Project – Support for Ecological Unit in Northern KZN, South Africa
The teams within this unit need support, it is critical as there is a large shortfall between their needs and their current funds. Currently their needs include:
4 X LION COLLARS
- VHF or GPS
- VHF – transmits a signal to a hand held device
- GPS – more sophisticated, and monitors 24hours and proactively and programmatically sends signals on movement, non-movement and any possible poaching activities
- Fitted with a small radio transmitter – it emits a signal at a particular frequency
- The collar is callibrated to the frequency for the area
- Rechargeable battery system
- Each collar fully equipped and ready to go – R25 000 (US$1 400)
4 X CAMERA TRAPS
- Browning Force Edge Camera Traps with infrared flash & built in viewer
- Metal Security Cases for the Traps
- Cost for each set of Trap & Case – R7000 (US$390)
FIELD – MONITOR VEHICLE – 4X4 VEHICLE – FUEL REQUIRED
Fuel required – R14000 pm – R168 000 pa / US$777 pm – US$9 400 pa
K9 ANTI-POACHING UNIT
The K9 Anti-poaching unit (APU) in Hluhluwe Imflozi Park, Northern KZN South Africa, are an integral part of the tracking and capturing poachers. In 2024, this K9 APU received an award from WILD TOMORROW, the Umvikeli protectors award in recognition of the magnificent work the unit are doing in the fight against poaching of rhino and other endangered species. The link below showcases what the unit is up against.
The two K9 APU rondawels require both maintenance and a revamp. This accommodation will house APU handlers that are on call or on duty. The renovations needed include the following: electrical; plumbing; new geyser; new cupboards; windows and window frames; repaint walls; new toilet and basin.
SHIRTS FOR FIELD RANGERS
In the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (HIP) there are 109 field rangers. The rangers face very tough challenges on a daily basis. Our part can be to boost their morale and to show our appreciation, by providing them with new T-shirts. Our goal is to get all 109 rangers, given 2 T-shirts each. These shirts will be branded with the HIP logo, each branded T-shirt will cost R450 / US$ 25.
COMMUNITY SQUASH COURT CONSTRUCTION
The rural community of Hluhluwe, have a wonderful opportunity of having a squash court built at the local school. The building plans have all been approved by the relevant parties, and the municipality. These plans are available on request. The court would be utilised by 3 schools during school hours and the community is able to use the facilities outside of those hours. Sport has always been a great avenue to encourage team work, healthy lifestyles, positive influences and community wellness. The construction is estimated to require financial contributions for the court of R1 300 000 / US$ 73 000 approximately. Donors could qualify for Section 18a certificates, for tax deductibility.
RHINO ORPHANS
WILD supports a facility in Northern KZN, South Africa. These facilities cater for the welfare of young orphan rhino calves. Sadly the orphans have had to endure very traumatic experiences with losing their mothers to poaching. The mental and physical stress from a young age is huge, but the good news is that with donor’s support, their lives can be turned around, and through the rehab process, they can be released back into the wild, to lead happy safe lives and hopefully produce many offspring. The facilities cater for their welfare through the rehab process, which takes approximately 5 years. There are continual costs, which include: vet bills, drugs, food, maintenance and of course security. To consider adopting an orphan for 1 year would mean a donation of R5000 / US$ 280 pm for 12m = R60 000 / US$ 3 350. Regular updates will be given to you for your orphan.
Project Echo – Unplugged Coding Lab (to be built in the rural community of Hluhluwe Northern KZN South Africa)
Goal: The program aims to empower students with foundational computational thinking skills, bridging the gap created by a lack of resources and inspiring interest in STEM.
* Funding and Infrastructure: A new, modular classroom will be built using sustainable, locally-sourced materials, funded by a donor.
* Unplugged Coding: The project uses “unplugged” activities—physical games and puzzles—to teach core coding principles like logic and problem-solving without the need for computers.
* Classroom Design: The space is designed to be interactive, with movable furniture and whiteboards to encourage collaboration and group work.
Costing Summary:
- Labour – R120 000
- Materials – R180 000
- Electricity, Plumbing, Painting – R34 000
- Project Management – R60 000
- Contingency – R50 000
- TOTAL – R444 000 (US$ 25 000)
