Ralf Kalwa is an Ecological Consultant at Malelane, a position he has held since December 2001. He established Rhengu Environmental Services in the Malelane area and is trails leader for the Lebombo Eco Trail. Prior to holding this position, Ralf was Manager: IEM: Kruger National Park from 2000-2001 and Senior Section Ranger: Kruger National Park from 1994-2000.
“Every ranger in the Kruger gets a Shangaan name, given to him by his staff and fellow field rangers,” says Ralf.
“Mine is Mahlometela… the man who sees everything.”
A ranger must be an allrounder and able to multi-task. This is best illustrated by excerpts from my diaries in early 1997.
Manage the annual field ranger selection course with colleagues from all over the Kruger National Park. Every day recruits fail and leave the course of their own free will.