The 5th of May 2024 marked 60 years of volunteering from the SANParks Honorary Rangers; this milestone has come from a continued commitment to conservation.
South Africa (06 May 2024) – The SANParks Honorary Rangers celebrated its 60th anniversary on 5 May 2024. Several commemorative events and fundraising campaigns are planned during 2024, culminating in a week of festivities at the National Indaba in the Garden Route National Park between 9th and 14th September 2024.
These events will allow members of the public and businesses to support and actively participate in conservation projects in South Africa’s national parks through donations, sponsorships, or attendance at events.
Since its inception in 1964, the SANParks Honorary Rangers has provided strategic assistance to South African National Parks (SANParks) as its official volunteer organisation. In 1987, membership was formalised into the Association of Honorary Rangers, with 301 founding members.
Today, there are over 2,200 SANParks Honorary Rangers – all volunteers – based in 31 regions around the country and working in all 20 of our national parks.
According to national chairperson, Paul Colditz, “The dedication of our members is born out of a deep love for nature and our natural heritage. They work with a commitment that is inspiring and a privilege to experience.
“Our partnership with SANParks is excellent and we treasure and protect this relationship with enthusiasm.”
Since 2016, an average of just over 285 000 volunteer hours have been contributed by members each year, with a total of just over 2 million hours.
The approximate value of volunteer hours and asset contributions to SANParks over the last 8 years is estimated to have exceeded R 515 million.
While volunteer duties were initially intended to assist rangers with physical tasks in the parks, the scope has broadened to include fundraising, education, and support for rangers and K9 units.
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The lion’s share of funds raised has been allocated to conservation, ranger support and anti-poaching initiatives, as identified by SANParks.
CEO of SANParks Honorary Rangers, Jimmy Telle, says that “the mission of the SANParks Honorary Rangers is to support SANParks to develop, expand, manage and promote a system of sustainable national parks that represents biodiversity and heritage assets. This is achieved by the strong working relationship between SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers, enhanced further by the passion of the volunteer members”.
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