In a petition delivered to the presidency in Pretoria, they also demanded the destruction of the state's rhino horn stockpiles within 60 days. Concern over the unabated killing of rhinos was spreading beyond South African borders, said Marianne du Plessis, a director of the non-profit body Section 24 Rights Coalition.
"Not only us," she told Independent Newspapers "the people represented here, the international community is deeply concerned with the ongoing killing of our animals." Du Plessis voiced concerns around the government's lack of a strong will to stop the problem. "We have gathered more than 22 000 signatures in this petition from South African communities and other countries across the world. Government has 60 days to turn around the situation or we call for drastic action, including a boycott." An international mobilisation of a boycott on local goods would affect agriculture, tourism and service provision sectors of government. Head of public liaison in the presidency Mosa Sijosingoe received the petition and said the message would be delivered to President Jacob Zuma.
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