I Want To Join

Who can become a SANParks Honorary Ranger?

Any person over the age of 18 years, who is permanently resident in South Africa, may apply for appointment as an Honorary Ranger.

Those younger than 18 should enrol as a Junior Ranger.

How is an Honorary Ranger appointed?

There is no limitation on the number of Honorary Rangers spread throughout South Africa. The number of Honorary Rangers serving in each area will depend on the requirements of the specific park they serve and is also determined by the committee of each region. Applicants generally have a certain field or aspect of conservation where they would like to get involved in. The Honorary Rangers have a wide selection of courses which are presented to help them develop this interest.

Depending on the number of Honorary Rangers serving in your area, applicants will either be interviewed by the corresponding region‚ or Selection Committee or Regional Management Committee at an agreed date.

Once the application has been approved, the applicant will be required to attend and successfully complete the SANParks Honorary Rangers membership course. The new applicant also needs to attend the regional meetings in his/her area. Active participation in projects and activities will count in his/her favour.

Only after the completion of the compulsory course and a favourable recommendation by the Regional Management Committee, will the applicant's application form to be appointed as an Honorary Ranger, be forwarded to SANParks for approval and appointment.

Thereafter, the member will be re-appointed annually by SANParks on recommendation by the region. Aspects taken into account in this regard are: attendance at regional meetings, payments of subscription fees to the region and general performance, attitude and active participation in projects and work parties.

SANParks appoints Honorary Rangers, supplies them with their insignia (which they must pay for), administers their files during their term as an Honorary Ranger and has the right to terminate any appointment.

What qualifications are needed?

The South African National Parks applies the skills of the Honorary Ranger on a wide front. Any qualification could therefore be important. A specific qualification in nature conservation is not required to join the Honorary Rangers.

Typically, an Honorary Rangers is used in the following areas: tourism, education / information, communication, professional services, marketing and projects. There is however a diversity of areas in which members can be used and all skills are potentially valuable.

The most important qualification one can have is enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

How does one apply?

To become an Honorary Ranger one must first become an applicant to the region in which one resides. An application form must be completed, and submitted (by post, fax or e-mail) to the regional management committee concerned or through attendance at the monthly regional meetings. The application form (see link underneath) highlights the person's skills, training and experience.

Love for and dedication to nature, the parks and conservation is a prerequisite.

Application Form: Please click here for the application form and return it together with your CV to:

The corresponding regional chairman or secretary of the region you are resident in,

or

If you are unsure of which region you should apply to send it to:

The National Coordinator
SANParks Honorary Rangers
South African National Parks
P O Box 787
Pretoria 0001

Tel.: 012 426 5026
Fax: 012 343 4605
E-mail: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING