About Programs Fellowship News Calendar
Conservationist and Salzburg Global Fellow died on Saturday, July 28, aged 48
Salzburg Global Seminar would like to pay tribute to Ernest Mokganedi, a transboundary conservation champion and Salzburg Global Fellow, who has passed away at the age of 48.
Mokganedi was killed after being involved in a motorbike collision on Saturday, July 28. Two other bikers were also injured in the incident, whom we both wish a strong recovery.
Salzburg Global was first introduced to Mokganedi when he attended one of our programs, The Next Frontier: Transboundary Cooperation for Biodiversity and Peace, in November 2016.
Mokganedi, also known as Otladisa, was one of a diverse group of participants who helped identify the most promising approaches with regards to inclusive and sustainable development, regional economic growth, cohesion, and peace-building. The program was the second in the series of the Parks for the Planet Forum.
Since 2002, Mokganedi had been director of the Transfrontier Conservation Areas in South Africa, a position which allowed him to utilize his extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of public policy development, public policy implementation, labor relations, and dispute resolution.
In a statement, Edna Molewa, minister of environmental affairs for South Africa, said, “Mr. Mokganedi was instrumental in establishing, managing and extending the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) in Southern Africa having grown this network of conservation areas from a concept to the successful reality it is today.
“His role and commitment to ensuring that all the countries linked through the TFCAs in Southern Africa benefited from these areas will always be recognized.”
Mokganedi also served as a board member for the Southern African Wildlife College. As part of a tribute, the College said Mokganedi “loved life and lived true to the five mottos of the Tshwane Legends Bikers Club; Family-hood, Brother-hood, Respect, Love and Discipline … He often lent his support when working through strategic issues and was incredibly supportive of the College’s work."
Our thoughts remain with Ernest Mokganedi’s family and friends.