Pretoria – Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has thanked the men and women who protect South Africa’s wildlife and natural heritage as the country commemorates World Ranger Day.
“In South Africa, our rangers are faced with a daily battle to protect our rhino, an iconic member of the Big Five, an important contributor to our economy through job creation and tourism, and a key part of our natural heritage.
“Were it not for these brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect species in our natural world, many species would face extinction,” said Minister Molewa.
World Ranger Day is supported by the International Rangers Federation and is marked annually on 31 July to acknowledge game rangers.
Minister Molewa also acknowledged the rangers who were killed in the line of duty.
“The attacks on rangers, by man and animal, are a reminder of the daily threats they face from poachers and the dangers they face when working with wild animals on any given day.
“While many of us sleep soundly at home every night, it is the ranger who is at the forefront of that battle line,” Minister Molewa said. – SAnews.gov.za
