Volunteers Members are concerned about increasing bureaucracy in the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR), although some of this is unavoidable. Policies are preferred to values and standard operating procedures as a means to manage the SHR in the absence of full-time paid executives in key roles. The Board has formulated a discussion document (see section on our strategy, page 40) proposing a small, remunerated professional team to better support the volunteer members and SANParks. The SHR further faces a challenge due to the lack of transformation of its membership. Only 10% of members come from historically disadvantaged demographic groups and the Board is 86% white. Organisational effectiveness Organisational effectiveness is severely constrained by a lack of paid employees in key executive roles. Volunteers who currently fill these roles are working long hours for extended periods, often at the expense of personal and work commitments. This situation is not sustainable. Possible solutions have been considered and a discussion document has been distributed to members. Political instability Political instability has a material impact on consumer, business and investor confidence and rebuilding damaged infrastructure reduces the funds available to support conservation. Climate change Climate change is seen as one of the greatest threats to humanity at present. Of highest relevance from the SHR’s perspective is the impact on communities (food security and water scarcity) and threatened species. SANParks, as part of its “Vision 2040”, will be adapting itself to reach global biodiversity targets. The SHR will need to adapt and continue to support SANParks as it responds to these challenges. The SHR also faces a challenge in the use of fossil fuels in the 3,2 million km travelled by members to perform duties for SANParks. Economic environment Although it is encouraging to see tourism returning to normal, the SHR and many donors remain heavily impacted by the local and international economic situation. Geopolitical instability, combined with local and many international elections make the uncertainty associated with the economic environment likely to persist. SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 37
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI0MzQ=