Cricket boost for anti-poaching

SA NATIONAL Parks (SANParks) received a R3 million donation from the Legacy Experience project spearheaded by cricket legends Kevin Pietersen and Mark Boucher.

The money is intended for the Airwing based at Skukuza airport which is an integral part of anti-poaching operations.

Pietersen said: “We are happy to hand over this much-needed donation and we are confident it will be used for its purpose because it is for a good cause.

“We have met and interacted with the Rangers Corps, including the pilots and we are extremely proud to be able to assist. This is the beginning of something big” said Pietersen.

Speaking at the handover, managing executive of the Kruger National Park Glenn Phillips thanked the donors.

“We are very grateful for the donation, which will go a long way to helping us to protect our natural heritage. We have always said partnerships will help us to get on top of this challenge and we are happy the Legacy Experience listened and obliged,” Phillips added at the gathering .

A week ago and, in an effort to contribute to the fight against rhino poaching and other wildlife crime, Toyota South Africa Motors donated a brand new Hilux Double Cab 4x4 to SANParks.

The vehicle will assist in transporting the Meerkat, a wide-area persistent surveillance system.