Police Clearance Certificate from South African Police Services. JHR who have successfully completed the programme may serve as a Facilitator’s Assistant. They assist younger members, and further hone their leadership, communication, creative thinking, and planning skills. Two JHR facilitator courses were presented during 2023/2024, with 42 participants. Midrand and Lowveld Regions initiated two new JHR groups in 2024, bringing the total number of active JHR groups in South Africa to 18. Regional activities in 2023/2024 are summarised below: Contact Carmen Mohr chairperson.jhr@honoraryrangers.org Letaba In July 2023, Chief Makuleke, from the Makuleke Village, invited the facilitators, JHRs, parents and children who were interested in joining the group, to meet with him at his palace. He gave his blessings to the Juniors and, on 5 August 2023, Phase 1 commenced. The youngsters successfully completed all the requirements by year-end and enthusiastically embarked on Phase 2 in 2024. Pretoria Pretoria Region’s JHRs enjoyed informative outings to the Tswaing meteor crater, the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History and VulPro, a rehabilitation centre for vultures. Johannesburg The JHRs visited the Kruger National Park and the Marakele National Park and enjoyed a local outing to the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve in Gauteng. They assisted at water points at the Powerade Marakele Marathon on the weekend of 1 March 2024. This marathon raises significant funds for conservation in the park and gave the JHR important exposure to aspects of fundraising. Johannesburg South The highlight of the year was an outing to the Johannesburg Zoo to assist with cleaning duties. This active region has over 50 Juniors and eight facilitators. Lowveld The Lowveld JHR group was established in February 2024. They kicked off with a visit to The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden (or Chimp Eden). Here, they had the rare privilege of meeting Dr Jane Goodall in person. The Juniors were able to interact with her and ask her questions, a very special experience. Vaal Triangle A visit to Insimbi Legacy Projects in Limpopo allowed the JHRs to experience bush survival skills through enactment and simulation. Their rhino poaching awareness was greatly boosted. Learning about the extreme challenges rangers face to protect these precious animals left the youngsters in awe. Russel Stevens from the Two Oceans Aquarium presented a very informative and interactive talk on the importance of Marine Protected Areas. The Juniors found out more about how changes in salinity and pH levels can influence marine life. The JHRs were treated to magnificent microscope images of lice and bees and observed live cockroaches and mealworms. These displays were arranged by entomologist Prof. Chris Weldon of the University of Pretoria who was invited to speak to the Juniors. SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 89
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