Hi, I’m Ryan, a Grade 11 student at Hilton College, and I’m proud to be part of this year’s Run for Rangers. I grew up in Johannesburg and have always felt a deep connection to the wild. From watching elephants drink at a lodge pool to hearing lions roar in the distance, the bush has always felt like home — but it’s a home that needs protecting.

This run isn’t just about covering the 100 kilometres over two days through Babanango Game Reserve; it’s about backing the people who put their lives on the line every day to keep our wildlife safe. Rangers are the frontline defenders of nature. They face danger, fatigue, and isolation — not for praise, but because without their quiet courage, species like rhinos and elephants wouldn’t have a future. Their work is tough, often thankless — but vital.

That’s why I’m running — to raise R15,000 in support of Project Rhino . These funds go directly toward equipping rangers with the training, technology, and resources they need to protect our natural heritage and stop poaching before it happens, as well as my entry fee into the event.

This isn’t just conservation. It’s a stand for justice, for balance, and for the future of the wild spaces that define South Africa. If you believe in preserving something greater than yourself, this is a way to act — to walk alongside the protectors of the wild, one step at a time.