AFTER 37 years in nature conservation, a Durban wildlife ranger and member of the Green Scorpions has authored a book that describes his life and how he became the first Indian game ranger in South Africa.
Basil Pather, 56, wrote his autobiography, “Buffel”, which includes his many adventures and anecdotes of his encounters with wildlife and poachers.
Pather, from Parkhill, hopes his book inspires future conservationists.
"Despite adversities from various sectors during apartheid, I persevered and worked hard to get into nature conservation, which has been a lifelong passion. After finishing matric I worked at a cash and carry store to help my mum at home. My dad died of a heart attack when I was aged 12 and my mum worked to support my sister and I," said the father of one.
Pather studied nature conservation part-time through Technikon SA and struggled to acquire in-service training in South Africa. He spent a year in Windhoek in Namibia where he completed his training.
"I wanted to make a difference in my home country. I returned and applied to the Natal Parks Board. I believed they either took me or I gave my service to another country. I have been 33 years with the Natal Parks Board, which has since transitioned to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife,” he said.
He has worked as a ranger, district conservation officer and is currently a conservation manager based at Beechwood and uMhlanga Nature Reserves.
In his book, he also tells the story of his childhood family outings and fishing trips and not being allowed to enter areas reserved for whites.
"This book demonstrates that against adversities and no matter the circumstances, if you put your mind to something and work hard you can become who you want to be. We worked hard and achieved what we wanted. People these days take for granted what they have," he said.
The book gives readers a glimpse of Pather's childhood in Pietermaritzburg to his days as a conservation manager.
Pather is also a commercial dive supervisor, commercial skipper and rescue diver.
The book is available at Exclusive Books La Lucia at R325 or email [email protected]
