NPOs spoil women with KNP visit

SKUKUZA - This past Women’s Day, two NPOs joined forces to take about 30 women into the Kruger National Park.

SPEAR, or rather Stop Poaching Endangered African Rhino, and the South African Council for Business Women, entertained the ladies with a stopover at the K9 Unit near Phabeni where Johan de Beer, the K9 manager, chatted to everyone about the role of the dog unit as well, and held a demonstration of how the dogs search for ammunition.

The next stop was MAJOC in Skukuza where the Kruger’s chief pilot and engineer explained how helicopters are used in KNP.

Cathy Dreyer, the current head ranger of the park, talked to the women about anti-poaching and the efforts made to combat it in the Kruger.

Later in the afternoon, SPEAR hosted a recognition awards ceremony at which the various divisions within KNP, as well as businesses that regularly support anti-poaching activities, were thanked for their efforts.

Attendees listen as Johan de Beer informs them about the K9 Unit.

David Simelane, the KNP’s chief pilot, addresses attendees.

> Photos: Supplied Section ranger Neels van Wyk and retired head ranger Ken Maggs.