High above Mkambati Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape, endangered Cape vultures soar over a pristine wilderness, while the Green Griffons – 10 determined women – work on the ground to protect its wildlife, natural heritage and future. 

The rangers were selected and trained by Dr Div de Villiers, who has worked in  
conservation for more than 40 years and served as director of the Eastern Cape provincial environmental law enforcement unit, the Green Scorpions, for 17 years.  

“During the pre-selections, 24 women were selected from seven communities that own the reserve following a land claim settlement in 2002,” says De Villiers. 

“Eventually, nine women were chosen to do a month-long exhausting and intense basic training course in the Mkambati wilderness.”  

De Villiers adds the team was established to assist with patrolling the nature reserve, preventing poaching, monitoring wildlife and plants, gathering data to improve management and raising environmental awareness in the surrounding communities. 

The team is led by a sergeant who comes from the Black Mambas in the Greater Kruger Park, bringing the team to 10 members. 

“Eight of the women are single mothers, and all of them support children and their families.” 

He says that they will soon undergo further self-defence training and obtain first-aid qualifications. 

Reduction in illegal activities 

The Green Griffons were formed in March 2025, and the women were permanently employed in May 2026. They have already detected several cases of marine and wildlife poaching, trespassing and arson.  

“Criminal cases have been opened, and there is a definite reduction in illegal activities because of their vigilance.” 

Empowering rural women through conservation 

The women say they aim to protect the reserve for future generations. 

Ranger Abondile Sodlula says women from rural areas were raised to believe they should stay at home and take care of their families. 

“This role allows us to take the lead and bring change to support conservation efforts in our land,” says Sodlula. 

Before joining the Green Griffons, the 26-year-old was unemployed.  

“It was hard for me as I am a single mother,” she adds. 

“I applied for every kind of job, including being a packer and cleaner, just so I could survive.” 

Sodlula, whose goal is to become an environmental educator, says working with the Green Griffons aligned with her career aspirations. 

Enforcing the law among their own 

However, being a part of the Green Griffons has its challenges. 

“As a woman in this role, it has been difficult to enforce the law against people [poachers] from within our community and those outside,” Sodlula explains. 

“People from our villages know us, and when we stop them, they forget that we, as the Green Griffons, do not make the laws; we enforce them.” 

Sodlula explains that because the team are women from the village, community members sometimes expect them to let offenders go. 

“It is hard because they are our people, but we have to stand our ground and explain that these laws protect the community and the reserve,” she adds. 

“We do this with persuasion, not with guns. We carry batons, tasers and pepper spray just for safety.”

Sodlula reiterates that their strongest weapon is negotiating and teaching the offenders why poaching harms the reserve. 

Protecting endemic species and community land 

She believes that their anti-poaching efforts are vital, as they help protect close to 8 000 hectares of land, including a pristine Wild Coast coastline and a marine protected area. 

“We have plants and animals found nowhere else, meaning they are endemic to the reserve. Our work also helps protect endangered species, including the Cape vultures [Cape Griffon] that gave us our name.” 

Being a part of the Green Griffons is close to Sodlula’s heart because she believes she is taking care of her home. 
 
“Mkambati is not just a reserve. It is our home. It is owned by our communities. Our people fought to get it back through land claims. I feel like this role is helping me ensure that our children experience Mkambati as pristine as it is now and still see its wild beauty, clean rivers and ocean.” 

Debunk stereotypes

Working alongside Sodlula is Abongile Sikhathele, who joined the Green Griffons to protect the reserve and debunk the stereotype that only men can be rangers.  

Sikhathele says she feels honoured to be part of a team helping to ensure the reserve remains protected for generations to come.

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