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Graphic Design students participate in the Rhino Parade

Graphic Design students participate in the Rhino Parade

Durban University of Technology’s third year Graphic Design students assisted Wildlands Conservation with their Durban leg of the Rhino Parade. The parade was a fundraising campaign aimed at raising awareness on rhino poaching and formulated ways in which rhinos can be kept safe from poachers.

This campaign was launched last year and the rhino conservation support raised R600 000 which went towards rhino conservation projects that included piloting innovative GSM based tracking technology, Project Rhino Aerial Support, Complimentary helicopter surveillance, Project Rhino Investigation & Prosecution Support. There were 17 organisations working together to stop rhino poaching in KZN. Wildlands Conservation Trust had set aside a variety of events to support the establishment of a network of NGO’s working together to stop the poaching.

Former South African Cricket Captain Shaun Pollock who is an Ambassador for the project said that when he used to travel, he would normally see the posters and donation boxes at the airport with the slogan “donate a rhino save a rhino.” He added that it never used to make sense to him until he realised how many rhinos were killed each year. “I have had my success but just like the book Half Time, there is a time in your life when you need to evaluate how you can give back or make a difference in life. Rhino poaching is a serious issue we are facing in South Africa and I want to make a difference by raising awareness,”said Pollock.

Vahenee Heeramun third year DUT Graphic Design student said she was very excited when she heard Shaun Pollock liked her design, even though they had to make changes to it but it was a humbling experience. She stressed, “I worked with two of my classmates on this project and for us all it was very nice to use our talents for a good course.”

Ezemvelo Wildlife’s Bandile Mkhize said six years ago there was no rhino poaching but somewhere through the years something went wrong and it has become the worst crime of all. Rhinos are part of the South African heritage. “Imagine South Africa without a rhino, there will no longer be a big five, soon we will be talking about the big 4,”said Mkhize.

Professional rugby player Pat Lambie, who is also a Wildlands Ambassador said rhinos are close to his heart and poaching makes him angry and sad. Lambie is hoping to raise awareness and to make a meaningful change in the world.

Bradley Bhramadu, a third year DUT Graphic Design student who designed Lambie’s rhino said he was honoured to have been part of something life changing in his life.

Pictured: Third year Graphic Design students who participated in the rhino parade.

–Nomvula Sikakane

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