Guardians of The Future of Inclusive Conservation

In July 2026, Nyameka joined SANParks after working at the Eastern Cape Parks Tourism Agency in various roles including Section Ranger, Outreach Facilitator, and Coordinator for Stewardship Programs. Her colleagues have taken notice of her hard work and respect her for her dedication and willingness to get her hands dirty.

Carolina Phillips has been a Room Attendant at Augrabies Falls National Park since 1993, where she has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and a strong work ethic. Her colleagues and management alike admire her approachable personality and genuine care for people.

Nikita Wyngaard has been working as a Ranger Sergeant in the Swartkopberg section of Table Mountain National Park since 2018. She started as a WIL conservation student and has since become a Field Ranger, Ranger Corporal and now Ranger Sergeant. She is the only female Ranger Sergeant in her section and leads her team to ensure duties are implemented effectively.

Deboseng Nazo transferred to Golden Gate Highlands National Park from Kgalagadi, arriving just as the fire season began. Despite leading an almost all-male team, she quickly gained their respect and organized them for fire season preparations. She has established a professional rapport with international scientists and law enforcement agencies.

Pheladi Chuene, the Park Manager for the Wilderness Section of Garden Route National Park, is a highly respected conservation professional with a Master’s Degree in Nature Conservation. She has served as a Park Manager for the past six years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and conservation stewardship in one of South Africa's most ecologically sensitive and socially complex conservation landscapes.