Pic; General Manager of Conservation Management-Danie Pienaar and his Corporal Vusi Lubisi inspect the new squad
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The South African National Parks(SANParks) has announced that the Kruger National Park(KNP) will receive a total of 33 new Field Rangers who were inaugurated at the passing-out parade held in Skukuza on Tuesday 3 September.
SANParks Head of Communications, JP Louw, said the new recruits will play a pivotal role in boosting the current team of Ranger Corps and should be viewed as a necessary measure to support Law Enforcement and Biodiversity Conservation efforts in the KNP, also providing immense support to the men and women on the ground.
Louw said the 33 graduates are part of the recruits who went through a rigorous pre-selection and selection process, followed by a Basic Field Ranger Training course that ran for six weeks.
“ The pre-selection and selection process which took place in July 2024 required hopeful trainees to undergo physical fitness screening, evaluations and interviews, cognitive and aptitude tests. They also had to portray a dedicated attitude, as well as a commitment to teamwork to qualify for the job,” said Louw.
He said that the 33 Field Rangers who succeeded, completed the holistic intense six weeks training which led to the passing out parade.
“ Their deployment to the various sections throughout the park is with immediate effect. It is an absolute must that SANParks prioritise the protection of this heritage and ensure that the total control of the protected area is managed by those tasked with the upkeep of the area integrity,” he said.
According to Louw, the KNP is divided into 22 Ranger sections under Rangers Services. Each section is reportedly managed by a Section Ranger who is supported by a group of Field Rangers.
“ Over and above these 22 sections, there are Regional Rangers who manage a number of Ranger sections, the Environmental Crime Investigations Unit, Protection Services, Special Operations Unit, K9 Unit and Air Services Unit, who all support the parks Law Enforcement and Biodiversity Conservation objectives.
“ The park is further supported by the South African Police Service(SAPS) and the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit based in Skukuza,” Louw concluded.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by SANParks staff, Honorary Rangers and learners from Skukuza Primary, who helped the new Field Rangers to celebrate their milestone.
