Protect and Save the life of Our Rhinos

Dear Supporters, 

After the success of our Pub Quiz fundraiser in early December, we have been left with substantial funds to transform three security gates that surround Karongwe Game Reserve.

Boom Gates

Four weeks ago, Leah and a local builder met at the first of three boom gates to be tackled. Materials were purchased on the spot and building commenced the following day.

Brick by brick the building started to take shape and after only two short weeks the majority of the building was complete. All that now remains is the plastering of the walls and installation of windows. This unit has been transformed from an unstable structure made of wood and shade netting to a sturdy structure which will keep unwanted guests such as snakes and mice out as well as stand the test of time.

Following further fundraising events, we will be purchasing permanent water tanks to allow for installation of toilet facilities.

These boom gates are the first line of defence for a number of small private nature reserve within the Harmony Block, including Karongwe. It is important that these gates are maintained so that those who patrol at all hours of the morning have a safe, comfortable space to rest and live within.

Cellular Camera Traps

Three cellular camera traps have been purchased in addition to the upgrade of the security gates. These high-tech cameras are completely undetectable at night and are enabled to send real time information to the reserve of potential breaks/threats. Watch this space for pictures of the traps in action!

With the threat of poaching sitting right on our doorstep, action is imperative. Poaching syndicates have seemingly endless financial means to pour into ‘bigger and better’. We can only attempt to keep up.

It is through your generous donations that we are able to inject funds directly to the front line.

Love,

The Karongwe team

Dear Supporters, 

In early December, Leah and a small team of quiztastic GVI interns organised a Pub Quiz fundraiser to test local knowledge for a good cause.

Tables were unfolded, tablecloths laid and pens placed, all in preparation for our biggest fundraiser of 2018 – The Mahlahla Pub Quiz. The event took place on the 1st December and after some serious lobbying, we managed to pull a crowd of over 100 people. The best attendance for a fundraising event in our small slice of South Africa for years!

Funds raised from the event were to go directly towards the Harmony Block boom gates, which serve to monitor traffic travelling the gravel roads running through the block itself. The Harmony Block is home to a small cluster of private game reserves, including Karongwe, who have provided safe space to ensure the conservation of some of Africa's iconic species. With poaching incidences on the rise, the need for protective measures increases daily.

Due to the resounding success of the evening we managed to raise a total of R29,000. In addition to this, the GVI White Rhino fund has committed to contribute a further R50,000 from your generous donations through GlobalGiving – leaving us with a total of almost R80,000!! This will go an extremely long way towards the upgrades of our boom gates ensuring better living standards for the staff and higher security measures.

As an extra bonus, not only did this event serve as a fantastic fundraising opportunity for GVI and the Harmony Block, but it brought many astranged groups of people together from the local community who often forget to say hello to their neighbours. We heard belly laughs and watched teams work cohesively to fight for that first place, and to finish the evening with a standing ovation was the most rewarding donation we could have asked for.

Now that the festive season has passed and contractors are back to work, plans are being drawn up in regards to the utilisation of the monies. Safe to say our hard working gate guards are going to be very surprised when they see what we have in store. Stay tuned for updates and pictures of the upgrades!

Thank you again for all of your support during 2018, we are incredibly excited to see what 2019 has in store and are grateful to have you along for the ride.

Love,

The Karongwe team