The Lowveld Junior Honorary Rangers (JHR) hosted a fundraising event in the Manna Church’s auditorium on October 25.

All monies raised will go towards funding their 2025 programme.

According to the Lowveld JHR’s co-ordinator, Chris Daniel, some funds are earmarked to grow the project locally and start a rural arm at on the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park.

The event was attended by Kim Wolhuter, who gave a presentation revealing the struggles and amazing experiences of his life in the African bush as a wildlife filmmaker, photographer and conservationist. He is a true legend, pioneering new ground in the film industry and changing misconceptions about animal behaviours.

Regarding the attendance, Daniel said: “With an international wildlife celebrity like Wolhuter we were expecting a greater response, but he has set the standard for future such events to raise funds for the JHR programme. However, we are grateful to the people who have attended and believe that the presentation made a huge impact on them and that they will have a deeper understanding of animal behaviour, as well as the challenges faced in attaining the footage that goes into wildlife documentaries.”

The JHR National Project typically consist high school children with an interest in conservation. The interactive activities and courses are generally held outside our national parks, although the parks could be visited as part of their annual curriculum.

The aims of the JHR National Project are to instil a love and knowledge of nature and conservation. It is supported by SANParks and has a succession plan to the SANParks Honorary Rangers, and encourages the JHRs to remain involved in conservation and support SANParks after leaving school.

In order for a JHR to become SANParks Honorary Ranger (SHR), he/she must have been a JHR not less than three years and must pass the compulsory SHR course. The ultimate goal is to have at least one JHR group in each SHR region.