More than 10 former firefighters from Working on Fire in the Eastern Cape were among rangers that were acknowledged for their efforts in conserving natural resources on World Ranger Day.

The day was celebrated by Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) on 12 August at Thomas Baines Nature Reserve in Grahamstown.

The MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Sakhumzi Somyo, said that World Ranger Day was about from the Hogsback Team. Rangers also performed some songs and drilled for the audience. Rangers received awards acknowledging their contributions in categories such as best field ranger, best conservation practitioner and best science, research and technology practitioner.

“Field rangers are very important people who are brave, dedicated and hard-working,” Somyo said. He added that the day was also meant to honour and remember rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The MEC was welcomed at the WOF stand by Zola Hans, the Fire Awareness Training Officer, who explained the important role played by WOF participants in nature conservation and fire prevention.

“WOF participants do fire prevention by going to schools and communities to educate the school leaners and community members about what to do to prevent unwanted fires,” Hans explained.

One of the former firefighters who is now a ranger, Nolethu Mcatshulwa, said that being a field ranger was not an easy job – it needed one to be brave, dedicated and passionate about nature. The celebration included a 2.4 kilometre run and a drill by Working on Fire participants.