Rhino issues related news

Minister Edna Molewa responds to renewed call for an immediate rhino hunting moratorium

18 February 2016 - The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa has received a letter from Allison Thomson, Director of the Outraged SA Citizens Against Poaching (OSCAP), expressing concern about “the continued hunting of both white and black rhinoceros.”    

Minister Edna Molewa highlights progress in the fight against rhino poaching

21 January 2016 - As has become custom, we are here today with colleagues from the Security Cluster to present this report to you as a collective, developments regarding our actions to combat rhino poaching in South Africa. Government departments, the private sector, communities and civil society are united in ensuring that we fight rhino poaching through the Integrated Strategic Management Approach that was adopted by Cabinet in August 2014.    

Minister Edna Molewa to outline progress in fight against rhino poaching 

20 January 2016 - The Minister Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, will report-back on the progress of the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros announced by Cabinet in August 2014. This is the South African government's multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary strategy to combat the threat posed by rhino poaching.   

Department of Environmental Affairs appeals the Rhino Horn Moratorium Judgment

09 December 2015 - The State Attorney, on behalf of the Minister of Environmental Affairs has yesterday, 08 December 2015, served and filed an application for leave to appeal the rhino horn moratorium judgment handed down in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria on 26 November 2015.   

Minister Edna Molewa gazettes the Biodiversity Management Plan for White Rhino 

03 December 2015 - The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, on Wednesday, 02 December 2015, published the Biodiversity Management Plan for white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)   in Government Gazette No. 39469 in terms of section43(1) (b)(i) read with section 43(3) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).  

Minister Edna Molewa studying Rhino Horn Moratorium Judgment

26 November 2015 - The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, has noted the judgment handed down in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, setting aside the moratorium on the domestic trade of rhino horn.  

Minister Edna Molewa welcomes arrest of suspected rhino poachers by the Hawks 

26 November 2015 - The Minister of Environmental Affairs Mrs Edna Molewa, welcomes the arrest of 12 suspects including three police officers for alleged rhino poaching by this week. The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary and intelligence operation led by the Hawks in Gauteng and North West Provinces. 

Minister Edna Molewa to outline progress in addressing rhino poaching

25 November 2015 - The Minister Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa will update South Africans through the media on Thursday, 26 November 2015, on the latest development in the ongoing fight against rhino poaching in South Africa. The media briefing will focus on progress made to date in dealing with poaching, informed by the integrated strategic management of rhinoceros in South Africa. 

President Jacob Zuma leads Anti-Rhino Poaching Awareness Day in the Kruger National Park

01 November 2015 - President Jacob Zuma on Sunday, 1 November 2015, led an anti-rhino poaching awareness day in the Kruger National Park, and officially launched the Joint Operation Centre in Skukuza. President Zuma, accompanied by Environmental Affairs Minister, Mrs Edna Molewa. 

President Zuma to lead anti-rhino poaching awareness day in Kruger National Park

29 October 2015 - President Zuma will on Sunday, 1 November 2015, lead an anti-rhino poaching awareness day in the Kruger National Park, and officially launch the Joint Operation Centre. Since the declaration of rhino poaching as a national security threat in 2011, the government has increased its efforts in curbing the scourge of rhino poaching.  

Department of Environmental Affairs and iSimangaliso Wetlands Park celebrate World Rhino Day

22 September 2015 - The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thomson, has paid tribute to local communities and the youth for their commitment to combating rhino poaching. Deputy Minister Thomson said the youth, as the moral, economic, political and thought leaders of tomorrow are key in the battle that is being fought. 

Department of Environmental Affairs and Isimangaliso Wetland Park to host World Rhino Day events at St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal 2015

18 September 2015 - The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thomson, will lead events to mark World Rhino Day at St. Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and World Heritage Site on 22 September 2015. World Rhino Day is observed annually on 22 September.

United Nations’ launch of Award for Anti-Rhino poaching

04 September 2015 - Media is invited to a Press Conference to launch the Champions of the Earth Award by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Department of Environmental Affairs. The award seeks to distinguish men and women whose actions and leadership have made a positive impact on the environment.

Minister Edna Molewa highlights progress in the fight against rhino poaching

30 August 2015 - Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media, We are together with colleagues from the Security Cluster presenting this Report to you as a team. Ladies and Gentlemen you all know them. It’s Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans - Ms Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula, Police – Mr Nathi Nhleko and State Security – Mr David Mahlobo. 

Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa to outline progress in addressing rhino poaching

28 August 2015 - The Minister Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa will update South Africans through the media on Sunday, 30 August 2015, on measures that have been taken to combat rhino poaching in South Africa. The media briefing will focus on the progress made with the implementation of the integrated strategic management of rhinoceros in South Africa, approved by Cabinet in August 2014.

Minister Edna Molewa hands over forensic trailers to assist in rhino poaching investigation

29 May 2015 - The fight against rhino poaching was bolstered today with the handover of four 4X4 forensic trailers to SANParks, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, as well as to the Limpopo Department of Environment and Tourism and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.

Minister Edna Molewa to hand over forensic trailers to assist in rhino poaching investigations

28 May 2015 - The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, will on Friday, 29 May 2015, hand over four 4x4 Forensic Trailers donated to the Department of Environmental Affairs to assist in the investigation of rhino poaching and wildlife crime to the MECs of environment of North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and to SANParks.

Minister Edna Molewa to outline progress in addressing rhino poaching

08 May 2015 - The Minister Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, will address the media on Sunday, 10 May 2015, on measures that have been taken to combat rhino poaching in South Africa. The media conference will focus on the progress made with the implementation of the integrated strategic management of rhinoceros.

Reissue: Postponement of media briefing by Environmental Affairs Minister on rhino poaching initiatives

16 April 2015 - Please note that the media briefing scheduled for Friday, 17 April 2015, has been postponed owing to conflicting commitments of the departments scheduled to lead the briefing, including SANParks, the SAPS, the NPA and Minister of Environmental Affairs. A new date for the briefing will be communicated in the near future.

Media invited to attend the stakeholder engagement of the Committee of Inquiry into the possibility or not of a legal 

17 March 2015 - The media are invited to attend the stakeholder engagement by the Committee of Inquiry into the feasibility or not of a rhino horn trade on 25 and 26 March 2015. The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, extended an invitation to all interested and affected parties on 10 February 2015.

Deadline for stakeholder input to Committee of Inquiry into the possibility or not of a legal rhino horn trade is 13 March 2015

10 March 2015 - The Department of Environmental Affairs has announced that the deadline for inputs by organisations, individuals and stakeholders to the Committee of Inquiry investigating the feasibility of a rhino horn trade is 13 March 2015. The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, extended an invitation to all interested and affected parties on 10 February 2015.

Minister Edna Molewa briefs Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs on steps taken to address Illegal Wildlife Trade

03 March 2015 - On World Wildlife Day, the Minister of Environmental Affairs Mrs. Edna Molewa has presented the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs with a progress report on the department’s work in fighting wildlife crime; including the illegal killing of and illegal trade in wildlife.

Media Statement on announcement of the Committee of Inquiry to deliberate on matters relating to a possible trade in rhino horn

10 February 2015 - The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa today introduced the Committee of Inquiry tasked with investigating the feasibility of a trade in rhino horn. On 22 January 2015 Minister Molewa announced that once  pre-screening by the State Security Agency (SSA) was completed, that the names would be publically released.

Minister Edna Molewa highlights progress in the war against poaching and plans for 2015

22 January 2015 - The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, reported back on progress with regards to the integrated strategic management of rhinoceros in South Africa at a media briefing on Thursday, 22 January 2015. The Minister said significant progress has been made with regards to the implementation of the interventions.

Minister Edna Molewa’s statement on the launch of the National Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Report 2013/14 and GEF Rhino Project

08 October 2014 - The seventh National Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Report represents the efforts of DEA through the Green Scorpions (also known as the Environmental Management Inspectorate) in responding to these threats. The report provides a national overview of environmental compliance and enforcement activities undertaken by relevant institutions across the country in the period 01 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.

Deputy Minister Barbara Thomson urges community participation to fight rhino poaching during World Rhino Day

22 September 2014 - As communities and individuals around the world gathered to mark World Rhino Day, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thomson, has urged all people to take a firm stand against rhino poaching. Ms Thomson led a World Rhino Day event, hosted by the Department of Environmental Affairs and SANParks in cooperation with the Bushbuckridge Municipality at the Thulamahashe Stadium in Mpumalanga today.

Media statement from the SAPS: Further boost to combat rhino poaching in South Africa

12 August 2014 - As the SAPS we have been doing a lot of work to prevent and detect environment related crimes, in particular rhino poaching. This is a serious concern for us and noting current situation, I have decided to boost the capacity of police personnel, particularly in crime-scene management, to combat rhino poaching in South Africa.

Panel of experts invites stakeholder participation as it explores rhino horn trade feasibility as part of South Africa’s comprehensive integrated approach to reduce rhino poaching

30 June 2014 - The Department of Environmental Affairs was authorised by Cabinet in July 2013 to explore the feasibility of South Africa tabling a proposal for the legalization of commercial international trade in rhino horn at the 17th Conference of Parties (CoP17) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2016.

Statement by the Department of Environmental Affairs on the issue of trade in rhino horn

06 June 2014 - Recent media reports on the issue of possible trade in rhino horns by South Africa have been mischievous and have evidently been playing to the gallery by seeking to create confusion with regards to the government’s position on the proposed trade in rhino horns.

Arrest of former SANPARKS Ranger and police officials for involvement in rhino poaching welcomed

28 May 2014 - The arrest on Tuesday of the former SANParks field Sergeant and two police constables based at the Skukuza police station in the Kruger National Park was the results of a joint intelligence-driven operation between the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) and officials of the Kruger National Park.

South Africa and Mozambique sign memorandum of understanding in the field of biodiversity, conservation and management

17 April 2014 - Mozambique is regarded as a priority country for South Africa within the SADC region and South Africa recognises the need for engaging with Mozambique on wildlife management, particularly with respect to addressing the scourge of rhino poaching.

South Africa and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam conclude fruitful discussions on biodiversity conservation and management

26 March 2014 - South Africa and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam concluded fruitful discussions in Pretoria on 28 March 2014 on issues related to biodiversity conservation and management. The commitment to improving cooperation on biodiversity conservation especially controlling the illicit trade and poaching of wildlife, including rhino, has formed an important part of the working visit to South Africa by a high level delegation from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Minister Edna Molewa welcomes the R232.2 million grant received by Peace Parks Foundation from the Dutch and Swedish Postcode Lotteries to combat rhino poaching in Southern Africa

05 February 2014 - The Dutch Postcode Lottery donated R217 million of the total donation, with R15.2 million being contributed by the Swedish Postcode Lottery, towards the fight against rhino poaching.As the number of rhinos poached for their horns continued to increase, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, today joined a gathering by mostly children to show support for the efforts being undertaken to address the scourge of poaching in South Africa.

Return of rhino horns and elephant ivory products from Hong Kong

27 November 2013 - The return of these will now enable the Hawks to further their investigations and determine the origin of the items by means of inter alia DNA analysis, which may lead to the arrest and prosecution of the alleged rhino and elephant poachers and couriers of the illegal shipment. 

Minister Edna Molewa welcomes youth commitment to the fight against rhino poaching

21 September 2013 - As the number of rhinos poached for their horns continued to increase, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, today joined a gathering by mostly children to show support for the efforts being undertaken to address the scourge of poaching in South Africa.

Minister Molewa commends law enforcement agencies for work well done in the fight against rhino poaching

05 September 2013 - The arrests bring to 191 the number of suspected rhino poachers arrested across the country since 1 January 2013. The law enforcement agencies, and rangers in the Kruger National Park, are commended for their actions and commitment to the fight against rhino poaching. 

Rhino Issue Management Report published by the Department of Environmental Affairs

24 July 2013 - The Rhino Issue Management Process, headed by former SANParks CEO Mr Mavuso Masimang, took place during 2012. Mr Msimang and his team hosted 16 workshops, and 400 roundtable and one-on-one discussions to facilitate a common understanding of the challenges and opportunities relating to rhino conservation in the face of rhino poaching.

Minister Edna Molewa briefs the media on Cabinet approval of the rhino trade proposal for consideration at CITES CoP17 in 2016

03 July 2013 - South Africa is a party and founding member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a trade convention that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

South Africa and Mozambique agree to improved cooperation on combating rhino poaching within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area

15 June 2013 - The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, yesterday, 14 June 2013 held constructive talks with Mozambique Minister of Tourism, Mr Carvalho Muaria, in Maputo on concrete actions to be taken by both countries to combat the scourge of rhino poaching.

South Africa and Vietnam sign Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Implementation Plan

06 May 2013 - The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ha Cong Tuan, today signed an action plan to implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Biodiversity Conservation and Protection signed by the two countries in Hanoi, Vietnam, in December 2012.

Minister Molewa welcomes the latest rhino poaching arrests and sentencing of two poachers

18 April 2013 - The handing down of stiffer sentences to poachers and the seizure of assets of poaching accused should serve as a message to potential poachers that everything possible will be done to ensure the protection of South Africa’s rhino population. In the past week five rhinos were poached in South Africa, bringing the number of animals killed for their horns to 232, since the beginning of 2013.

Minister Molewa concerned about the increase in rhino poached and praises law enforcement agencies of the country

11 April 2013 - Minister Molewa regrets the theft, but also notes that it is a sign of the seriousness of the scourge of rhino poaching and smuggling problem in South Africa, that is linked to illicit international wildlife trade. The Minister has welcomed the police’s investigation into the rhino horn theft and eagerly awaits the outcome of their probe. 

Update on rhino poaching and signing of MoU between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China

27 March 2013 - The fight against rhino poaching was given a further shot in the arm this week with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China on cooperation in the fields of Wetland and Desert Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation. 

Rhino poaching interventions and the position of South Africa to the 16th Conference of Parties of the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna And Flora (Cites)

28 February 2013 - Cabinet met yesterday to discuss interventions to combat rhino poaching, and recommendations emanating from the national consultation process to facilitate a common understanding of key issues concerning the protection and sustainable conservation of the South African rhino population. Cabinet also provided the South African delegation with a mandate for negotiations taking place during the upcoming CITES COP in Thailand.

Minister Molewa updates South Africans on the rhino situation and measures to thwart poaching

10 January 2014 - The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa has expressed grave concern about the high rate of rhinos poached in 2012 and would like to reiterate government’s unwavering commitment in the continued fight against rhino poaching. 

South Africa and Vietnam sign an MOU to fight rhino poaching and other Environmental Crimes

10 December 2012 - International efforts in the fight against rhino poaching were today intensified when the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Dr Cao Duc Phat. The MoU between the two countries is on cooperation in the field of Biodiversity Conservation and Protection and was signed in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Minister Edna Molewa launches the National Environmental Compliance And Enforcement Report (NECER) 2011/12

22 November 2012 - Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, today officially launched the National Compliance and Enforcement Report (NECER) 2011/12 in Cape Town. The report provides a national overview of environmental compliance and enforcement activities undertaken by relevant institutions across the country during the period 01 April 2011 – 31 March 2012..

Government Condemns the Killing of Rhinos in the North West Province

20 November 2012 - The Department of Environmental Affairs has noted with concern and condemns the rhino killings witnessed in the North West province this past weekend. The savage and barbaric attack saw a total of seven rhinos killed at a game farm on the Klipkopspruit Farm near Rustenburg, North West. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) would like to reiterate government’s commitment to the fight against this on-going plundering of our natural resources.

Minister of Environmental Affairs welcomes rhino poaching sentence

09 November 2012 - The Minister hopes that this latest rhino poaching sentence will illustrate the seriousness with which the government views rhino poaching and that it will act as a deterrent to individuals and syndicates involved in this crime.  As the court ruled, the rhino is part of our pride as a nation and anyone who steals it or part of it, steals our pride and the laws of our country should deal with such individuals.\

The Department of Environmental Affairs updates on the work of the Rhino Issue Manager and the way forward

18 October 2012 - The Rhino Issue Manager was appointed in May this year with the responsibility of conducting research and convening a series of stakeholder dialogues with all interested parties to facilitate wide-ranging and expert input into policy thinking. In the course of the work of the RIM, a total of 12 stakeholder meetings have been held in Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town, with presentations being conducted in Bloemfontein and Cape Town.

Department of Environmental Affairs clarifies its efforts to thwart rhino poaching in the country

19 July 2012 - South Africa has to date lost a total of 262 rhinos to illegal killings since the beginning of this year and a total of 173 individuals have been arrested in connection with rhino poaching.The funding is aimed at assisting the South African government in reducing poaching of rhinoceroses and the illegal international trade in their horns by strengthening enforcement capacity in Southern Africa through enhancement of forensic-based technologies.

South African government welcomes GEF funding to fight rhino poaching

27 June 2012 - The funding is aimed at assisting the South African government in reducing poaching of rhinoceroses and the illegal international trade in their horns by strengthening enforcement capacity in Southern Africa through enhancement of forensic-based technologies.

Environmental Affairs on the on-going rhino poaching and update on interventions aimed at addressing the problem 

29 March 2012 - The South African government continues to prioritise the illegal killing of rhinos. Our united approach has already seen 90 suspected poachers arrested this year.Secondly, the launch the Youth Jobs in Waste Programme, in June, this project is expected to create 330 job opportunities in waste in the Free State and 326 in the North West provinces. The project is intended to provide 3 577 young people with job opportunities in waste management and related entrepreneurship.

Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, welcomes sentencing of rhino poachers

01 February 2012 - The poachers, who are from Mozambique, were sentenced yesterday for illegal hunting of rhinos in the Kruger National Park in 2010. The convicted rhino poachers are Aselmo Baloyi, Jawaki Nkuna and Ismael Baloyi. The accused were arrested at Mooiplaas 18 months ago and one of the accused attempted to escape, but was captured and died in custody in 2011.