This is according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. Speaking ahead of World Rhino Day celebrated on September 22, Departmental spokesperson, Albi Modise, tells OFM News the conservation of the rhino and the Big Five is central to the country’s economic growth. He alludes that they are seeing an increase in the number of wildlife farms owned by African communities, which is key to witnessing transformation in the country’s economy. Modise adds that acting against rhino poaching and promoting biodiversity is key to boosting the tourism industry and addressing challenges such as high rates of unemployment and poverty experienced in the country.

“To us, efforts to conserve the rhinos are not just about this animal. It is about biodiversity conservation, about the economy, since most tourists come here to view the Big Five” says Modise.

He highlighted that World Rhino Day affords the department and the country at large an opportunity to raise awareness about rhino conservation, and to urge all South Africans to work hand in hand with the different law enforcement agencies to ensure that those at the forefront of the on-going scourge of rhino poaching are brought to book.

OFM News