/ 12 December 2012

Major General joins fight against rhino poaching

Retired Major General Johan Jooste has joined the effort to fight rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.
Retired Major General Johan Jooste has joined the effort to fight rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.

This according to South African National Parks (SANParks), on Wednesday.

Chief executive David Mabunda said SANParks acquired the services of retired Major General Johan Jooste (60) as a part of its effort to fight rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park.

Mabunda said the appointment concluded the foundation phase of a multi-pronged strategy against poaching. Jooste retired from the army in 2006, after 35 years of active service.

The war veteran served the last part of his military career in the army's general staff in various capacities, but was always involved with strategy, leadership development and knowledge management.

Mabunda said: "We know that we will not be able to put a ranger behind every rhino.

Thus we need to develop innovative, modern ways of protecting the rhino in the wake of this well-organised onslaught."

Collaboration
Jooste said in the statement: "I am not a messiah, but a proven leader and a team player. I will do my best to bring acceptable results.

"This fight against poaching is not about an individual, and success depends on the collective collaboration and commitment from the men and women tasked with the responsibility of conserving our heritage."

Mabunda also announced a cash reward of R100 000 to anyone who gave information that led to the successful arrest of a suspected poacher, as well as a R1-million reward for the successful conviction of a poaching syndicate mastermind. – Sapa