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The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the significant decline in rhino-poaching mortalities at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) - from 307 in 2023, to 199 in 2024 and to 63 in 2025.

Despite this improvement, we remain deeply concerned by confirmation of 33 recent indications of poacher activity, 24 poacher sightings, 12 detected incursions and 22 reports of gunshots with the park, along with conformation of a recent poaching incident at a private reserve earlier this month. This indicates that our wildlife remains under severe pressure from poachers.

The information forms part of a recent written parliamentary reply (view here) from KZN’s Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) – to questions by the DA. It also shows a 52% year-on-year reduction in rhino poaching over the first five months of 2026 was reported. This demonstrates that dehorning, intelligence-led operations, ranger deployment and the buy-in of surrounding communities are integral to the fight against rhino poaching.

Despite these measures, KZN's rhino population remains under urgent threat. Between January and May 2026, HiP also recorded the discovery of 10 rhino carcasses. This while only three interceptions and nine arrests were recorded.

Regrettably, EDTEA’s response provides virtually no information regarding progress in identifying syndicates behind these incursions. Instead, it repeatedly refers the DA’s questions to SAPS. This despite being primarily responsible for protecting KZN’s rhino, alongside Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW).

Of further concern is that of the 166 EKZNW staff polygraph tests conducted, 24 produced deception indications - a rate of approximately 15%. While some staff were reportedly removed from rhino reserves pending investigations, two refused repeat testing. These findings demand urgent investigation by authorities.

EKZNW admits that it requires dedicated funding to implement proven interventions, including continued dehorning, integrity testing and drone technology. These interventions require an urgent funding plan.

The DA calls on KZN EDTEA MEC, Rev Musa Zondi to:
• Provide details on the plan to secure funding for poaching interventions;
• Report on the status of all integrity-related referrals to SAPS, the Hawks and the NPA;
• Present clear targets for drones, ranger capacity and intelligence operations and;
• Report quarterly on incursions, arrests, prosecutions and syndicate disruption

As a partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA recognises the progress made by rangers and conservation officials, under extremely dangerous circumstances. But the dismantling of criminal syndicates, corrupt networks and trafficking operations that continue to place both rhinos and human lives at risk is the only way to stop the decimation of our rhino.

Issued by Hannah Lidgett, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on EDTEA