Community walk highlights urgent need to protect rhinos
The event highlighted the urgent need for dedicated conservation efforts to protect rhinos from poaching.
Insimbi Legacy Projects hosted its inaugural charity walk, ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’, on June 16 along Wit Road in Springs, which included walks ranging from 3.5 to 5km.
The event was a fundraiser in support of efforts to save South African rhinos, drawing attendees from Springs and surrounding towns.
Insimbi Legacy Projects is a non-profit organisation based in Dendron, Limpopo.
The organisation was founded in 2018 by Carmela Lattanzi, following the poaching of two rhinos, which inspired her to take action. This event highlighted the urgent need for dedicated conservation efforts to protect rhinos from poaching.
“We did not know what to expect, but I am excited to see the number of people who turned up. Every small contribution eventually adds up.
“Everyone who walked today has helped make a difference in the lives of rhinos,” said Yvonne Lewthwaite, a member of the NPO’s executive team.
The NPO offers various programmes through which participants can learn about rhino conservation.
“We have a rhino retreat where people can see the rhinos, and a programme called Rhino Guardian, where they can learn to make fire in the bush.
“The programme also includes rhino tracking and patrolling. Our NPO has qualified instructors who provide training in handling firearms such as the AK-47, as part of anti-poaching education.”
She explained that these programmes are aimed at giving people insight into the daily work of the anti-poaching unit. Lewthwaite said they were delighted with the turnout of the event and the contributions made towards protecting the rhinos.
“These are God’s creatures that He gave us. Unfortunately, in the society we live in, this is what we have to do to protect them. If we don’t, future generations will not even know what a rhino looks like,” she said.
