The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, will host a World Ranger Day commemoration at the Marakele National Park in Limpopo on 1 August 2015.

The event is a partnership between the Department of Environmental Affairs and South African National Parks (SANParks).

World Ranger Day is marked annually on 31 July to commemorate rangers all over the world who have died in the course of their duties, and who risk their lives daily as they work at the forefront of conservation. In South Africa, game rangers stand up to poachers almost daily as they battle to end the decimation of wildlife species, particularly the poaching of rhino.

The commemoration of rangers is the brainchild of the International Rangers Federation (IRF). It is promoted by the 54 member associations of the IRF, by its partner the Thin Green Line Foundation, and by individuals who support the work of Rangers and the IRF.  The first World Ranger Day was observed in 2007 on the 15th anniversary of the founding of the IRF. Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) The GRAA (member association of the IRF) is a longstanding and well-established defined community of practice.The GRAA provides support, networks and representation for game rangers across Africa.

World Ranger Day 2015 will focus on the work of rangers in combating rhino crime – those working in national parks and game reserves who are at the coalface of the daily battle against poachers.
Media are invited to attend.  Transport is being made available for media wishing to travel to the event at Marakele National Park on Saturday, 1 August 2015.

Media wishing to make use of transport supplied by SANParks  are requested to RSVP no later than 2pm on 30 July 2015.

Details of the event:

Date:  1 August 2015
Venue:  Marakele National Park (near Thabazimbi, Limpopo)
Time:  10.30am for 11am

Transport departs from SANParks Head Office, Groenkloof, Pretoria at 6am on 1 August 2015 and will return to Pretoria after the event.


To RSVP Contact:

Marisa Burger / Lebo Maseko
Tel: 012 399 9987
Email: mburger@environment.gov.za / lmaseko@environment.gov.za

Or

Gabrielle Venter
Tel: 012 426 5065
Email: gabrielle.venter@sanparks.org

Or

Eleanor Momberg
Tel: 012 399 9948
Email: emomberg@environment.gov.za


For media inquiries contact Albi Modise on 083 490 2871

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND SANPARKS