MBOMBELA – In just over a week, thousands of people worldwide will join in the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos (GMFER). Various schools and organisations are already showing their support for the march.
Lex Hes, known to most South Africans for his brilliant wildlife photography, recently handed over a cheque to WESSA Lowveld chairman Ricky Pott to contribute to the battle the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA is waging to stop rhino poaching. Hes pointed out that the donation actually came from Canadian clients of his.
After gratefully accepting the cheque and thanking the Canadian donors, Pott admitted that in spite of all the initiatives being employed to curb rhino poaching, the number of animals being killed annually was, in fact, increasing. He suggested two things that could reverse this.
• Firstly, if it had to be shown that powdered horn had no health benefits whatsoever, and in fact could be harmful to human health.
• Secondly, if using rhino horn brought shame upon the user, as loss of face is a great behavioural deterrent among eastern nations.
He welcomed the SANParks initiative of hosting a high-ranking delegation from Vietnam. “Our rhino are disappearing in front of our eyes. “The next to be targeted will be our elephants.”
In conclusion, he asked all Lowvelders to take part in the GMFER on October 4 at Makro Mbombela, Riverside Park Precinct starting at 11:00. It is free, all you need is to bring your company banners and placards to support the WESSA Rhino Initiative. T-shirts are available at R100. Enquiries: Brenda Archdeacon on 082-820-9855 or at brenda@brightside events.co.za
Afterwards the first 300 to arrive at Emnotweni Casino will receive a snack and something to drink at Explorers. Damien Mander, CEO of the International Anti Poaching Association will march with WESSA Lowveld and all its supporters.
