Local siblings venture out to protect rhinos

Gregg Mitchley, founder of the Gregg Mitchley Foundation (GMF), and his brother Graeme are embarking on a Lowveld adventure in an epic game of eye-spy.

The pair will be leaving the smoggy streets of the East Rand on July 10 en route to the pristine Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, in an attempt to raise much-needed funds for its ongoing rhino conservation programmes.

For the past 27 years, Graeme, a teacher from Dowerglen, has been using his classroom platform to advocate the importance of nature conservation to his learners, urging them to take ownership of the country’s magnificent creatures and playing an active role in protecting critically endangered species, such as rhinos.

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“Graeme’s passion speaks through his actions. We were raised to always look beyond our own needs and to endeavour to make a lasting impact on the lives of others,” said Gregg.

“While I have been getting up to all sorts of whacky antics to raise awareness and funds for GMF, my brother has spent a decade not only creating awareness around the plight of Africa’s most beautiful horned creatures but has raised a whopping R60 000 over four years in aid of various rhino orphanages.”

Using his skill behind the lens Graeme further shares his close encounters with the country’s Big Five on his social media pages.

With Nelson Mandela Day steadily approaching, the siblings have decided to join forces and energy on a road trip.

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“During our week-long brotherly trip, Graeme will share interesting wildlife finds and facts on my GMF social media platforms, while we try as spot as many rhinos as possible,” said Gregg.

“We hope that upon our arrival at Timbavati, on July 18, to have raised R67 000 which we would hand over to the facility in their ongoing fight against poaching.”

For more information or to make a contribution, contact Gregg on 083 380 1016.