Mpumalanga honours Rangers on World Rangers Day

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe

Under the trees of Songimvelo Nature Reserve, rangers were saluted, stories were shared, and tough community issues were put on the table as Mpumalanga marked World Rangers Day 2026.

The commemoration brought together environmental officials, law enforcement, landowners, church leaders, the Executive Mayors of Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality and Gert Sibande District Municipality, and members of the local community to honour the men and women on the frontline of conservation.

“Today, we proudly honoured the courageous men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our wildlife, conserving our biodiversity, and safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations,” said the MEC for DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs),
Khethiwe Moeketsi.

Delivering the keynote address, MEC Moeketsi, paid tribute to the Field Rangers and Anti-Poaching Unit.

“Yesterday we had a meet-and-greet session with the rangers, where we gave them an opportunity to interact outside of work. Today is a formal event to celebrate our rangers who are our frontline foot soldiers. We are celebrating their commitment and encouraging them continue the good work that they are doing in terms of protecting our heritage,”said MEC Moeketsi.

She acknowledged the dangers they face daily.

“We know that they are working under difficult circumstances and they need support from both departments (DARDLEA, Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) as much as they can. They are facing so much criminality in their line of work such as illegal mining, wildlife poaching, and some of the times we experience where we would have wild fires. Today we are appreciating and assuring them that we recognise their work and we will always show them support,” said the MEC.

The MEC also committed to growing the ranger corps and encouraging more women to join.
“We will look into allocating a budget to increase the number of rangers. We appreciate the number of female rangers that we currently have and we would like to encourage other females to come closer and become rangers,” she said.

Nomcebo Nkosi, a Field Ranger at Songimvelo Nature Reserve, was recognised as the best shooter between ages 21 and 25. She spoke candidly about the job.

“ I love being a Field Ranger because I learn a lot. Currently I’m a student. We do face a lot of challenges in our line of work, but I’m grateful for our Reserve Managers and Senior Rangers for assisting us in all the challenges that we face. Some of the challenges include threats during patrols from illegal miners. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I would to thank the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency). I also would like to say Happy World Rangers Day,” said Nkosi.

The event also created space for land claimants and community members to speak directly to government.

Mr Mazibuko from the Songimvelo CPA(Communal Property Association) urgent issues around human-wildlife conflict and illegal mining:

“At times we look like we are not doing our work but it’s due to certain challenges that we come across. We have an issue with the fencing. MEC, we were informed during our engagements with the MTPA that the fence should be 5 kilometres away from the community, but ours is not even 1 kilometre away. The fence was built within people’s house. The elephants continue to invade our areas to feed themselves,” said Mazibuko.

He also warned about illegal miners.
“We would also like to raise the issue of illegal mining in our areas because it is causing a lot of diseases. The illegal miners have become the rulers of our area. These people are many and heavily armed… We have been fighting this battle of illegal mining for two years and it’s clear that there’s no plan to deal with it,” he said.

Mazibuko further called for stability in management and better infrastructure:
“We are also dissatisfied about the manner in which the CEOs and Managers are constantly changed… We would to plead with the MEC to look into the issue of weighbridges because we are unable to move freely during days of rain and bad weather.”

Speaking directly to residents, MEC Moeketsi urged communities not to shield criminals.

“We must address the issue of criminality in our communities. Some community members look the other way because they receive groceries and monthly rent from criminals. This means that they are working together… I’m pleading with you not to allow such behaviour to be tolerated in your community, because that puts the lives of the rangers under threat,” Moeketsi said.

She also addressed damaged property from escaping animals and disaster relief, and welcomed plans to revive reserves.

“I’m happy that a concept to revive all our nature reserves has been finalised. I’m confident that we can succeed if we all put our heads together… The rangers are working hard to preserve our culture, heritage and future of this province and its people. We must not allow this place to die in our hands.”

The department closed by thanking all partners.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, stakeholders and everyone who contributed to making this year’s World Rangers Day commemoration a memorable success. To our Field Rangers and Anti-Poaching Unit – thank you for your courage, sacrifice and commitment. Your service inspires us all,” Moeketsi concluded.