First black female diver a top milestone for Honorary Rangers

KNYSNA NEWS - The SANParks Honorary Rangers' annual integrated report for 2025 has highlighted key contributions made by the Knysna Region, recognising the vital role local volunteers continue to play across the Garden Route National Park and the Knysna Estuary.

Among the notable achievements in the report is the installation of cellphone boosters at remote access points in the park following the introduction of SANParks' cashless payment system.

Poor signal in certain areas had created operational challenges, prompting members of the Knysna Region to intervene.

Through sponsorships, boos-ters were installed at the Garden of Eden Kiosk, King Edward Tree gate, Diepwalle offices and Kranshoek gate in Harkerville.

Improved connectivity has ensured smoother transactions for visitors and significantly enhanced safety by enabling staff to communicate effectively in emergencies.

The report also acknowledges investment in ranger skills development along the Knysna Estuary. During 2025, four rangers completed Class IV commercial diving training, while two others qualified as a dive medic technician and dive supervisor.

First black female diver
According to Sabine Schukai, chairperson of the Honorary Rangers Knysna Region, this group included the first black female professional diver for SANParks.

The third annual Serenade in the Forest, held beneath the iconic King Edward VII Big Tree at Diepwalle, attracted more than 400 attendees.

The event combined live music in the forest setting and raised funds for estuary walkway repairs and other conservation projects within the Garden Route National Park.

Individual dedication was also recognised at a national level. Three members of the Knysna Region received merit awards for their commitment and service: Bruce McDonald, who received a bronze award for the second time; George Oosthuizen, also awarded bronze for the second time; and Sabine Schukai, who received a silver award for the third time.

Merit awards are based on volunteer hours, with bronze awarded for 450 or more hours, silver for 800 or more hours and gold for 1 000 or more hours. Recipients are selected from the top 10% within the silver and bronze category.

In total, the Knysna Honorary Rangers contributed around 4 000 volunteer hours in 2025, delivered by 39 members.

LEFT: Funds raised through the Knysna Honorary Rangers' Serenade in the Forest event were allocated to estuary walkway repairs and other conservation projects in the Garden Route National Park.

Sabine Schukai, chairperson of the SANParks Honorary Rangers Knysna Region, received a silver merit award for her continued commitment to conservation.