Men and women who risk their lives daily, protecting game as well as ensuring the preservation of fauna and flora in the province, were yesterday honoured for their work at the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve in Grahamstown.
About 200 rangers received medals honouring them for their service throughout the year.
Speaking at the celebrations, department for environmental affairs, economic development and tourism (Dedeat) MEC Sakhumzi Somyo said the work of a ranger did not only take place during working hours but at all times.
“Rangers face the most danger when they are at leisure, because that is when poachers may want to strike when they think you have your guard down, either by trying to get information by making small talk, which is why being a ranger is a full-time commitment.
“We appreciate the work done by you, sacrificing your lives for the protection of our wildlife.
“I have noticed that this time around there has been an improvement in our rangers.
“Last year we had large rangers with big bellies whom I questioned if they would be able to catch poachers when they strike – but now I see a younger, fresher, fitter team of rangers mixed with elder, mature rangers who have the experience.”
Somyo said he was to learn that rangers broke the legs of poachers who tried to get into one reserve, “because we need to make an example out of these poachers. “We are very grateful for your commitment. We thank you for your sacrifices and hard work.”
Earlier this year, the national Dedeat released poaching statistics for 2016, which indicated a 10.3% decline in rhino poaching as compared with 2015.
For the full story get a copy of the Dispatch or subscribe to our e-Edition for the complete newspaper with jobs, classifieds, crosswords, TV schedules and back editions.
Rangers who put their lives on the line honoured
About 200 rangers received medals honouring them for their service throughout the year.
Speaking at the celebrations, department for environmental affairs, economic development and tourism (Dedeat) MEC Sakhumzi Somyo said the work of a ranger did not only take place during working hours but at all times.
“Rangers face the most danger when they are at leisure, because that is when poachers may want to strike when they think you have your guard down, either by trying to get information by making small talk, which is why being a ranger is a full-time commitment.
“We appreciate the work done by you, sacrificing your lives for the protection of our wildlife.
“I have noticed that this time around there has been an improvement in our rangers.
“Last year we had large rangers with big bellies whom I questioned if they would be able to catch poachers when they strike – but now I see a younger, fresher, fitter team of rangers mixed with elder, mature rangers who have the experience.”
Somyo said he was to learn that rangers broke the legs of poachers who tried to get into one reserve, “because we need to make an example out of these poachers. “We are very grateful for your commitment. We thank you for your sacrifices and hard work.”
Earlier this year, the national Dedeat released poaching statistics for 2016, which indicated a 10.3% decline in rhino poaching as compared with 2015.
For the full story get a copy of the Dispatch or subscribe to our e-Edition for the complete newspaper with jobs, classifieds, crosswords, TV schedules and back editions.
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