After a successful annual general meeting at which the organisation’s new committee was elected, the Marloth Park Honorary Rangers (HR) introduced Sophia Claassens as their new chief on February 5.

Claassens was recommended by outgoing and long-standing chief Genie Retief, who stepped down this year. Veronica Donachie and Cliff Eaton were elected as the organisation’s two deputies.

Claassens is a bush woman at heart and passionate about animal welfare, especially big cats. She grew up running wild on a farm in Zimbabwe before relocating to Durban. While she worked in real estate and volunteered at and supported the Animal Anti-Cruelty League, the bush was always calling.

Claassens first visited Marloth Park about nine years ago with family. She was on the back of their bakkie when a panicked warthog bolted in front of them in Moddervis Road.

Her brother slammed on the brakes. Claassens was nearly tipped over the side and found herself staring point-blank into the eyes of a leopard.

“That was it. I was signed, sealed and delivered to Marloth Park,” she says.

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She first worked as secretary for the Marloth Park Property Owners’ Association, then went back into real estate, where she still works part time.

“Through real estate I learned to engage with people, and learned about Marloth Park. I make an effort to educate new owners about our special by-laws. I also feel at home taking over Site Development Plans for new builds from Genie.”

Claassens joined the Honorary Rangers (HR) six years ago, clearing alien plants and monitoring the beloved old lions, Fluffie and Dezi, with HR Jocelyn Gordon.

She acquired detailed knowledge of Lionspruit and formed strong relationships with the Nkomazi Rangers. She was co-opted onto the committee two years ago, so has insight into the workings of the organisation and is familiar with recent and ongoing projects.

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Many will also know Claassens through the seven years of voluntary work she has done with the Marloth Park CPF. She is a regular patroller and helps with any special operations. This work, attending to complaints, has given her a good understanding of community issues, and a quiet strength and resilience.

She believes HR is all about working together, and says, “Before anything, I am an Honorary Ranger, not ‘The Chief'”.

Veld restoration on parkland is at the top of the Honorary Rangers’ agenda, but Claassens urges property owners to put effort into restoring their own land. Proudly showing off her own successful patch as an example of the possibilities, she points out that the seeding heads are as tall as she is.