Central database for rhino-related funders being finalised

Image: Chris Eason via Wikimedia Commons

The department had made a public call for the registration of all rhino-related funders and anti-poaching ventures to register as part of the creation of a national database of organisations involved in the industry so as to primarily allow for monitoring of fundraising operations, activities and uses of the funds raised. The initiative is one of numerous steps being taken to rid the sector of illegitimate and ill-intended operations and ensure greater legitimacy of organisations and individuals involved in projects aimed at addressing the scourge of rhino poaching in South Africa.

NGOs, NPOs, businesses and individuals involved in fighting rhino poaching were required to register with the department by 30 September 2013.

Credible national financing mechanism

The establishment of a national database, and a credible national financing mechanism for rhino anti-poaching, were agreed to by government and rhino stakeholders during a public engagement in July 2013. During the stakeholder engagement, the Department of Environmental Affairs was informed by more than 20 NGOs and NPOs about the work that they do to fight the scourge of rhino poaching. Numerous industry role-players raised concerns about the legitimacy of organisations involved in fighting rhino poaching, and some of the projects, particularly fundraising.

In an effort to coordinate anti-poaching initiatives and in response to the recommendation of the Rhino Issue Management (RIM) process, the department is planning to establish a National Rhino Fund in consultation with the National Treasury and other affected role players. The fund will support interventions directed to rhino poaching.

The establishment of the National Rhino Fund, and the compilation of a database of all NGOs, NPOs and any other organisations and/ or individuals who raise funds to save the rhino are among the recommendations being implemented following the adoption of the RIM Report by cabinet earlier this year.

The National Rhino Fund will result in the consolidation of all funding requirements and ensure that funding is distributed successfully to state-and privately-owned rhino anti-poaching initiatives, including conservation, safety and security, skills development and research.

KNP bears the brunt

As it is, the total number of rhino poached in South Africa since January 2013 has increased to 746, while the number of people arrested for rhino related offences totals 228.

The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of rhino poaching in South Africa with 450 rhino killed for their horns so far this year. Of the total number of rhino poached, 80 rhino have been killed in Limpopo, 75 in North West, 70 in KwaZulu-Natal and 63 in Mpumalanga.

As part of concerted efforts to fight poaching, during September 2013, the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, under the leadership of the South African National Defence Force, adopted a decision for South Africa to collaborate with Mozambique to develop and implement a common strategy between all affected spheres of government in both countries. In addition to that, the recent SADC meeting of Environmental Ministers agreed to continue tackling the rhino problem as a sub-region.

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.