Close to R1 million was raised for the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR), one of the Comrades Marathon Association's (CMA) six official AmaBeadiBeadi charities in 2024. 

A large portion of the net proceeds of this drive has gone to much-needed support for South African National Parks’ (SANParks) K9 anti-poaching units in the Table Mountain and Kruger National Parks, and support for SANParks rangers through “Project Embrace”.

This SANParks Honorary Rangers’ AmaBeadiBeadi charity drive enables runners and supporters to contribute directly to the conservation of South Africa's national parks, in what the organisation calls “a race to save our natural heritage”.

“The Comrades AmaBeadiBeadi Race4Charity drive has enabled us to contribute significantly to our K9 national project which supports the SANParks K9 anti-poaching units, and to our Embrace national project, which provides trauma counselling and support for field rangers and their families,” explains Ian Catt, Treasurer KwaZulu-Natal Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers and Chairman of the SHR Comrades organising committee.

“Poaching in our national parks remains a major conservation challenge in South Africa, and the SANParks K9 Unit is considered a game changer for anti-poaching initiatives."

“The support offered through Project Embrace supports field rangers whose demanding and often dangerous duties can lead to burnout and stress. This programme helps to promote ranger well-being and equips them to safeguard lives and wildlife effectively.”

Going forward, the SANParks Honorary Rangers is hoping that their 2025 CMA Amabeadibeadi Race4Charity drive will beat their 2024 target by exceeding R1 million.

Runners passionate about wildlife and nature conservation can enhance their Comrades experience by selecting the SANParks Honorary Rangers as their preferred charity through the Race4Charity platform. By doing so, they contribute to vital conservation projects within South Africa’s national parks.

To get involved, runners can register for the Race4Charity platform and select the SANParks Honorary Rangers as their chosen charity. This allows them to raise funds for conservation while participating in the marathon. It may also allow for a better seeding, should they raise more than R6000.

Supporters can contribute to the cause by donating to runners supporting the SANParks Honorary Rangers or donating directly to the organization. 

“It does not matter how small the donations are,” says Catt. “Every little bit helps.”

The 2025 Comrades Marathon will take place on June 8, 2025. "Our members across the country are ready to support runners who join our cause, and we look forward to encouraging all the runners as they make their way through our watering ‘hole’ on race day,” says Catt.

For more information, email comrades@sanparksvolunteers.org or visit www.sanparksvolunteers.org. 

Photo caption: 

Members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers in action at their Comrades water point in 2024. Photo: Carolien du Plessis.