South Africa, home to over 80% of Africa’s white rhino population, is taking urgent action to address the growing threat of poaching and a declining population.
Picture used for illustrative purposes/Simon Greenwood/Unsplash
The government has launched the Rhino Renaissance Campaign, an ambitious 10-year plan aimed at restoring white rhino numbers in Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2,000 to 12,000, as previously reported by IOL.
Unveiled on Tuesday, the campaign forms part of South Africa’s G20 Legacy Projects and was introduced by Dr Dion George, MP and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
A history of conservation success — and setbacks
“Once nearly extinct, the white rhino population stood at fewer than 100 individuals in the early 20th century. But South Africa acted. Through protected areas, community partnerships, and the hard work of rangers and conservationists, the species was brought back from the brink. By 2010, there were more than 20,000 white rhinos,” said George.
The Kruger National Park was once home to over 12,000 rhinos — a landmark achievement in conservation. But that success has been undermined in recent years.
“As of 2024, the population has dropped to 14,389 nationwide. In Kruger, just over 2,000 remain. A significant part of the issue involves poaching and the trafficking of rhino horn, driven by organised crime and profit,” George warned.
Poaching trends show slight decline
Recent statistics offer some hope. Between January and June 2025, 195 rhinos were poached across South Africa — a decrease of 35 compared to the same period in 2024. In KNP specifically, 11 rhinos were killed in both May and June, compared to 17 in January and 30 in February.
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New era of protection and collaboration
The campaign, spearheaded by South African National Parks (SANParks), brings together a diverse coalition of conservation and community partners.
“It brings together SANParks’ conservation authority with the Tracker Academy, part of the Peace Parks Foundation, whose work in training local trackers in ancestral skills is redefining what it means to protect wildlife,” said George.
He also highlighted the work of the Good Work Foundation, a non-profit organisation delivering digital education, conservation coding, and storytelling to thousands of learners in communities surrounding Kruger.
As part of the initiative, 90 rhino monitors will be trained and deployed annually across KNP.
A vision for wildlife and communities
“The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Rhinos — a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them,” George added.
Expanded conservation efforts across Africa
The campaign is supported by a multi-pronged conservation strategy that extends beyond Kruger:
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African Parks has relocated 2,000 rhinos to secure habitats across South Africa.
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Rewilding efforts in the Munyawana Conservancy and other reserves are helping grow rhino populations.
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Cross-border cooperation is strengthening between South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe within the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.
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Additional safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.
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Government collaboration with private wildlife owners has been enhanced in Integrated Wildlife Zones.
A global conservation effort
Pam Yako, chairperson of the SANParks Board, emphasised the international importance of rhino protection.
“Rhinos are a species of global significance, and the campaign is a partnership with various stakeholders,” she said. “We want to showcase our efforts and how best we can, with the help of everyone else, build a whole movement for the conservation of the species.”
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