Supporting East Cape’s conservation soldiers
TO salute and support our brave conservation soldiers and show appreciation of their crucial role in the battle to save our rhino, the Chipembere Rhino Foundation in collaboration with the Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species (Rages), undertook a mission to collect bonus rations for the men of the Eastern Cape Rhino Anti-Poaching Units (APU).
"An army marches on its stomach” Napoleon Boneparte said. The extra rations collected would go directly to the men in the Anti-Poaching Units on the front line at five local reserves and a national park, where they patrol 24-7, protecting our wildlife, to show them support and keep them marching towards victory.
The campaign was launched on April 8, following a brutal assault on the Eastern Cape in the first four months of the year, including the devastating Sibuya Game Reserve poaching in March that left Bingo and two rhino cows dead. This poaching incident was reminiscent of the Kariega Game Reserve poaching of Thandi, Themba and Bull no 84 in 2012.
The community was, once again, rocked to its very core and the events had a demoralising effect on conservation efforts far beyond the boundaries of a particular reserve.
The drive was launched via Facebook and a number of local Rotarians started driving the project through their youth clubs. Rotary began its Save the Rhino project in 2012, as a result of poaching at Kariega and further afield.
The Rotary Club of Kenton’s EarlyAct Club spearheaded an inter-grade competition at Kenton Primary School to collect rations and letters. The proceeds of this most successful project, generously supported by staff and parents, were handed over to the Rages rhino project manager, Jo Wilmot, at a presentation at the school, with Grade 7 winning the competition.
The District 9300’s E-Club and the Port Alfred Inter Act Club also joined the drive and this active Interact Club collected rations at Port Alfred’s Rosehill Mall. A local teacher, Nicky Nel, then based at Port Alfred High School, also set her Grade 4 pupils the task of writing letters to the APU members.
Ration drops to three of the five reserves as well as the national park have already been completed.
"Thanks again to all the wonderful kiddies for the food and lovely letters,” said Linda Visser, security co-ordinator at Shamwari Game Reserve.
Other messages received from local reserves included: “The APU rangers were very grateful for the rations, so a big thank you to you guys from all of us! A small gesture such as this goes a long way. So, once again, thank you very much!”
The last two reserves will receive their rations by the end of the month, as the Kenton Rotary Club’s Save Our Rhino project continues under the umbrella of Rages, along with its strategic partner, Chipembere Rhino Foundation.
With the help of five other Rotary Clubs, the Kenton Rotary Club’s Save Our Rhino project has raised R160 000 for the Chipembere Rhino Foundation, which contributes significantly to equip and train APU rangers throughout South Africa by providing tangible equipment as well as relocation assistance to rhino custodians across Southern Africa.
For more information and to show your support for our brave conservation soldiers, please visit http://www.chipembere.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/
Chipembererhinofoundation