The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) acknowledges the memorandum issued by AfriForum, received on 20 October 2014 on behalf of the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa.
Afriforum, other stakeholders and partners as well as members of the public should be assured that rhino poaching is being given the necessary attention.
Poaching is a national priority crime to which significant resources have been allocated. A particular focus has been on vulnerable rhino populations in parts of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The Integrated Strategic Management of Rhino approved by Cabinet and announced by Minister Edna Molewa on 12 August 2014, includes a number of interventions including but not limited to:
- Increasing rhino numbers through strategic translocation
- Proactive anti-poaching operations
- National and international collaboration to combat wildlife poaching
Further details on the strategic management plan may be found here: https://www.dffe.gov.za/mediarelease/molewa_integratedstrategicmanagement_rhinoceros
The DEA is working with law-enforcement officials, the courts, transit and range states to disrupt the criminal networks behind the illicit wildlife trade.
We call on all stakeholders, including AfriForum, to work with the DEA and SANParks towards our common goal, the preservation of South Africa and Africa’s rhino population.
For further information contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
