Skydive for Rhinos made its way to Angels Way Trust Airfield in Eston on 18 and 19 August to complete round two of its 2012 campaign.
Story by Tamlyn Head; photos by Des Head
Throughout the weekend more than 70 KZN skydivers, both amateur and professional, took the leap at the Eston airfield. Among them were conservation leaders, principals, teachers and pupils from six schools, as well as the “Kokstad Big 5” – five friends from Kokstad who celebrated their 40th birthdays doing something meaningful for one of South Africa’s Big 5.
The African Conservation Trust (ACT), a Pietermaritzburg-based conservation group, successfully organised the world’s first Skydive for Rhinos in 2011 in an attempt to give ordinary South Africans the chance to do something extraordinary for our rhinos during South Africa’s “biggest conservation crisis” in 50 years.
Following overwhelming support from members of the public, conservation entities, businesses and charities, Skydive for Rhinos 2012 has raised at least R4 million of its R10 million target. The goal is to see 448 skydivers across five provinces jump 10 000ft – the number of skydivers equalling the number of rhinos poached in 2011.
Many KZN businesses have jumped at the chance to sponsor such a worthy cause, including Cameron Pet Foods, which is donating R2 from every bag of food sold. The company’s aim is to raise R500 000 specifically for a surveillance pilot.
Funds raised will be distributed nationally with the worst affected areas – KZN, North West and Kruger – being “key priority regions”. Other regions will receive funding based on urgency of need.
100% of sponsorship and donations will be spent on rhino protection, including aerial surveillance (a proven method of deterring poachers), anti-poaching equipment and training for anti-poaching teams. ACT takes no administration fees and has zero budget with which to organise its campaigns, relying solely on volunteers, donations, pledges and sponsorship.
Isn’t it wonderful then, that during this time of economic uncertainty, people and businesses are willing to donate their money, services and skills to try and prevent the extinction of one of South Africa’s most prized assets.
For more information visit www.skydive4rhinos.org
