Matt Lindenberg: What inspired you to become a ranger?
Hlulani Ngomane: I like conservation a lot, nature is beautiful. We survive because of nature. There is the creation of jobs, we also get medicine from plants, so I like everything about nature and I want to protect it.

ML: How did you hear about the Future Rangers Scholarship Fund?
HN: I saw it on Whatsapp, so I clicked on the link which directed me to Google for information. There were some questions to answer, so I answered them, and I got a message saying they would get back to me. I then received an email and went for an interview.

ML: The selection process was really hard physically, how did you cope?
HN: It wasn’t so hard until we got to the last training sessions and then it became really tough. The bag was the hardest.

ML: What did you enjoy most about the selection process?
HN: The running. I was number one on two occasions on the first day – I came in first in the morning and then again in the afternoon. And the following day, I was number two.

ML: How do you stay so strong and fit?
HN: I exercise at home in the garage. I do pushups and I have weights and I work out for 30 to 45 minutes every morning before breakfast.

ML: When you received the email inviting you to come for selection, how did you feel?
HN: I was so happy to have this opportunity because there are a lot of people out there looking for this kind of opportunity, but they don’t get the chance, so since I was one of the lucky ones, I was very happy and excited.

ML: Who did you tell first?
HN: My sister. She was also really excited.

ML: What is it about being a ranger that excites you the most?
HN: To be with the animals, as I said at the start, I really like animals, so I will enjoy being in the bush.

ML: You are one of the fittest guys here. How important is it for you to be in good shape?
HN: Being fit enables you to live a lot longer. For the job of a ranger, you need to be fit. If you meet one of the Big Five, you can quickly find yourself in a dangerous situation. You don’t know how they are going to react to you, so that is one of the challenges. The other challenge is the poachers.

ML: What is the perception or understanding you have of poachers?
HN: I don’t really understand poachers because what they are doing is illegal. They are destroying nature for future generations.

ML: Are you nervous or scared about becoming a ranger?
HN: No, I am prepared to protect the animals, to die for something, rather than die for nothing.

ML: What advice would you give to a young person interested in following your path to be a ranger?
HN: I would advise them to do exercise every day because being a ranger takes a lot out of you and you must be really fit. You must also be patient and not give up easily.

ML: Your CV is very impressive. How important is education for you?
HN: Education makes us better people and we learn a lot at school. It is much easier to get a job when you are educated. Today every company wants you to have a certificate.

ML: What are you most excited about for your future?
HN: I think improving the situation at home since we lost our mom. I live with my brother and sister. My sister was working on a game reserve and because of coronavirus, she was suspended and sent home. This situation is hurting us so I am very happy because now I am going to be able to provide for the family.

ML: What has the training been like at the South African Wildlife College?
HN: I am learning a lot about the trees and the birds and their scientific names, as well as the behavior of the birds. I love learning about the bush and the animals that live there.

ML: Is there anything else you would like to add?
HN: I want to thank GCC for the opportunity to be here and sponsor us.