VIDEO: Rhino friend to walk again

Francois Myburgh, 24, from Witpoortjie is becoming known as the friend of the rhino.

This young man plans on embarking on a third solo walk from 3 to 6 March, this time covering a distance of about 150km towards the North West province to raise awareness about the ongoing rhino poaching.

His route will start at the Gautrain Station in Midrand and he will have stops at Sandton, Rosebank, Witpoortjie and Krugersdorp before heading to Magalies Park in Skeerpoort.

More than 1 100 rhinos have been poached since the beginning of last year and this figure, according to Francios, is worrying.

“This is why I decided to help. I am scared I would wake up one day and hear there are no rhinos left. Instead of hoping someone else will help, I want my conscience clear, knowing I did my bit in the ongoing fight against rhino poaching.”

Recently he met Bruiser when he visited the Lion and Rhino Nature Reserve in Muldersdrift. Bruiser is a 700kg orphaned rhino whose mother was poached when he was only six weeks old.

“If we do not take a stand against poachers, there will be no rhinos left for our children to see,” he said.

“I want to put the focus and attention back on the rhino, which is being poached on a daily basis,” he said.

Francois completed his first solo 100km Rhino Walk successfully last year when he walked to Brits in the North West province in the cold July weather.

He already has organised two community functions last year as part of a fundraiser to donate money to the Kruger National Park. He is aiming to donate about R100 000 towards rhino conservation.

“I really hope this walk will contribute to people opening their hearts for the rhinos.”

So far he has raised R5 327,75.

Petronel Nieuwoudt of Care for Wild in an email said to him: “It is truly unbelievable what you are doing. People like you make a change in this world.”

These are some of the essentials Francois needs for his walk:

• Monetary sponsorship per kilometre

• Any financial donation towards the cause

• Backpack

• A Smart Phone (LG G3 as it works out day-to-day walks per kilometre) or a Tom-tom multi-sport watch

• Accommodation between Krugersdorp and Skeerpoort

• Food and beverages in Rosebank (lunch), Krugersdorp (breakfast) and lunch for the other days.

• Proper running/ walking shoes (size 11)

For more information about the walk, contact Francois on 084 359 9968.