The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority together with Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, IEC and Department of Social Development (DSD) are celebrating the World Rhino Day under the theme: "Keep the Five Alive".
The aim of this initiative is to highlight the importance of protecting and conserving White, Black, Greater OneHorned, Javan, and Sumatran rhino species by taking learners from one of the neighbouring schools known as Qakwini high school to the park and conduct rhino day celebration which is going to expose learners and teachers to eastern shores section of the park which is one of the protected areas where both black and white rhinos are protected. The World Rhino Day is celebrated globally on 22 September annually to raise awareness about the five species of rhinoceros. The day was first announced by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2010, and it has since grown into an international observance that unites governments, conservation organizations, communities, and individuals in the fight to protect rhinos.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Executive Manager Biodiversity Conservation, Mr Siboniso Mbense elaborated on the importance of celebrating this day. “It is vital to conserve rhinos in our parks for the current and future generations and rhinos contribute a lot on the ecosystem. It is important that learners at your age start being ambassadors of conservation because if there are rhinos in our park, iSimangaliso will continue to exist and create more job opportunities for communities that surround iSimangaliso” said Mr Mbense addressing Qakwini learners.
Rhinos are among the most ancient land mammals, yet today they face severe threats. The greatest challenge is poaching for their horns, which are highly valued in illegal markets for use in traditional medicine and as status symbols. Habitat loss due to human expansion and climate change also contributes to their declining numbers. Some species, like the Javan and Sumatran rhinos, are critically endangered, with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. World Rhino Day also reminds people of the importance of biodiversity. Rhinos are keystone species – their grazing habits shape the landscape and support ecosystems that benefit countless other species. Saving rhinos therefore means protecting entire habitats.
The Deputy Director of GCIS Mr Msawakhe Nyandu addressing Qakwini learners mentioned that it is important to celebrate such international days especially as South Africa will be hosting the G20 summit. This shows that South Africa is ready to host international guests that will be visiting our areas during the G20 summit. He further encouraged learners to participate on environmental conservation programmes to protect nature for the current and future generations.
iSimangaliso invited Qakwini high school learners and provided them with transport to give learners an experience of being in the park and hopefully spot rhinos on their visit. The programme is complemented with Croc centre visit to ensure great awareness about the park. Speakers are going to engage with learners through oral guiding inside the buses of iSimangaliso and at various public access points such as Bhangazi gate, Mission Rocks, Mziki Look out point and Catalina Bay.
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Statement issued by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
For Media enquires
MLO: Mr Bheki Manzini
Call/WhatsApp: 060 533 2082
Email: bhekimanzini@isimangaliso.com
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