Once again, Mazda Motor Corporation has generously donated R100 000 to the Honorary Rangers during a week of activities at the Letaba Rest Camp, in the Kruger National Park.
The Honorary Rangers Organisation is a volunteer programme that aims to combat poaching in Southern Africa. They provide Counter Poaching and Ranger Support Services to the South African National Parks.
Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, handed over a cheque at the annual Sunset Serenade event. “As always, this event provides us with a great opportunity to reflect on the fantastic work done by the Honorary Rangers in the fight against poaching. Now, more than ever, poaching is having devastating consequences on our wildlife population. We hope that our donation will help the Honorary Rangers further their quest to counter poaching and conserve many endangered species including the increasingly threatened Rhino,” he commented.
The Mazda Wildlife Fund was formed in April 1990, funded jointly by Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and its nationwide network of Mazda Dealers. The MWF has contributed R27.5 million over the past 21 years and to date the Fund has supported over 150 projects.
As the Fund's commitment to environmental conservation is viewed as long term, it has formed a partnership with the relevant leading NGO's in South Africa through the creation of an Advisory Board, which reviews applications made to the Fund for assistance and recommends specific projects for Mazda Wildlife sponsorship.
The Fund currently supports 29 non-Government/non-profit organisation type projects with 30 vehicles, covering every aspect of conservation and environmental education. These are situated throughout South Africa and include structured environmental educational projects, research projects and projects involved in the direct preservation of endangered species and habitats. To date over 140 projects have received support from the Fund.
As poaching continues to dominate local headlines the Mazda Wildlife Fund’s donation will go a long way in assisting the Honorary Ranger’s quest. Poaching syndicates are often well armed, highly skilled and adept in the bush environment. For this reason rangers need to possess not only greater skills, but also high-quality equipment in order to match the onslaught.
The Sunset Serenade is a regular event on Mazda’s calendar. It gives attendees the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa’s environmental heritage. Guests were once again treated to the beauty of the music of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) and were able to take in the full wildlife experience of the Kruger National Park over the course of the weekend and experience for themselves the importance of South Africa’s wildlife.
STORY BY MAZDA
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