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
Penguin Palooza 2026 returns to Stony Point in support of African Penguin conservation
Stony Point in Betty’s Bay is one of the last known locations on Earth where African Penguins still breed on the mainland, and the species is under growing pressure. On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Penguin Palooza returns to Stony Point Nature Reserve, giving the public a chance to learn about the species and the work CapeNature, SANCCOB and other partners are doing to protect it.
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Robberg Nature Reserve has been named the Best Outdoor Activity in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. The recognition follows months of nominations and voting by communities across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, making the award a meaningful reflection of the place Robberg holds in the local community.
CapeNature maintains clean audit record and expands the Western Cape’s Protected Areas
CapeNature's 2025/26 Annual Report shows the Entity added more than 44 000 hectares to the Western Cape conservation estate over the year. The additions extend protection across mountain catchments that feed the province's water supply, guarding them against the invasive plant growth and wildfire risk that threaten water security. Ultimately the protected areas expansion improves our ability to conserve the rich and unique Western Cape biodiversity.
WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship
South Africa’s Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are entering their next chapter with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship, inclusion, community participation and long-term coastal resilience, as WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, celebrates 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and its own centenary.
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of