A SUCCESSFUL EVENING HONOURING MODERN DAY HEROES

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”- Joseph Campbell

The African Rhino is not only an iconic animal for its strength and majestic beauty, but also as an intrinsic part of Africa’s wildlife story. These animals are integral to the heritage of Africa. This is evident in the concerted effort of various individuals and organization who have dedicated their lives and missions towards protecting these beautiful creatures from endangerment and extinction.

These efforts have reportedly been met with success, the national poaching figures for 2018 show a 25% decrease in poaching in South Africa. According to Andrew Campbell, the Chief Executive Officer of the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) the decrease of poachers is evidenced in the increase of Rhinos in South Africa, with White Rhino’s numbers having almost tripled since the 1990s and Black Rhino numbers having almost doubled.

Such successes are not easily or organically achieved, they require much sacrifice, dedication and hard work. “These conservation efforts, undertaken by individuals and organisisations, need to be highlighted and rewarded.” continued Campbell. Award ceremonies such as the Rhino Conservation Awards Gala, which was held on the 21st of July 2019, at Montecasino in Johannesburg, South Africa, aim to do just that. Honouring these modern day heroes not only gives recognition where it is due, but also helps to encourage and motivate further conservation efforts.

The Rhino Conservation Awards were founded by Dr Larry Hansen and Miss Xiaoyang Yu in 2011, and have been hosted annually in collaboration with the DEA and the GRAA. The 2019 awards gala dinner, sponsored by ZEISS and China New Enterprises Inc., was well attended and supported. The award finalists were joined at the event by high-level dignitaries under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, South African government officials, foreign diplomats, media, sponsors, and other significant NGOs supporting rhino conservation.

The winners, selected by evaluation of  the work done over the last 12 months, starting July 2018, were announced as follows:

Field Ranger Award: First place was tied for winner: Samuel Ndlovu and Nderu Loormuyeni, second Place went to Mpigwa Francis.

Conservation Practitioner Award: First Place went to Markus Hofmeyer, Second Place went to SAWC K9 Unit and Third Place was awarded to Endri Steyn.

Rhino Supporter Award: First Place was awarded to Rhino 911, Second Place to Nicholas Duncan and Third Place went to Project Embrace.

Political Investigative Award: First Place was awarded to ECI Investigators, Second Place to Stroop and Third Place went to MEC Mabuyane.

Special Endangered Award: First Place was awarded to Amos Gwema, Second Place went to REST and Third Place to Craig Reid.   

For more information visit: http://www.rhinoconservationawards.org/

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* https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/opinion/crisis-for-rhinos-is-far-from-over-19409372

Prepared by Currin't Events and the GRAA.

Contact Janyce Dalziel at Currin’t Events at janyce@currintevents.co.za or on +27 (0)83 654 1180 for any queries.