A senior SANParks ranger has retired after a lifetime of service to conservation..
Jannie du Plessis, who retired at the end of last month, was with SANParks for 35 years, but he started his conservation career in 1979 as a graduate of Saasveld College, George, where he obtained a national diploma in forestry.
He was appointed as a reserve manager for the Cape Town municipality in 1988, and he was transferred to the northern section of Table Mountain National Park as a senior section ranger when the park’s management was transferred to SANParks in May 1998.
In 2017, he was transferred to the park’s central section to manage the Silvermine, Noordhoek and Tokai sections. He held this position until his retirement.
Mr Du Plessis thanked everyone he had worked with during his time at the park.
“My advice to the team would be prioritise and balance work and self-fulfilment, find the joy in your work and develop yourself.”
Park manager Megan Taplin wished Mr Du Plessis all the best for the future.
“We’re beyond thankful for Jannie and all his contributions to our organisation over the past 35 years. His focus on conservation and stakeholder engagement throughout many aspects of our industry has left a lasting impact.”
