Rhino Crusade

A ray of hope has been cast on the crusade to save the rhino in the form of a historical joint collaboration between South African National Parks (SANParks), Bavaria 0,0% and South Africa’s Big 5 Retailers – Woolworths, SPAR, Shoprite Checkers, Massmart and Pick n Pay. Amid the concerns surrounding fund-raising schemes exploiting the current heightened rhino awareness, the “Adopt so our Rhinos Don’t Die” historical campaign is the first to bear the official SANParks fund-raising seal, which ensures peace of mind that all funding will go directly to anti-poaching activities. “As the custodian and sanctuary for the majority of Africa’s rhino population, and 91 per cent of the world rhino population, it is distressing to report that with the exception for the honorary rangers’ initiatives during 2012, SANParks has not received a cent from independent rhino fund-raisers this year,” says David Mabunda, CEO of SANParks. “We are in a crisis which requires funding for expert human and technical resources. This historical joint collaboration brings hope. All funds will be held in a ring-fenced trust fund that is managed by Rand Merchant Bank under the audit of the National Treasury. The trust fund will also be made available to any rhino conservancy that applies for assistance to ensure that we are able to help as many rhino as possible. “ With a 300-year family legacy that is immersed in preserving heritage, Bavaria is more than just a brewery. It has shown its commitment to ensuring that the rhino is preserved for future generations by being the enabler of the Adopt So Our Rhinos Don’t Die campaign. This decision falls directly in line with Bavaria’s intrinsic value of 0,0% tolerance to rhino poaching, the illegal killing of any wildlife or humankind and to drinking and driving. The partnership also sees a decision by SANParks to clamp down on irresponsible alcohol-induced behaviour in its Parks. “The plight of the rhino really touched me,” says Stijn Swinkels, family board member Bavaria Brewery. “ This is about keeping your identity and national pride alive. It is about future existence. If we can deploy something as simple as our product’s reach and accessibility to make people stop and think about this, then I want to stand up for that.” Bavaria 0.0% has extended the reach of the campaign into South Africa’s Big 5 leading retail chains and as front-runners to the consumer, each retailer will create the adoption ‘route’ for the public. From every purchase of any six-pack of Bavaria regular or fruit flavoured malt drinks, both the Big 5 retailers and Bavaria will match a massive margin sacrifice to fund the consumer’s adoption certificate cost and this money will go directly into the SANParks ring-fenced rhino fund. Mabunda concluded, “I believe that the ‘Adopt so our Rhino Don’t Die’ campaign will ignite the nation, and the world, into a cohesive drive to adopt and protect the rhino against poaching. Bavaria’s contribution towards funding the consumers’ rhino adoption cost will lead the way in providing the much needed funding in our crusade against illegal poaching and wildlife trade.” This campaign has also been endorsed by Edna Molewa, minister of water and environmental affairs. “At last South Africans across the land will unite and stand together to make a difference, and protect the world’s natural heritage for generations to come,” she said.
PHOTO CAPTIONStijn Swinkels and Dr David Mabunda celebrate the launch of the Adopt So Our Rhino Don’t Die campaign with the first rhino adoption by Bavaria 0.0%.