Meet the people guiding WRSA’s vision for a sustainable future.

The WRSA Board 2025 provides strong leadership and vision for South Africa’s wildlife ranching community. Committed to ethical management, conservation, and sustainable growth, the board ensures that WRSA continues to represent and empower wildlife ranchers across the country.

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Meet the WRSA Team

Behind every successful initiative is a dedicated team working to support our members, strengthen partnerships, and uphold WRSA’s vision for a thriving wildlife economy.
Our office team ensures the smooth daily running of operations, coordinates events, manages communication, and provides vital support to members and stakeholders across South Africa.

Together, they form the heart of WRSA - committed, professional, and passionate about wildlife ranching.

Richard York
Chief Executive Officer
ceo@wrsa.co.za

Natalie Gouws
Office Manager | Finances
accounts@wrsa.co.za

Margaretha Smit
WRSA & Foundation Administrator
admin@wrsa.co.za

Mary Rankapole
General Office Assistant

Ankie Stroebel
Members Liaison | Events Coordinator
members@wrsa.co.za

Our History

South Africa witnessed the inception of game ranching in the early 1970s. At the time when marginal agricultural land was converted from livestock and crop farming practices, essential wildlife habitat was forged by pioneering game ranchers. As the industry grew, we witnessed wildlife reclaiming vast areas of habitat as the value derived from game ranching outweighed many other forms of commercial agriculture.

These same pioneering game ranchers founded the South African Game Ranchers’ Organisation (SAGRO/SAWO). SAGRO was the quintessential foundation from which Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) was established in 2006. WRSA will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, thanks to the legendary and pioneering men and women who served as leaders of WRSA.

WRSA would like to acknowledge these leaders and thank them for their dedication and service to the industry. Without their perseverance and commitment to the industry, wildlife ranching would have struggled to achieve this phenomenal growth and prosperity. As WRSA continues to grow and new leaders take the reins of the association, the guidance and astute industry knowledge of these phenomenal leaders will play a crucial role in the future success of WRSA.

Our Vision

To promote, serve, protect, and grow the Green Economy of South Africa as the recognised representative organisation for wildlife ranching both locally and internationally.

Our Mission

To uphold South Africa’s unique conservation success story and celebrate the crucial role wildlife ranchers play in protecting biodiversity.

We aim to secure essential wildlife habitat through rewilding, species protection, and sustainable economic practices that support our rural communities.

WRSA advocates for the responsible use of renewable natural resources and strives to ensure the ongoing expansion of wildlife habitat beyond protected areas. This approach safeguards the future of our wildlife and strengthens the country’s wildlife economy.

Memorandum of Incorporation

Our Goals

To Advocate
Promote the growth of the Green Economy and support the sustainable development of our members and their livelihoods.
To Educate
Share knowledge with our members and the broader wildlife community. Foster growth among the next generation of wildlife ranchers through mentorship and skills development.
To Empower Members
Provide access to information, tools, and support to help members manage and grow their wildlife enterprises. WRSA is committed to innovation and to the sustainable advancement of wildlife ranching.
To Grow Our Member Base
Offer benefits, opportunities, and services that attract and retain members. Nurture future leaders in the industry through technology, online learning, and professional support.

Core Objectives

Function as an essential part of South Africa’s Green Economy framework as recognised by government and international agencies.
Advance sustainable wildlife production and utilisation by:
- Promoting research and technological development in wildlife and habitat management.
- Supporting land reform initiatives and assisting emerging ranchers to achieve commercial success.
- Encouraging responsible, effective, and healthy wildlife production methods.
- Providing guidance, advice, and representation on issues affecting members.
- Building partnerships with other industry organisations and stakeholders.
Utilisation includes hunting, breeding, meat production, eco-tourism, and wildlife trade for both local and international markets.
Act as the national representative organisation for the wildlife ranching industry by:
- Serving as a liaison between the industry, government, and stakeholders.
- Protecting members’ rights through the legal system when necessary.
- Gathering and distributing accurate industry information.
- Hosting meetings, seminars, and conferences to share research and develop policy recommendations.
Expand local and international markets for wildlife products by developing a strong South African wildlife brand and educating consumers.
Maintain a code of conduct and best practice standards that every WRSA member upholds upon joining.
Strengthen labour relations and promote fair employment practices, health, safety, and training across the industry.
Do all that is necessary to achieve and support the objectives above for the growth and success of the wildlife ranching community.