EZEMVELO WELCOMES NATIONAL RHINO POACHING FIGURES DECLINE, HIGHLIGHTS KZN’S MODEL OF SUCCESS AS A BLUEPRINT FOR RECOVERY

11 February 2026

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo) welcomes the national rhino poaching statistics for 2025 released by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, which reflect a 16% overall decline nationally.

Encouragingly, the Minister’s statement highlights the extraordinary progress achieved in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly within the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), where poaching declined from 198 rhinos in 2024 to 63 in 2025, a 68% reduction. Provincial losses similarly declined from 232 to 97.

This represents the most significant turnaround recorded in South Africa and positions KwaZulu-Natal as a leading example of what is possible through decisive leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained operational excellence.

Importantly, Ezemvelo has already begun 2026 on an even stronger footing. Demonstrating the province’s resolve and the effectiveness of its intensified operations, January 2026 recorded zero rhinos poached across the entire province, a milestone not achieved in over a decade. This unprecedented achievement signals growing momentum in the fight against wildlife crime and affirms that sustained, coordinated interventions are yielding measurable results.

While the dehorning programme initiated in 2024 served as an important early deterrent, Ezemvelo’s analysis confirms that the success in 2025 was driven by a far broader, integrated security architecture. No single intervention achieved these results; rather, it was the coordinated implementation of multiple measures working in unison. These include: - Formalised collaboration with private and community rhino owners, enabling real-time intelligence sharing and unified operational responses across landscapes - Investment in advanced camera surveillance, sensor networks, drones, and aerial support to strengthen rapid detection and reaction - Implementation of the Integrity Management Plan, including polygraph testing and strengthened internal controls to safeguard operations - Close cooperation with SAPS, DPCI, the Green Scorpions, and prosecutors to ensure evidence-led investigations and meaningful convictions - Sustained technical and financial support from partners including WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT, and the Peace Parks Foundation - Importantly, Ezemvelo’s success has also been strengthened by broad societal support and strategic leadership partnerships.

Ezemvelo has further been honoured by the support and prayers of religious leaders, including UNyazi lweZulu of the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church, who visited Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park last year to offer spiritual encouragement to Rangers and management.

Ezemvelo has further been honoured by the support and prayers of religious leaders, including UNyazi lweZulu of the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church, who visited Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park last year to offer spiritual encouragement to Rangers and management.

This unity reflects the growing recognition that protecting biodiversity is a shared responsibility that transcends sectors and communities. These partnerships have strengthened morale on the ground, enhanced community cooperation, and reinforced conservation as a collective provincial priority.

The contrasting picture between KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces demonstrates an important lesson: while national declines are welcome, poaching pressure shifts geographically and requires tailored, intelligence-led responses. The KZN model proves that with the right mix of deterrence, defence, integrity, and collaboration, wildlife populations can be stabilised and secured.

Ezemvelo remains committed to sharing its lessons and operational model nationally to support the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) and broader government efforts.

“I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to our brave frontline staff, our conservation partners, traditional leadership, faith leaders, and the communities living alongside our protected areas. The fact that we recorded zero poaching incidents in January demonstrates what is possible when we stand united. While we are encouraged by the progress, the fight is far from over. These gains remain fragile and require sustained financial, political, and societal commitment. We stand ready to work with Minister Aucamp and all stakeholders to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal’s rhinos, and South Africa’s natural heritage, are secured for future generations,” said Ezemvelo CEO, Mr Sihle Mkhize.