Celebrating Cape Town’s Women Rangers on World Ranger Day

Pictured here (L-R) is Simonne Sables, Khanyisa Ndzwaiba and Orepa Mogaki at the Atlantis Dunes which forms part of the City’s Witzands Nature Reserve. Photo Credit: Supplied

Shining a spotlight on the inspiring women rangers of Cape Town who are leading the charge in conservation this World Ranger Day.

Cape Town, South Africa (01 August 2025) – Remember, some heroes do not always wear capes. The month of July ended with rangers all over the world celebrating the heroic work they do. 31 July is a day we honour the everyday heroes who protect and preserve our natural heritage. In celebration, the City of Cape Town is proudly spotlighting some of its incredible female rangers who dedicate themselves to safeguarding our biodiversity. As we are now into Women’s Month this August, we celebrate the passion and heart these women bring to their work across the city’s nature reserves.

With over 170 rangers currently employed by the City, more than 50 of whom are women, Cape Town clearly leads the way in providing conservation career opportunities. These women are safeguarding nature, educating communities, and playing a key role in environmental management.

Take Khanyisa Ndzwaiba, for example, Reserve Supervisor at Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve. Khanyisa joined the City six years ago and quickly moved up the ranks to become a Senior Field Ranger in 2021.

“I love that I can see how I have grown in my job and can honestly say that I try to learn about how to better manage these conservation areas every day. I must admit I do enjoy fighting fires as well to ensure our conservation efforts do not go to waste within the reserve,” said Khanyisa.

With Orepa Mogaki, it’s no different. She is the Visitor Controller at Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West. From Strand, Orepa joined the City four years ago, driven by her passion for wildlife and Cape Town’s natural beauty.

“Playing a part in the plans which bring communities and nature together for the benefit of both has always been important to me,” she said. One of her highlights was witnessing the teamwork during a wildfire in 2022. “The commitment and unity was beautiful to witness.”

There is also Simonne Sables, the Reserve Supervisor at the Symphony Way Conservation Area, who started as a student ranger back in 2013 and has never looked back. From handling a Caracal rescue to managing fire emergencies, her passion is definitely evident.

“I was lucky enough to be the one on the cage who opened the door to release the caracal, it was one of my best moments so far,” said Sables. “While we do always plan for relief crews, sometimes the circumstances don’t allow for it and you have to work very long shifts but it is definitely worth it!”