Aces team up with SANParks to curb poaching of rhinos
According to Stop Rhino Poaching, over 5 000 known rhinos have been poached in South Africa in the past eight years.
MBOMBELA – In an effort to curb rhino poaching, Mpumalanga Black Aces have joined forces with SANParks and Stop Rhino Poaching.
The Mpumalanga-based PSL football club launched a young rhino mascot, Ace, who “lost both parents due to poaching”. Ace will work closely with Stop Rhino Poaching and SANParks to educate South Africans and to rally the country’s support regarding this horrific issue.
“As South Africans, ubuntu is our greatest motivator. Having enjoyed years of support from our communities in Mpumalanga, we were yearning to give back in a meaningful and sustainable way.
“Being at the heart of SA tourism, surrounded by the beauty of its landscapes and the wildlife that occupies SANParks, the plight of the rhinos stood out for us.
“We understood clearly that the continued loss of rhinos threatens lives, job security, travel and tourism, economic activity and the standard of living in surrounding communities,” said Mr Mario Morfou, chairman
of Mpumalanga Black Aces FC.
According to Stop Rhino Poaching, over 5 000 known rhinos have been poached in South Africa in the past eight years.
There are only some 18 900 white and 2 040 black rhinos left in the country, which is home to 74 per cent of Africa’s remaining rhino population.
“We are aware that a great number of South Africans do not have a full view of rhino conservation. The reality is that as people, we all have a lot going on in our lives.
“Many of us are barely making it through, but without rhinos, our problems will get worse; less jobs, less tourism, less trade for informal traders. Poaching steals from all of us,” said SANParks chief ranger, Mr Nicholus Funda.
The unlikely partnership between football and conservation has given birth to a new programme with a life of its own.
Mpumalanga Black Aces further announced that for every game won the club will donate R10 000 to Stop Rhino Poaching, starting next Tuesday against Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium.
