The Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA) announced recently that it has raised just under R11-million for wildlife non-government organisations (NGOs) and colleges since the establishment of its Conservation and Empowerment Fund in 2003.
This is according to Chairman Peter Ruddle, who is based in Dundee.
The biggest beneficiary of the fund has been the South African Wildlife College, which has received over R8,5-million from PHASA’s fund to train a total of 1 206 people from 12 conservation organisations in five countries within the SADC region. These students, most of whom are previously disadvantaged individuals, were trained in courses ranging from Geographic Information Systems through professional hunting, tourism and wildlife management.
The largest money-raiser for the fund is PHASA’s annual Wildlife Heritage Gala, which this year raised a record R2,4-million in an auction lasting a little more than an hour.
Among the items auctioned were artworks, jewellery and a variety of hunting and photographic safari packages, donated by various conservation organisations, hunting outfitters and businesses.
“Proper training in conservation and resource economics are areas we identified as being most in need of funding, and we are extremely proud of our efforts so far, believing this to be another testament to the enduring contribution of trophy hunting to South Africa’s remarkable conservation success story,” said Mr Ruddle, who is newly-elected President of the fund. “In fact, we challenge all those organisations that have been critical of trophy hunting to try and outdo us.”
Additionally, the fund has given more than R1,5-million to the North West Parks Board for its training programmes, and has sponsored bursaries for previously disadvantaged individuals looking to pursue careers in wildlife management to the value of R50 000. It has also contributed R220 000 towards general social upliftment programmes, including Toys for Africa, Zululand Crèche and the MagqubuNtombela Memorial Foundation.
PHASA is also actively involved in a number of anti-poaching initiatives, and has donated close to R1-million to the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), SAN Parks, and the Zululand Rhino Reserve.
For further information contact Adri Kitshoff, PHASA Chief Executive, on 083 650 0442.