Running together against rhino poaching

NELSPRUIT – In an effort to raise awareness about the increasing challenges of rhino conservation, Rhino Buddies, a non-profit organisation committed to protecting all forms of wildlife, has joined forces with the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency (MPTA).

On Saturday, Rhino Buddies will host the Run 4 Rhinos Challenge Fun Run at LVCC’s grounds to raise awareness about rhino conservation. This forms part of their efforts to educate learners, teachers and the greater community on the rhino-poaching crisis in our country.

Metropolitan, one of the major sponsors of the project, provided some enlightening information for the youngsters to ponder. Recently released statistics by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) have revealed that 666 rhinos have been poached in SA this year so far, almost as many as the 668 poached by the end of December, and higher than the 2011 figure of 448.

Aimed at educating young children about the importance of rhino conservation, more than 90 000 learners and educators from the surrounding areas formed part of a conservation outreach programme during the month of September. Rhino Buddies and MPTA used the opportunity to outline the importance of conserving our land and animals to the learners.

Highlighting Metropolitan’s holistic approach to its CSI initiatives, Belinda Faulkner, brand executive said: “At Metropolitan, we are committed to rolling up our sleeves and working together to enable development in the health and education sectors in order to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged communities and this extends to include helping people to better understand and care for their environment.

“Through our involvement and partnership with Rhino Buddies, we aim to ensure that the affected communities, and especially the youth are able to progress in life.”

Participants and attendees at the fun run can look forward to a programme including the fun run which is planned in conjunction with the LVCC Running Club – the largest in Mpumalanga.

The local motorcycle and horse-riding clubs will also give demonstrations at the event, while the while the Correctional Services Dog Unit, SAPS Anti-poaching Unit and Mpumalanga Traffic Department and the Honorary Rangers will also be on display.

Guy Briggs from Rhino Buddies agrees, saying the battle is not yet lost. ‘‘We can all make an impact and stop our rhinos from being poached by creating awareness amongst our peers.’’

The event is open to the public. Entry fees are R50 for adults and R25 for children. Registration opens at 09:00 and closes at 10:00. All funds raised will go towards the Rhino Buddies awareness campaign in other communities and other on-going conservation projects.