A day in the life of a game ranger
They work long hours, covering large areas, at times facing immense danger. This week, reporter Slindelo Masikane focuses on the work of game rangers in the continent's largest park, the Kruger National Park.
A large part of their day deals with collecting data on the animals, and safeguarding them. Very often that data includes which animals have been poached, and during what space of time.
The rising number of poaching is a huge problem. While rhino poaching continues to be a challenge in the south, elephant poaching in the northern region of the park is now on the rise.
While it is still a male dominated industry, female rangers are among the leaders in the Kruger National Park. Sandra Visagie and Tinyiko Kolele are Section rangers. They are responsible for deploying field rangers, administration and attending to poaching incidents.
Sandra and Tinyiko are both married with children. They say they've become accustomed to juggling the various aspects of their lives…
Mandla Ndlovu has been a field ranger for 10 years and says the lack of manpower and equipment put extra strain on the job at hand. But he loves being in the bush although it's tough being away from his family.
Ndwakhulu Mutobvu has been a ranger for 14 years and insists that only those with a passion for nature should pursue this as a career.
