The Debswana Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines recently held a graduation ceremony for latest cohort of Game Rangers under Orapa Game Park who successfully completed their Basic Ranger Training, marking a significant milestone in Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines’ (OLDM) strategic vision to expand into the tourism industry while intensifying anti-poaching. The Basic Ranger Training, a key partnership between OLDM and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks aimed to equip Game Rangers with essential skills to safeguard Boteti’s invaluable wildlife.
In his welcome remarks, OLDM General Manager, Mogakolodi Maoketsa expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) ‘s Anti-Poaching Unit for their support in training the OLDM personnel in Wildlife Ranger management as well as the law enforcement agencies in ensuring the security of wildlife and natural resources in Orapa Game Park (OGP). Maoketsa emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between OGP and other stakeholders, highlighting that it is a step to safeguarding wildlife. “We would not be witnesses to this historic occurrence if it were not for the strategic cooperation between the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and OLDM,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Wildlife Officer Adrian Ntombo Kholi underscored that the Basic Ranger Training had a strong discipline-oriented focus which is of crucial importance for effective law enforcement. He thanked Debswana for its immeasurable contribution to the success of the program, noting that the intensive training capacitated rangers in various crucial areas such as patrolling skills, navigation skills and physical training, in-depth animal knowledge as well as drilling. “We would like to thank Debswana for all their hospitality and support throughout training and ensuring that it becomes a success”, said Kholi. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout training, stressing that the same level of passion should be maintained and applied diligently at the field. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of following safety precautions and having a sense of responsibility when using fire arms, reminding the rangers that their commitment to safety protects not only themselves but the entire ecosystem they serve.
The graduation marked a significant investment in the future of security of the Orapa Game Park, ensuring that its wildlife remains protected by a highly trained and disciplined staff.
