One of Kruger National Park’s beloved section rangers, Joe Nkuna, is retiring after 29 years of service. The 64-year-old ranger from Phalaubeni village in Giyani, retired from a decorated career on March 31. He joined the KNP in June 1994 as a junior field ranger and says he loved every minute of it. “After six months, I was promoted to junior section ranger at the Olifants Ranger Section, before being transferred to Shigwedzi, where I worked for two years.”

He ascended the ranks until he became a section ranger. In 2004 he was named the best section ranger in the park. The Letaba Ranger Section, which he was leading at the time, was hailed as the best section in the park in terms of safety, budgetary use and other factors. Nkuna’s job as a section ranger or area manager entailed overseeing nature conservation matters, law enforcement, patrols, making sure both animals and people are safe, and the wellness of staff, among other duties.

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He told Herald that as much as he was passionate about his job, it was a challenging one. “As a leader I led by example. Whenever there was a poaching incident, I had to be the one in front leading my team. I had to show my subordinates that I’m not a coward and when we worked together we always prevailed and poachers were scared of us.”

He also had to assure his wife of 43 years, that he would return home safely, he said, as she was sometimes worried when he had to take his pistol and go to work. He said the prayers which they prayed as a family and during the ranger parade at work with colleagues, sustained him throughout the 29 years. “These colleagues guided, supported and equipped me to become the great ranger that I was and for that I am grateful. I am also thankful for the support of my wife, five children and grandchildren.

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”Looking back, he reflected on another great achievement. “The one thing that I’m proud of in my career is that SanParks made me an academic. When I started working, I only had Gr 12, but my employer paid for my studies and I did a diploma in nature conservation. I also obtained an honours degree in management which was paid for by my employer. I will forever be grateful to SanParks for their love and support,” he concluded.