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24 October 2014

Media Release: DEA response to AfriForum petition

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.environment.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.

Issued By

The Department of Environmental Affairs

Enquiries

Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871