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We were at the Ghost Mountain Inn in Mkuze on Wednesday 19th June, 2013. It was one of those days I regretted having sold my Landrover TDi 110, as there was a tangible solidarity between Landrover owners celebrating the end of the
Izintaba Zobombo Expedition.
Kid’s soccer games, anti-rhino poaching themed art competitions and educational sessions were woven into the expedition as part of the critical message of rhino conservation.
Over 5,000 pieces of art were judged and collected.
The phenomenal awareness of the plight of the rhino that was created through a
single piece of paper is just incredible.
As with all Kingsley Holgate Africa Foundation Expeditions, the Izintaba Zobombo was also linked to malaria prevention and the distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets. They continued with the Rite to Sight campaign by supplying spectacles.
To raise further awareness, a mountain bike team, led by Mike Nixon cycled the entire
Lubombo Mountain Range in a world-first attempt.
The information that was gathered along the route has provided a comprehensive survey of the rhino poaching situation.
This extremely useful data will be taken to government and embassies to encourage them to do something about it!!
Strong messages of ‘Hands off our Rhino’ and it’s time that ‘we all take responsibility’ rang through loud and clear during the day. It is hoped that this is just the beginning of the awareness campaign and that it grows from strength to strength. We need to educate communities at grass roots level and nurture the future conservationists of our country.
This 90 day, 3 country journey to track, research and document the Lubombo Mountain Range began near Punda Maria in the north of the Kruger National Park and ended at the historic Ghost Mountain - the heart of Project Rhino KZN country. The expedition, led by famous adventurer Kingsley Holgate, was launched at the end of March at the Landy Festival. Not only did Kingsley encourage Landrover enthusiasts to join the expedition, but the Kingsley Holgate Africa Foundation raised funds for a kitted out anti-poaching Land Rover, that was handed over to Project Rhino KZN at Ghost Mountain Inn.
But…..back to the excitement of the final day of the Izintaba Zobombo Expedition….It is always such an honour and so inspiring to be in the company of adventurers. Kingsley Holgate has this magical presence and it is easy to get caught up in his quest for a better life for all. There is no doubt that people from all walks of life admire his stout efforts and the impact that he and his team has had on this continent is immeasurable.
A soccer match took place on the dusty ground in front of an ululating crowd. There is not much that can beat the intense energy levels found in the rural areas. Passion is part of life, emotions are uninhibited and freedom of expression is what it’s all about.
Dusty, hot and exhausted we bade farewell to Kingsley and his incredible team.
Sadly we missed their fireside stories but like everyone else, we will have to buy the book when it comes out!!
Heading towards the Mtwazi Combined School, choking in the dust of the Landrover convoy (we had to crawl up the rear in our Toyota), we arrived to borderline hysteria from the children. There are over 1,300 learners, all of whom had drawn a picture with a strong ‘rhino’ message. The will to win was enormous as the coveted prize was a bicycle. This was won by 16 year old Siyanda Shongwe, who grinned like a champion, whilst his friends chirped “but he can’t even ride a bicycle!”
We were asked to judge the art competition, which proved to be a difficult task. The ages ranged from 5 to 21 years and the contrast in talent was extensive. Susan Rutherfoord from Ghost Mountain Inn was the chief judge and she managed to extract extra funds from anyone standing close by, thus increasing the prize kitty from two to six prizes!!
As this is my website and I can do what I like...here's my 'groupie' shot with The King and I!
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