Picture: Female rangers in North West/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
1 July 2026 – The North West MEC for Department Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane joined the global conservation community in marking the conclusion of World Female Ranger Week, celebrated annually from 23 to 30 June. Lenkopane paid tribute to the remarkable women who dedicate their lives to protecting the biodiversity, safeguarding the wildlife and preserving the natural heritage for future generations.
She further said this year’s commemoration highlighted the courage, resilience and professionalism of women rangers who continue to break barriers in a profession historically dominated by men. Lenkopane added that throughout the week, the international themes encouraged the sharing of experiences from the field, celebrated women overcoming obstacles, recognised the importance of partnerships and allies and concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing women in conservation.
“As a province endowed with exceptional biodiversity and world-renowned protected areas, the North West acknowledges that women rangers are more than protectors of wildlife. They are custodians of our ecosystems, educators within our communities, ambassadors for conservation and role models for young women aspiring to careers in environmental management.
“The contribution of women rangers extends beyond anti-poaching operations, daily monitoring biodiversity, enforcing environmental laws, visitor management, environmental education, scientific support, habitat restoration and community engagement,” she said.
Lenkopane said during her 2026/27 Budget Vote Speech, she reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening the conservation sector and improving the conditions under which their rangers serve. She said rangers remain the backbone of biodiversity protection and the first line of defence against environmental crimes that threaten the provincial natural heritage.
“The department remains committed to progressively improving ranger support systems, investing in conservation capacity, enhancing skills development, strengthening operational resources and creating an enabling environment in which 1/2 every ranger can perform their duties with dignity, safety and pride.
“This commitment applies equally to the women who continue to serve with distinction under often demanding conditions. To every woman ranger serving in our provincial reserves, protected areas and conservation institutions, I extend my deepest appreciation,” said Lenkopane.
She said their dedication, professionalism and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Lenkopane said they should continue to strengthen their vision of building the North West into a leading biodiversity economy and conservation province.
“As we conclude World Female Ranger Week, let this not mark the end of our appreciation, but rather the beginning of an even stronger commitment to recognize, support and invest in the women who protect our environment every day.
“Together, we must continue creating opportunities for more women to enter the conservation profession, to lead within our institutions and to shape the future of environmental stewardship in South Africa. To every woman who wears the ranger’s uniform with pride, thank you for your courage, your resilience and your unwavering commitment to protecting the biodiversity that sustains our province and our nation,” she said.
Lenkopane said their service is an inspiration and they will continue to shape a greener, safer and more sustainable future for generations to come.
The Guardian 