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
Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award
Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability
CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.
The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity
CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.
Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve
In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.
The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025
CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.
CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.
“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire
The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” — a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?