The Mazda Wildlife Fund has donated a cheque to the value of R100 000 to the Honorary Rangers at this year’s Sunset Serenade, which took place in the Kruger National Park from 13 to 16 September 2012.
The Mazda Wildlife Fund has invested R29 million in South African conservation initiatives over the past 22 years. These funds have supported 150 projects across a multitude of scientific endeavours in critical areas such as education, conservation and research.
The Honorary Rangers Organisation is a volunteer programme that aims to combat poaching in Southern Africa.
“The Mazda Wildlife Fund was established to support the conservation of South African wildlife,” said Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s CEO, Jeff Nemeth. “Poaching remains a threat to our wildlife and continues to devastate our rhino population. We hope that our donation will help the Honorary Rangers further their quest to conserve many endangered species including the increasingly threatened Rhino population.”
The annual Sunset Serenade, which takes place every year at the Letaba Camp in the Kruger National Park, is aimed at raising awareness of the important work done by the Honorary Rangers of the Counter Poaching and Ranger Support Services Unit of South African National Parks.
The Sunset Serenade has over the years become a regular event on Mazda’s calendar. The event aims to highlight the projects supported by the Mazda Wildlife Fund and gives attendees the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa’s environmental heritage, while simultaneously enjoying the melodic music of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.