In June, Ndzalama Maluleke will be strapping up her laces to run in honour of the brave Rangers she admired as a child for protecting wildlife with heart and whose resilience shaped her understanding of courage and purpose.
Limpopo, South Africa (01 June 2025) – Hailing from a small village in Limpopo called Mabiligwe, Ndzalama Maluleke grew up just shy of 10km away from the national gem that is the Kruger National Park.
This meant that many of the men from her village were often recruited as rangers at the park – an opportunity that offered not just employment and economic relief for the rural community but a chance to protect the precious gift that is wildlife.
“The men from our villages understood the terrain intimately. They grew up with the land, its rhythms, its dangers, and its beauty. For them, becoming a Ranger was not simply a job—it was a calling,” Ndzalama said.
While Ndzalama recalls the unfortunate incidents of hearing about a neighbour or relative being injured by a wild animal or from encounters with poachers, the bravery of rangers always shone through.
“The village would be alight with pride over stories of bravery: a Ranger protecting a rhino herd from poachers, rescuing an injured elephant, or narrowly surviving a surprise encounter with lions. These stories shaped my understanding of courage and purpose.”
For Ndzalama, SANParks Rangers represent an extraordinary balance of valour, humility, resilience, and service.
“Their work is physically and mentally demanding, yet they remain steadfast—guardians not only of our country’s rich biodiversity, but also of a deeper heritage tied to land, memory, and community.”
She is honoured to get to lace up her running shoes in the upcoming Comrades Marathon, in support of the invaluable work these men and women do.
“This race, much like the work of a Ranger, demands endurance, discipline, and heart. Each kilometre I run is a tribute to their sacrifice, to their quiet strength, and to the legacy they leave behind,” Ndzalama explained.
Through her race, she aims to raise awareness of the challenges Rangers face, celebrate their contributions to conservation and community, and inspire others to support their cause.
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