SANParks’ Community-Based Economic Inclusion Programme On Display
South African National Parks' (SANParks) economic inclusion interventions are on display today through the support of small-scale fishing communities ...
Addo Honorary Ranger 4×4 Course – success for the rhino
The course was held to raise funds for specialised equipment to assist SANParks” counter-rhino poaching initiative in the Eastern Cape.
The bulk of the participants registered on Saturday morning. Once registration was completed and indemnity forms signed, a theoretical training session was held, facilitated by Ralph Clarke. Here all aspects of off-road driving, the do”s and don”ts and technical handling of a 4×4 vehicle were discussed.
Afterwards everyone headed out to the “Nursery Area” to familiarise themselves with their vehicle under the watchful eye of Brent Clarke. Here participants were required to negotiate various obstacles like a steep descent and ascent, an axle twister, driving through a rock bed and finishing off with a slideslant of 30 degrees.
After the adrenalin rush, the real challenge began on two different trails, where a trainer accompanied each vehicle over each obstacle on the trail. One part of the practical session was to show the participants the correct way to recover a vehicle stuck in mud with recovery equipment. One of the trainers managed to get his Rubicon stuck in the middle of the mud pan. Mud was flying all over the place as everyone learnt how to do it the correct and safe way.
There were three ladies amongst the drivers on Sunday, and they all agreed that this course is a must for any 4×4 driver who does not have previous 4×4 experience or who wants to test the capabilities of their vehicle. Everyone agreed that they felt more confident handling their vehicle and knowing what to do when confronted with an obstacle. So guys, watch out – more and more ladies are driving 4×4″s.
A braai was held after the event where drivers” feedback was obtained and certificates and prizes were handed out to all the drivers.
The SANParks Honorary Rangers wish to thank sponsors LA Sport, HI-Q and SABCO for making the event such a success.
Have a look at our gallery of images of the actual training.
Issued By
SANParks Corporate Communications
Media Inquiries:
Megan Taplin, Marketing & Communications Manager: Frontier Region – Addo Elephant * Camdeboo * Karoo * Mountain Zebra National Parks, tel: +27 42 233 8609, cell: +27 83 650 8649, e-mail: [email protected]