Gabriel shock absorbers and Textar disc and brake pads, both Control Instruments-Automotive brands, will be hosting a ‘Save the Rhino’ golf day to raise funds for The Rhino Orphanage.

The Rhino Orphanage is the world's first dedicated, non-commercial center to care for baby rhinos. A third of slain rhinos are either pregnant cows or mothers with a calf. Orphaned rhinos are brought to the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg area of Limpopo. The exact location of the orphanage is kept secret for security reasons and the center is not open to the public. 

“Sadly, in many cases of poaching, calves are orphaned. As a result, we identified the need to provide specialist care," said Karen Trendler, a conservationist at the orphanage who has raised over 200 baby rhinos over two decades.

The orphanage has facilities to house up to 35 baby rhinos that are rehabilitated back into the wild by a team of conservationists. This forms a vital part of the Rhino Response Strategy National Rescue and Response Network. 

“The success of last year’s event has prompted us to commit to an annual golf day in aid of this worthy cause,” said Sean Staley, Control Instruments-Automotive divisional head – Drive Control. “With the high rate of rhino poaching, the orphaned rhino calves need to be cared for and protected.”

“We believe that we can make a difference. According to the WWF, over 500 rhino have been poached in SA this year. Every effort must be made to bring this to the public’s attention and encourage campaigns to end poaching,” said Richard Berner, divisional head – brake, Textar.

According to the WWF, Vietnam is one of the major illegal markets for rhino horn, used primarily by the upper echelons of Vietnamese society. It is expensive and rare, and buyers tend to show off the horn as a treasure. 

The golf day will take place at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort in Limpopo on Friday 6th December, and over 100 participants are expected. 

The cost for the golf day is R2 600 per four ball with prizes including trophies and gift vouchers. All proceeds will go to the Rhino Orphanage.

For more information contact Control Instruments-Automotive event organiser Minnie Jaco on 082 876 0520.