Image related to website content

CapeNature Empowers Volunteers with Replacement Starter Kits

1 Dec 2023

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:

Image related to website content

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

Image related to website content

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

Share:

Related News

Penguin Palooza Guest Invitation 2025 03 1
10 Oct 2025
Make space in your heart for penguins at Penguin Palooza 2025

African Penguins are now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with scientists warning they could vanish from the wild by 2035. CapeNature and SANCCOB are collaborating to protect the species at their annual Penguin Palooza event at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

Spotted Eagle Owl Scientific Name Bubo Africanus
9 Oct 2025
Man convicted and sentenced for attack on Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl thanks to joint efforts

CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl along the Sea Point Promenade earlier this year.

Vrolijikheid Nature Reserve
2 Oct 2025
The Vrolijkheid Nursery Project is Growing Conservation Through Community

The nursery project at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has officially entered its early stages of becoming operational, marking an exciting step towards a collaborative conservation and community initiative. 

EPWP worker at Cape Nature
1 Oct 2025
Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development

A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lamberts Bay
26 Sep 2025
Bird Island gets a fresh look with enhanced interpretive signage

Bird Island Nature Reserve has undergone a transformation just in time for World Tourism Day, with the unveiling of brand-new interpretive signage designed to elevate the visitor experience and public understanding of the Island’s unique biodiversity.

Southern Right Whale mother and calf
25 Sep 2025 by The University of Pretoria | Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit
2025 Annual Southern Right Whale Aerial Survey

On the 29th of September 2025, the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria will be commencing its 56th annual aerial survey of southern right whales to monitor the health of the population.