CapeNature Empowers Volunteers with Replacement Starter Kits
Following an incident where three volunteers from Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA) were recently robbed in Table Mountain National Park, CapeNature joined forces with Hi-Tec to donate starter kits to the team.
The three volunteers, Reinier Kapp, Zoë Arendse and Zoenell Curry who were returning from a rescue mission, were robbed at gunpoint and had all their belongings, including backpacks and rescue equipment stolen.
Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director for Eco-Tourism and Access at CapeNature, lauded the volunteers, saying: “We appreciate that these volunteers from SARZA execute rescue missions at no cost and use their own resources and equipment. CapeNature, which offers an array of outdoor adventure experiences, also uses SARZA’s service on our land on occasion, and they are a valued partner when it comes to search and rescue. Hence, it was a no-brainer when we learned of this traumatic incident to see how we can assist.”
CapeNature gifted the three volunteers with rescue essentials such as power banks, headlamps, water flasks, thermal mugs, buffs, caps and many other essentials, while Hi-Tec altruistically donated three high-end backpacks for the trio.
Chairman of SARZA Cape, Mike Muller, expressed his sincere appreciation to CapeNature and Hi-Tec on behalf of the organisation, saying, “It is partnerships like these that enables us to do our work and we are grateful for any contributions. It costs approximately R22 000 to fully clothe and equip a SARZA rescuer for basic operations, thus unfortunate incidents like this robbery really set these three volunteers back. Each volunteer bears their own cost for resources used in a rescue and this contribution by CapeNature and Hi-Tec assists to get them on their feet again.”
“The work done by SARZA and its volunteers is a thankless job, and many lives are saved because of people like them who put their own safety at risk to rescue others. Their bravery and sacrifice are commendable and the goodwill from CapeNature goes far beyond our donation. I urge people, organisations and businesses of the Western Cape to support this vital volunteer group.” says Dr Razeena Omar, CEO, CapeNature.
The SARZA team is comprised solely of volunteers and all clothing and equipment is supplied at their own cost. Should you wish to support SARZA’s rescue operations you can do so as follows:
- Email cape@sarza.org.za
- Support their BuckaBuddy campaign
- Make a donation via SnapScan.
SARZA Cape volunteers mugged on one of their rescue missions receiving items donated by CapeNature and Hi-Tec (from left to right): Zoenell Curry, Zoë Arendse and Reinier Kapp with the SARZA Cape Chairperson, Mike Muller
Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director at CapeNature presenting the volunteer group (from left to right) Zoenell Curry, Zoë Arendse, Reinier Kapp and SARZA Cape Chairperson, Mike Muller, with donated items
Related News
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves
From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western