One hundred and sixteen poaching incidents were reported across 15 game parks in the North West Province since 2000 to date, the six-member delegation of American businessmen was told by the North West Parks& Tourism Board at the Pilanesberg National Game Park on Sunday.
The North West Parks & Tourism Board has through its Chief Executive Officer, Allan Losaba highlighted the need for law enforcement agencies, information management and security related measures to be fully regulated and controlled as part of immediate implementation of an action plan, shared commitment, resources and political will to overcome the scourge of rhino poaching.
In welcoming the interest shown by the delegation of American businessmen in supporting the Anti-poaching and Rhino Security Strategies, newly appointed North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism , Motlalepule Rosho on behalf of Premier Mme Thandi Modise said the provincial government was moving in the right direction in ensuring the vision for achieving these priorities is attained.
MEC Rosho further said that key priorities of government such as water infrastructure provision, road infrastructure, energy infrastructure, energy infrastructure and sanitation infrastructure will position the province as the centre of innovation, excellence in transforming the economy of the province
“We have economic activities taking place in the province such as mining, agriculture and tourism, we are sure to make a difference in steadily developing the province to compete in the market world,” MEC Rosho said during the meeting.
The delegation has expressed interest in conservation and committed to a partnership to support the provincial government and the country’s conservation and anti-poaching strategies.
Losaba said that there are 4, 838 black rhinos worldwide of which 1,500 are in South Africa and 140 in the North West Province while the white rhino is standing at 20146 worldwide of which 18,000 are in the country and810 in the province.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 0866204802
Email: Lkgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Nwest to partner with international community to tackle rhino poaching
Province
