Become a SANParks Honorary Ranger
People making a difference
SANParks Honorary Rangers gives South Africans with a passion for nature the opportunity to help protect and preserve our unique natural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
There are more than 1 900 SANParks Honorary Rangers – all volunteers – based in 31 regions around the country and working in all 21 of our national parks.
They are involved on various levels – from assisting at entry gates and raising funds for anti-poaching activities to assisting in visitor management and running youth activities – as well as even giving specialist advice on infrastructure and scientific projects.
To become a SANParks Honorary Ranger means being committed to making a difference. As such, a vigorous process is followed to appoint new members.
The process is as follows:
- Identify a SANParks Honorary Rangers Region which suits your location and interests. Click here to view regional contacts.
- The Region will assist you with application forms and details about joining and then after attendance at a Regional meeting, appoint you as an applicant.
- Applicants are required to attend at least one compulsory course (The Role of the Honorary Ranger), which provides an introduction to the SANParks Honorary Rangers organisation, its code of conduct and how it functions.
- Once 50 hours of logged volunteer activity is completed (including 10 hours for the Role of The Honorary Ranger course) and after meeting the requirements as set out in the membership policy and on recommendation from the Regional Management Committee, you would then be appointed as a full member.
- Members are entitled to:
- Perform duties in parks for which they have completed the necessary accreditation courses
- Wear the SANParks Honorary Rangers uniform
- Serve on a SANParks Honorary Rangers management committee and to vote in SANParks Honorary Rangers elections.
Members are required to log a minimum of 50 hours (100 points) of activities a year to retain their membership.
Junior Honorary Rangers National Project
Six regions already support the Junior Honorary Ranger programme, which offers an alternative route to SANParks Honorary Rangers member status. The Juniors participate in a five-year programme, with progressive activities each year. Juniors who complete the five-phase programme do not need to work through the application process of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, they can become members immediately when they turn 18, in phase 5.
Why we Volunteer
It’s not for money, not for fame
Nor for any personal gain
It’s just for the love of nature
To make a difference where we can
It’s just to give up of thy self
That is something you can’t buy with wealth
It’s not for medals worn with pride
It’s just for the feeling deep inside
It’s the reward deep in our heart
The feeling we have been a part
Of helping others far and near
That is why we volunteer
