The SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) have demonstrated how the legendary spirit of the Comrades Marathon can be harnessed to protect South Africa’s natural heritage. Through the Comrades Marathon Association’s AmaBeadiBeadi charity initiative, and with the incredible support of Race4Charity runners and donors, the SHR has raised vital funds that will go directly into projects safeguarding South Africa National Parks (SANParks).
As an official charity of the Comrades Association’s AmaBeadiBeadi charity drive, members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, KwaZulu-Natal Region (l-r) Gavin Abel, John Gale and Brenda Huntley of the SANParks Honorary Rangers.
An incredible amount of R1 588 165 was raised, most of which will be invested directly from the KwaZulu-Natal Region of the SHR into critical SANParks conservation, ranger support and anti-poaching initiatives in national parks across the country.
Funds raised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers are allocated to procuring or supporting priority conservation needs that have been identified by SANParks through a wish list system.
The funds raised from the 2025 Race4Charity campaign will be allocated as follows:
• Kruger National Park: Renovation and upgrade of anti-poaching facilities and kennelling for K9 anti-poaching dogs, and the training of two new dogs for K9 units. This will assist in strengthening anti-poaching measures in Kruger National Park.
• Mountain Zebra National Park: Procurement of wildlife monitoring, research and protection equipment, including 3 cheetah collars, 1 lion collar, and 3 camera traps.
• Richtersveld National Park: Installation of new security cameras to strengthen protection measures for endangered succulents, which are vulnerable to poaching.
• Table Mountain National Park: Assistance with the renovation and upgrade of dog kennels at the K9 unit.
• Project Embrace: Support for rangers and their families at the frontline of conservation through trauma and stress management programmes and life skills training.
Speaking on the value of the initiative, following the handover from the Comrades Marathon Association on Friday 22 August, Ian Catt Treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers and Chairman of the SHR Comrades organising committee, said, “The Comrades Marathon is not only a race of endurance, but is also a race of generosity in many ways. Every runner who chose to run for SHR, every person who donated, and the Comrades Marathon Association itself, have helped us take a significant step forward in protecting our wildlife and supporting our rangers and the onerous tasks of protecting our conservation area. These projects will have a direct and lasting impact on conservation.”
Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the 99th anniversary of the Comrades Marathon, a milestone that SHR is proud to be part of. “We are deeply grateful to the Comrades organisers for giving us this platform, to the athletes who carried our cause along the route, and to every runner and supporter who donated,” added Catt. “Together, we are ensuring that the parks, people, and wildlife of South Africa continue to thrive for generations to come.”
For more information, email comrades@sanparksvolunteers.org or visit www.sanparksvolunteers.org.
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