A helping hand to a worthy cause

The Mazda Wildlife Fund reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation with the donation of a 3,2-litre 4×4 six-speed manual transmission Mazda BT-50 to the Honorary Rangers at this year’s Sunset Serenade, which took place in the Kruger National Park from May 9 to 12.

The Honorary Rangers Organisation is a volunteer programme that aims to combat poaching in southern Africa, with the BT-50 expected to play an integral role in combating the continued threat to the rhino population.

“We would like to thank Mazda for its generous donation,” says John Turner, chairperson of the South African National Parks Honorary Rangers. “The vehicle will be used by our Ranger Section that is often deployed to flash points where there is little or no road infrastructure. The off-road abilities of the BT-50 will certainly be put to good use.” 

The annual Sunset Serenade, which aims to raise awareness of the important work done by the Honorary Rangers of the Counter Poaching and Ranger Support Services Unit, of South African National Parks, has over the years become a regular event on Mazda’s calendar. It highlights the projects supported by the Mazda Wildlife Fund and gives attendees the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa’s precious natural heritage.

Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO of the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, says: “The Mazda Wildlife Fund was established to support the conservation of South African endangered species and habitats and we trust that our donation will help the Honorary Rangers further their quest to stop the massacres and conserve many endangered species, including the increasingly threatened rhino population.”