Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has donated a brand new Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 SRX double-cab 4x4to the South African National Parks (SANParks) in an effort to curb rhino poaching in South Africa. The vehicle was accepted by SANParks CFO Dumisane Dlamini on Friday 19 October 2018 at the organisation’s head office in Pretoria.

The vehicle will assist SANParks with the transportation of the Meerkat, a wide-area surveillance system, than can comb the bush for potential poachers. The system comprises a suite of radar and electro-optic sensors that are capable of detecting human movement, which is an important feature when it comes to anti-poaching measures in the Kruger National Park.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Dlamini said the vehicle donated by TSAM will enable SANParks to provide real-time intelligence information to field reaction forces: “Toyota’s involvement through this donation signifies a constructive approach in the fight against wildlife crime and is much appreciated.

“We also appreciate the increased cooperation from ordinary members of the public and from corporate South Africa, and this vehicle is another important tool to be used to support existing anti-poaching efforts,” says Dlamini.

It is not the first time that Toyota has donated a vehicle to SANParks. In December, Toyota donated four Toyota Avanza models that the Kruger National Park is currently using for law enforcement and promoting staff visibility in the park.

Toyota provides financial support to a number of environmental NGOs including the World Wildlife Fund SA, Bird Life SA and Conservation SA – the latter is mandated to assist communal farmers in the Eastern Cape to practise sustainable farming, something which is very dear to Toyota. It’s also worth mentioning that Toyota donated two Hilux double cabs last year to two of the aforementioned NGOs - one to Birdlife South Africa and the other to Conservation SA.

Senior Vice President of TSAM Calvyn Hamman says: “Toyota South Africa is committed to contributing towards social upliftment and environmental initiatives. Protecting our wildlife heritage is close to our heart and the plight of rhino, as well as other endangered species, is a matter that requires our attention – hence our commitment to supporting SANParks.”