We all rejoice when there’s good news for our country’s natural heritage. But who are the boots on the ground making this possible? The spotlight is bright, and it is on the SANParks Women Honorary Rangers!
South Africa (07 August 2024) — It takes a lot of boots on the ground to protect something as important and vast as South Africa’s natural heritage. Scores of South African rangers have dedicated their lives to the task (and risked them) in the pursuit of wildlife protection. Scores more volunteer to help in the places traditional rangers can’t always get to. Both of these classes of hero are exactly that—heroes. And many of them are women and Women Honorary Rangers.
Many of us might know of the legendary Black Mambas—South Africa’s all-female anti-poaching squad. But not as many may know of the other heroines working tirelessly to give our natural heritage lines of defence, care and help.
South African National Parks (SANParks) recently began spotlighting the women part of the Honorary Rangers team who are making a difference across the country. Considering that the ranger’s pursuit is still largely a male-dominated space, naming and faming the women taking the reigns in the protection of our natural heritage not only helps break the stereotype, but also encourages more women to be inspired to be the boots on the ground!
“I’ve always had a heart for conservation,” says Honorary Ranger Brenda Huntley who is based in Pietermaritzburg joined the team three years ago.
“Over the years I have loved every minute I have spent in any of our National Parks. I joined [SANParks Honorary Rangers] after I retired from my full-time job, as I knew I had the time and energy. I care about our wildlife heritage, and believe we need to work together to ensure that SANParks will be here for our children’s children’s.”
Val Stephens, Honorary Rangers Regional Vice Chair who has lived in South Africa but lives in the UK and has been an Honorary Ranger virtually since 2012.
Her tasks across the pond have been a huge support to the Honorary Rangers on the ground in big ways like fundraising, giving members information and now assists the Chairperson in every respect.
“I consider myself very privileged to serve SANParks ‘virtually’ and hope to continue doing so for many years to come. It is especially important for me, as over the years I have developed poor mobility, so the time spent behind my computer gives me tremendous self worth,” says Val.
Newcomers Siddika from the Johannesburg South region is on her way to becoming a fully-fledged Honorary Ranger.
She has helped in educational activities and waits in anticipation to perform important tasks like snare removals in the Kruger National Park.
“Just knowing that me, a someone on planet Earth, from billions of humans, can make a difference—to some it may be insignificant…but to me I am making my print and giving back to my country, our conservation and the world.”—Siddika.
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