Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma is expected on Sunday to officially open a joint operation centre to enhance the fight against rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.
The event will take place during the Anti-Rhino Poaching Awareness Day at the reserve in Skukuza, Mpumalanga.
The joint operation centre was established to co-ordinate operations against rhino poaching by all affected government institutions, including the Department of Environmental Affairs, South African National Defence Force, South African Police Service, SANParks and provincial conservation agencies.
A need for a strengthened approach, particularly on information coordination and strengthening of partnerships with neighbouring countries, law enforcement authorities as well as communities surrounding parks has been prioritised.
Rhino poaching was in 2011 declared a national security threat.
Government has taken the scourge as a serious biodiversity crime and has increased efforts aimed at curbing it through the Integrated Strategic Management Approach to Rhino Poaching which was approved by Cabinet in 2014.
President Zuma called on all South Africans to work together with government and its agencies in the fight against rhino poaching and to conserve the country’s biodiversity and heritage.
On Sunday, the President will begin the day by visiting a game capture site before participating in a wreath laying ceremony at the rangers memorial site.
He will end the day by participating in the rhino poaching community Imbizo at the Skukuza Soccer Stadium, where he will address the surrounding communities, including traditional leadership, businesses, non-governmental organisations as well as faith based organisations.
The Imbizo aims to encourage residents to work with all stakeholders because the fight against rhino poaching can only be won if communities are an integral part of efforts to protect their heritage. – SAnews.gov.za
