Those involved in anti-rhino poaching requested to submit information to Department of Environmental Affairs

All Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), businesses and individuals involved in fighting rhino poaching are requested to submit information about their work to the Department of Environmental Affairs by 30 June 2014.

The renewed call to organisations and individuals to provide details about their initiatives to the Department follows a registration drive launched in September 2013 during which 156 NGOs and NPOs registered their projects.

The initiative is one of numerous steps being taken to rid the sector of illegitimate and ill-intended operations in an effort to ensure that monies collected in the name of rhino poaching are utilised correctly.

The continuous concern by government and members of the public about the increase in rhino poaching has resulted in an increase in the number of private individuals and organisations becoming involved in the fight against rhino poaching. This has included raising public awareness; the collection of funds to fight the scourge of poaching within national, provincial and private game reserves in South Africa; and the development and implementation of projects relating to rhino conservation and safety and security.

Under the present system, NGOs and NPOs are required to register with government through the Department of Social Development. The failure of organisations or individuals to submit annual audited reports results in the de-registration of such bodies from the Social Development database, but some continue operating despite deregistration. The Department and rhino industry stakeholders have also expressed concern about the increase in illegitimate operations.

The total number of rhinos poached in South Africa since January 2014 has increased to 402, while number of people arrested for rhino poaching-related offences has climbed to 115.

The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of rhino poaching in South Africa with 266 rhinos killed for their horns so far this year. Of the total number of rhinos poached, 41 rhinos have been killed in KwaZulu-Natal, 39 in Limpopo and 26 in North West.

All NPOs, NGOs, organisations and individuals involved in raising awareness or funding to address rhino poaching are requested to email the name of the organisation, contact details and full details relating to the project / initiative / intervention to Ms Olga Kumalo via e-mail: okumalo@environment.gov.za

South Africans are encouraged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
Rhino poaching statistics

Rhino poaching arrests statistics