Joint World Ranger Day Commemoration

On 31 July 2014 a World Ranger Day ceremony was held to commemorate the many rangers killed or injured in the line of their duty in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The event was a joint commemoration by the park management committee members of both Botswana and South Africa, plus learners from a local school.

The ceremony started with the lighting of a candle and observing a minute of silence. Everyone wore green rosette tags in remembrance. A presentation was then given to highlight and recognise the work of the many dedicated rangers. This was followed by a pledge for rangers that was read and signed by corporal ranger John Bezuidenhout and by section ranger Micho Ferreira.

The ceremony was followed by a small lunch, which gave everyone an opportunity to interact with each other. To their delight, the learners were then taken on a visit to the park.

A good day was had by all, while celebrating the essential, and often dangerous, work the rangers do.

Story by Steven Smith
Park Manager: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park SA_South African National Parks (SANParks)

World Ranger Day commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, and celebrates the work rangers do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.

World Ranger Day is observed annually on the 31st of July, and is promoted by the 63 member associations of the International Ranger Federation (IRF), by their partner the Thin Green Line Foundation, and by individuals who support the work of rangers and the IRF. The first World Ranger Day was observed in 2007 on the 15th anniversary of the founding of the IRF.