Local conservancy organisation on a mission to protect endangered species

The chairperson of Greater Equestrian Kyalami Conservancy (Gecko), Kristin Kallesen said they would not be deterred, nor should anyone be deterred from exercising their right to public participation and lodging objections where warranted.

Last year, Kallesen and Gecko were sued for R197 million by a local development company for the income they had allegedly lost because of objections raised by Gecko.

Speaking at the conservancy’s annual general meeting (AGM) at Inanda Country Base Clubhouse on May 11, Kallesen said the meeting was aimed at giving members an opportunity to discuss a variety of matters.

“Our aim as an organisation is to help save and protect more of the unique and threatened ecosystems in the Kyalami area, upon which a number of endangered species survive.
“The AGM is a great opportunity for our members to discuss the events of the past year and chart our way forward as an organisation. As an environment organisation, we will continue to exercise our right to lodge objections without fear.”

Cetric Mphofela, a committed environmental activist and founder of environmental organisation Cetric Foundation, was a guest speaker at the AGM and said there was a great need for people who could help save the planet.

“When I started Cetric Foundation two years ago, my aim was to contribute towards a cleaner and garbage free planet. Our organisation has removed thousands of garbage bags through voluntary clean-up campaigns in Diepsloot, Laezonia and Centurion,” he said.

Mphofela urged members of the public, government institutions and the business community to lend a helping hand by sponsoring the work that his organisation did.

“My aim is to spread our cleaning campaign to all parts of the country and educate people about the effect of litter on our planet. But in order for this to happen, we need people and money.”

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/299873/local-foundation-gives-back/