George the Rhino and Anton´s epic journey

A rhino with spots is not something you see every day,  and it certainly made heads turn in Makhado (Louis Trichardt).

Anton Fouché pulled this very peculiar rhino specimen into town last Friday. He is pulling George the Rhino, a rhino replica weighing in at 80kg, all the way from Pretoria to Musina to raise funds and awareness about rhino poaching. His campaign is called Lenaka La Tshukudu.

Every red spot painted on the rhino represents a rhino that has been poached in South Africa since the beginning of the year.  

“The aim of my project is not only to raise funds, but also to get people thinking and talking about rhino poaching,” said Fouché on Friday. Fouché and George also paid a visit to the Makhado Crossing on Saturday, before setting off for Musina on Monday.

Fouché started his 518km journey on Monday, 19 August, at the Kolonnade Shopping Centre in Pretoria, dragging George all the way himself.

According to Fouché, he became involved with the campaign because he wanted to make a difference. “Rhino poaching is a harsh reality, and we need to get out there and make people aware of this. I believe that if you are able to change someone’s heart, it will be changed for life.”

For Fouché, hailing from Lephalale, this is the fifth awareness project. He has been doing this type of awareness project since 2009.

During Fouché’s visit, George had 584 red dots. “As soon as I get a chance, I’ll update the dots; I’m a week behind,” said Fouché.

On Wednesday, the total number of rhinos poached was 618 as per figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs on 6 September.

Fouché will be ending his journey on Saturday, 14 September, in Musina. On their route, they are also planning to visit schools and shopping centres to raise awareness.

People can follow Fouché and his crew on Facebook at Lenaka La Tshukudu or visit their website at www.rhinotl.co.za

News - Date: 13 September 2013

Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Email: [email protected]