, amid racism allegations, the management of the Kruger National Park (KNP) insisted that managing executive Glenn Phillips was not on suspension but was ‘only on leave’  

Isaac Phaahla, KNP general manager of marketing and communication, said last week that Phillips would be back in the office on Monday.  But whether Phillips was on leave voluntarily or forced, remained an open question, as it has been alleged that he applied for leave so that an investigation into complaints of racism made by black employees could proceed unhindered.  City Press reported last month that black employees claimed that management only acted against black employees – even on false allegations – while white employees were let off the hook.  The employees also claimed black people were often accused of rhino poaching and were assaulted by rangers and police to force them into confessing.  SANParks has denied the allegations.  Rumours about a suspension or investigation emerged last week and intensified after a privately organised fundraising event where Phillips would have been the guest speaker was suddenly cancelled.  The event by the Positivity Foundation, had been scheduled to take place at Emnotweni on Wednesday.  Phillips had been advertised as being “the man with the answers”.

• Read the full original of Mariana Balt’s report in the above regard at The Citizen

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