Ndzalama Maluleke
SANParks Honorary Rangers
Personal Message:
Certainly! Here's a refined and completed version of your motivation for running the Comrades Marathon, based on the heartfelt context you shared: --- I grew up in a small village in Limpopo called Mabiligwe, nestled less than 10 kilometers from the fences of the Kruger National Park. The park’s close proximity to our village—and to several others—meant that many of the local men were recruited as Rangers. While this offered some economic relief to our rural communities, it was more than just employment. The men from our villages understood the terrain intimately; they grew up with the land, its rhythms, its dangers, and its beauty. For them, becoming a Ranger was not simply a job—it was a calling. Being a Ranger in the Kruger National Park comes with deep personal sacrifice. On bad days, it was not uncommon to hear tragic news of a neighbour, a relative, or a childhood friend who had been injured—or even killed—by a wild animal or in encounters with poachers. But on good days, the village would be alight with pride over stories of bravery: a Ranger protecting a rhino herd from poachers, rescuing an injured elephant, or narrowly surviving a surprise encounter with lions. These stories shaped my understanding of courage and purpose. For me, South African Parks Rangers represent an extraordinary balance of valour, humility, resilience, and service. Their work is physically and mentally demanding, yet they remain steadfast—guardians not only of our country’s rich biodiversity, but also of a deeper heritage tied to land, memory, and community. It is in honour of these unsung heroes—the Rangers from my village and many others like it—that I am running the Comrades Marathon. This race, much like the work of a Ranger, demands endurance, discipline, and heart. Each kilometre I run is a tribute to their sacrifice, to their quiet strength, and to the legacy they leave behind. Through this journey, I hope to raise awareness of the challenges Rangers face, celebrate their contributions to conservation and community, and inspire others to support their cause.
