Consulate Staff Join March Against Rhino Poaching

Consulate Staff join with thousands of South Africans in the “10,000 Voices March for Rhinos”

On October 13, 2012 Consul General Taylor Ruggles and the Political-Economic Officer marched hand-in-hand with thousands of South Africans in the “10,000 Voices March for Rhinos” outside Hluhluwe game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal.  In response to the increasing trend in Rhino poaching, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Community of uMkhanyakude Districts (aka Rhino country) organized the march to demonstrate the community’s concern for the plight of the rhino and a willingness to be proactive against rhino poaching.

Following the 6km march through Hluhluwe town, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife presented a formal declaration to the Premiere’s representative, calling for support in protecting Rhinos against the Rhino Poaching Syndicates and to protect the natural heritage for future generations.  In addition to public calls for “down with rhino poaching” by MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Ravi Pillay, Chairperson of the Conservation and Environmental Affairs Portfolio Committee Mr. Omie Singh, King Goodwill Zwelithini gave a key note address where he spoke in support of rhino conservation, urging the public and conservation stakeholders in the fight against rhino poachers.  From South Africa to Indonesia, the United States is working with partners around the world to combat rhino poaching and wildlife trafficking.