News

Programme Directors,

Honourable Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr David Maynier,

Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, Ms Hapiloe Sello,

Members of the SANParks Board and Executive Management,

Representatives of our stakeholder organisations and partner institutions,

Members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers,

Community representatives,

Our Rangers and your families,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Augrabies Falls National Park for the commemoration of World Ranger Day 2026.

We have gathered here today for a very specific purpose. First, to recognise the contribution that rangers make to conservation each and every day. Second, to remember those who lost their lives or were injured while carrying out their duties. And third, to create a greater appreciation of the role that rangers play in the management and stewardship of our protected areas.

These objectives are particularly relevant this year as we mark twenty years since the establishment of World Ranger Day. This milestone provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the evolution of the ranger profession, the challenges that rangers face, and the contribution they continue to make to conservation locally and across the world.

World Ranger Day therefore gives us an opportunity not only to acknowledge the past, but also to recognise the work being carried out by today’s ranger corps across the SANParks system.

Many people associate rangers primarily with wildlife protection. While that remains an important responsibility, the modern ranger fulfils a much broader role. Rangers contribute to ecosystem management, visitor safety, environmental monitoring, biodiversity conservation, stakeholder engagement and many other aspects of park management. Their work supports SANParks in delivering on the broad spectrum of its mandate.

It is also fitting that this year’s main commemoration is taking place here in Augrabies Falls National Park. Our national parks are diverse in both character and conservation challenges. By hosting the event in the Arid Region, SANParks recognises the contribution of rangers working across all landscapes and demonstrates that conservation excellence is not confined to any single park or region. The unique environment of Augrabies also provides an appropriate setting to reflect on the changing conditions within which modern conservation takes place.

Today’s programme is designed to help us better understand the ranger profession, to honour those who have served, and to celebrate those who continue to do so. Through the various activities, messages and demonstrations, we hope to provide greater insight into the important work undertaken by rangers and the value they bring to conservation and society.

I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the organisation of this event, our partners who continue to support conservation efforts, and especially our rangers and their families, whose commitment enables SANParks to fulfil its conservation mandate.

I trust that today’s programme will serve as a meaningful reminder of the important role that rangers play in caring for South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.

I thank you and wish you a meaningful World Ranger Day commemoration.

Thank you.