AfriForum welcomes proposal for rhino horn trading in SA

AfriForum welcomes Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa's announcement that her department is considering whether to approach the international community with a proposal to trade in rhino horn. AfriForum supports the notion that trade in rhino horn should be legalised to save the rhino.

According to Julius Kleynhans, AfriForum's Head of Environmental Affairs, the only way to save the species at the moment is by legalising rhino horn trading. ‘Since the beginning of the year, 200 rhinos have been killed by poachers in South Africa. South Africa is sitting on an estimated 20-ton stockpile of rhino horn. Let's flood the market,' said Kleynhans.

‘The price of rhino horn has been estimated at more than R500 000 a kilogram. If we flood the market, prices will decrease dramatically and the risk to engage in poaching activities will increase. Funding to fight rhino poaching will also increase,' according to Kleynhans.

South Africa is home to some 20 700 rhinos - 1 900 black and 18 800 white rhinos - representing 90% of the continent's rhinos. Numbers in the rest of Africa are declining rapidly. 

AfriForum also maintains that the rhino's natural mortality rate should create an adequate supply of horn to cater for the needs on the market.

‘The ban on the trade in rhino horn should be lifted to ensure the survival of the species. The final decision can only be made at the 16th congress of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, in March next year.'

The proposal will include engaging with major role-players, including international and regional partners, as well as potential consumer states.

‘Minister Molewa said that her department is considering all options, as well as probabilities in the direction of horn trading, but has not yet reached a final decision.'

Statement issued by Julius Kleynhans, Head of Environmental Affairs, AfriForum, May 3 2012

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