South Africans march for rhinos and elephants

The march was organised by the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos and took place in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. One such march took place in Parkmore and saw hundreds of people take up the cause against the practice.

Dex Kotze, chief executive officer at Jenna Clifford and organiser of the march, explained the importance of hosting this march and taking up the cause.

“This march is a way for us to raise awareness about poaching and to encourage politicians across the globe to make changes to legislations concerning rhinos and elephants,” he said.

Additionally, Kotze added, the aim was to try and stop wildlife trafficking across the globe as this was leading to the extinction of these animals.

Kotze further added that a memorandum of demands would be submitted in the participating cities, calling for improved legislation and a change in political will on the side of authorities.

Also present at the march was the World Travel Market Africa, who explained their involvement in the movement.

“It’s important for us as the tourism industry to take part in such movements because tourism is an important contribution to the economy and our wildlife is a huge part of our industry,” Sheree Simpson said.

Simpson, the World Travel Market Africa exhibition manager, added that rhinos and elephants were a significant part of the country’s heritage and if people could not celebrate this heritage, it would negatively impact the industry.

The march began at the George Lea Park and was 4,2km. Kotze encouraged the public to take up the cause and stand against poaching in South Africa and across the globe.

“It’s important because at the end of the day, we are the custodians for future generations,” he concluded.

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