News

Toyota South Africa Motors has once again put its weight behind South African National Parks (SANParks) anti-poaching efforts with a collaberation in the form of an additional Hilux Double Cab 4×4 valued at approximately R546 500).

The first vehicle was deployed to the Kruger National Park anti-poaching team with this second one going to Marakele National Park outside Thabazimbi in Limpopo.

According to Property Mokoena who is the SANParks Managing Executive of the Parks Division, the donation of these vehicles form part of Toyota SA’s commitment to support efforts to curbing wildlife crimes in the protected areas and enable rangers to perform their duties more effectively. “This is such a wonderful gesture of South African corporate citizenship and patriotism and we find it really humbling that your faith is with us in terms of finding a solution to the onslaught on our country’s natural heritage. Toyota SA Motors continues to lead the way in this area.”

Amongst other things, the vehicle will assist in transporting a wide-area persistent surveillance system throughout the park for purposes of security and monitoring. The system comprises a suite of radar and electro-optic sensors which are able to detect human movement-effective in countering poaching in the Marakele National Park.

Among the SANParks officials, Mphadeni Nthangeni, Marakele Park Manager also acknowledged the continued cooperation and commitment from ordinary members of the public and from corporate South Africa, and further went on to say that “This vehicle is another important tool to be used to support existing anti-poaching efforts”.

Toyota SA Motors Manager: Full Maintenance Leasing said “This is one of Toyota SA’s ways of expressing its commitment to contribute to society at large. The protection and well-being of our wildlife heritage is paramount to the hearts of Toyota and the plight of Rhinos in South Africa is an important and urgent issue, hence our support to SANParks.”

In conclusion Mokoena said that the generosity of our donors makes it possible for us to deliver on our mandate of protecting our natural assets and we are grateful for the contribution made by Toyota SA Motors. “Together we can decrease the amount of wildlife crime in the country and save our precious heritage for the future generations”.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Regional Communications
Tel: 012 426 5304

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Sipho Mkhwanazi
Regional Communications Manager
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E-mail: [email protected]

Karen Strever
Manager: Internal Communications
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