Kruger Park honours its fallen rangers
THE Ranger Corps were honoured by the Kruger National Park (KNP) this week for their courage and sacrifice in protecting natural heritage assets.
A ceremonial event was held on Friday in keeping with International World Ranger Day, which is being commemorated today.
The day celebrates rangers who were killed or injured in the line of duty and acknowledges their efforts to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
During the ceremony, tribute was made to late field ranger and dog handler Shando Mathebula, who died in the line of duty at Shangoni Ranger Section in May. He was remembered as a young man who was dedicated to his profession and who served with discipline and distinction.
Activities of the day included a rangers’ drill, a guard of honour, a wreath-laying ceremony, the unveiling of Shando Mathebula’s plaque and a keynote address by Gareth Coleman, KNP’S managing executive.
KNP head ranger Catherine Dreyer said the work of a ranger was diverse and complex.
“Our responsibility as management is to continue to encourage them as they lead the way for all of us in conserving our country’s protected and conserved areas, cultural sites and biodiversity.
“Without them we would see more biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Many rangers also protect the resources of people whose lives and cultures are inseparable from nature,” said Dreyer.
She added that rangers deserved not only admiration and acknowledgement but undivided support as they continue to protect natural heritage assets.
“We express our gratitude to the spouses and families of all our rangers for the sacrifice they all make on a daily basis, with the knowledge that their partners’ lives might be lost due to the threats that come with the responsibility of dealing with wildlife crime,” said Dreyer.