Mass support for rhino protest

Durnam 100712 Rhino march in Durban Pic Terry Haywood

Durnam 100712 Rhino march in Durban Pic Terry Haywood

Published Jul 11, 2012

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Durban - Animal rights activists took to the streets of Durban on Tuesday to show their anger at the killing of rhinos for their horns and to show support for initiatives aimed at stopping poaching.

A group of protesters chanting “Say No to The Big Four”

and carrying placards saying “Our Heritage, Our Future” marched from Dr Pixley KaSeme (West) Street to the city hall.

March organiser Moses Mkhabela said there needed to be global awareness if this giant animal was to be saved.

He said the importance of animals to our country and to future generations had to be instilled into people.

“Although the demand for the horns is from foreigners, it is the local people who assist in the killings,” said Mkhabela.

“Rhinos belong to everyone in Africa, regardless of race, and we should unite in protecting them.”

Mkhabela added that tourism and conservation were the lifeblood of KwaZulu-Natal and both would suffer if one of SA’s largest land mammals was lost.

While the number of people who turned out for the march was modest, the marchers were supported by motorists, who hooted and waved when they saw the huge metal sculpture of a rhino on the back of a bakkie leading the march.

Sharon Price from the NGO Rhino March said that the International Wildlife Management Conference under way in Durban was giving the initiative international exposure.

“There have been 34 rhinos killed in KZN since the start of the year. This has to stop.”

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