Rhino Poaching in 2024: Unanswered Questions and Lingering Concerns
Following my previous article on rhino poaching statistics, I reached out to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for further clarity on key issues, particularly regarding corruption and ranger integrity within SANParks and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. While some answers were provided, they raise further questions about transparency, strategy, and the effectiveness of anti-poaching measures.
Polygraph Testing: A Limited Measure?
The DFFE stated that "SANParks has polygraph-tested 149 people thus far in the Kruger National Park, and this process is ongoing. The people tested ranged from KNP Management Committee members to field rangers, and SANParks has adequate funding available to conduct these tests." However, this number remains low considering the scale of the poaching crisis.
When asked about offers from private organizations to fund independent polygraph testing, the DFFE confirmed that these were declined but provided no justification beyond stating that "SANParks has adequate funding available to conduct these tests." Given the urgency of the situation, this decision raises concerns about the transparency and efficiency of the current approach.
What Happened to the 2016 Corruption Investigation Report?
The 2016 investigation into alleged corruption within Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife remains unpublished despite being taxpayer-funded. When asked why, the DFFE responded: "Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is not the entity of the DFFE. Please refer this question to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife."
We as Caring 4 Conservation has reached out to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for comment and are awaiting their response as of the time of publishing.
The Mysterious Relocation of Experienced Rangers
In April 2021, experienced rangers such as Don English were relocated from the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) in the southern regions of Kruger National Park to areas with lower rhino densities in the north. When questioned on this, the DFFE stated: "Appointing and transferring staff is a management prerogative that is done for various reasons. Considerations include experience, expertise, new opportunities, time spent on a section, team dynamics, family or personal reasons, emotional toll on a person, individual requests, and many others. SANParks will not discuss reasons linked to individual transfers for operational reasons."
They further added that "the Kruger National Park has a number of competent rangers in place, also in the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). Ranger training is also ongoing, and this includes internal mentoring and training by experienced rangers, external training by subject matter experts which includes training on legal matters and specialised anti-poaching equipment. The KNP has a core of experienced rangers that is well-placed to mentor new recruits."
While this response highlights ongoing training efforts, it does not clarify why highly experienced rangers were removed from poaching hotspots at a time when their expertise was most needed. Without greater transparency, questions remain about whether these relocations were strategically justified or politically influenced.
Final Thoughts
While the DFFE's responses provide some insight, they also highlight a recurring theme: a reluctance to provide full transparency. With rhino populations continuing to decline due to relentless poaching, the public deserves more accountability from the authorities entrusted with protecting these iconic animals.
If the government is serious about tackling corruption and strengthening anti-poaching efforts, it must:
Increase and expedite polygraph testing, allowing independent oversight where necessary.
Release the 2016 Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife corruption report to ensure transparency and accountability.
Justify ranger relocations with clear, data-driven explanations, demonstrating that these moves strengthen, rather than weaken, anti-poaching efforts.
Until these concerns are properly addressed, the battle against rhino poaching remains not just a fight against criminals, but also a fight for integrity within the very systems meant to protect South Africa’s wildlife.
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