Minister Creecy honours rangers on World Ranger Day 2019 at Kruger National Park

31 July 2019 - I am honoured to be here today celebrating my first World Ranger Day Commemoration, with all of you, our honoured guests. Today is also my first visit, in my official capacity as the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, to the Kruger National Park. And so it is an important honour to be with the men and women who work on the frontline of conservation and fight against poaching in protected areas across the country.   

A unique ranger on a leash in the image Today, on World Ranger Day 2019, we honour our rangers for their bravery, dedication and commitment to protect our natural heritage, and we commemorate those killed or injured in the line of duty.

We salute them for their excellent work and thank them for their invaluable contribution. They are true conservation heroes. A ranger’s job is not an easy one. These men and women risk injury or death, often on a daily basis, to protect species against poaching or fires.

Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries reports back on rhino poaching in first six months of 2019

31 July 2019 - The Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros continues to deliver successes, with a considerable number of arrests linked to rhino poaching and smuggling being recorded in the first six months of 2019. This media report covers the period 1 January to 31 June 2019. 

Minister Creecy indicated that government cannot fight the battle of poaching alone & commended the continuous support of Total South Africa who have committed R4.5m worth of fuel over the next three years and Tourvest Travel for donating bulletproof vests. "We (SASOL) have sponsored 100 000 litres of jet fuel per year for the SANParks Parks Air-wing project so that they can continue their conservation for future generations".

Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries calls for review of anti-poaching efforts on World Ranger Day 2019

1 July 2019 - The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms. Barbara Creecy, has called for a review of efforts in the war on poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. Speaking at the World Ranger Day commemoration at the Ranger Memorial in the Kruger National Park, Minister Creecy said she will be convening a meeting with Police Minister Bheki Cele and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola “so that we can better coordinate our collective efforts against increasingly syndicated crime”.  

SANParks CEO Mr Fundisile Mketeni acknowledges the family of fallen ranger Mr Respect Mathebula and thanks them for his heroic efforts as he lost his life in the line of duty to protect the future of the country’s rich biodiversity.

Minister Creecy together with SANParks  CEO Mr Fundisile Mketeni and Chief Ranger Mr Nicholus Funda are among those that lead the wreath laying ceremony to pay their respects to fallen rangers at the Ranger Memorial.