HIGH FIVE TO EXXARO’S
EXCITING RHINO PROJECT

Exxaro is proud to be spearheading a project that will reintroduce rhinos to the Zinave National Park, making it the first “big five” national park in Mozambique.

The project, which is being managed in collaboration with the Peace Parks Foundation, will introduce more than 40 critically endangered black rhino and nearly threatened white rhino into the park – 40 years after they became extinct in the area. Exxaro, through our Manketti Game Reserve will donate the rhinos, who will be relocated to a specially constructed, 186 km2, high-security sanctuary within the Zinave National Park.

“Establishment, management and relocation of wildlife species are all being done as part of Exxaro’s biodiversity framework and responsibility to these species — particularly where they are of special conservation concern,” said Mr Mxolisi Mgojo, CEO of Exxaro.

The relocation process

  • Exxaro conducted a rigorous evaluation process that included in-depth feasibility studies of
    potential recipient sites.
  • We identified Zinave as having the best potential to increase the range of rhinos in the
    SSADC region and facilitate the growth of these populations.
  • The rhinos will be translocated to Zinave over a period of one to two years.

When the project is complete Zinave National Park, which is co-managed by Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the Peace Parks Foundation, will become the first to host both rhino species in Mozambique.

This is not the first time that Exxaro has supported a rhino relocation programme. In 2014, Exxaro relocated 10 white rhinos to Botswana to bolster an existing small population.

“The rhino relocation is one of the many biodiversity initiatives we have committed to as a business. We have implemented biodiversity activities and programmes at our various mines which aim to not only protect the indigenous flora and fauna species but also ensure the expansion of such species in support of the ecosystems Exxaro operates in,” said Exxaro’s Executive Head for Sustainability, Mr Mongezi Veti.

25 SMMES READY FOR BUSINESS THANKS TO EXXARO’S BUSINESS PROGRAMME

Mosa Shadung. One of the top achievers from the SMME Training workshop

In May 2022, 25 local SMMEs graduated from the Exxaro Business Development programme offered by service provider, Raizcorp, in Ga-Nala.

The programme equips local SMMEs with the business acumen they need to better manage and grow their businesses, while fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within a culture of innovation and social change.

Mosa Shadung, the Founder of BlackCure – a creative company specialising in brand building, is one of the local SMME owners who graduated from the programme. He believes that the programme has made him “a much more informed and confident entrepreneur”.

The biggest lesson I learnt was when my strategy guide, Mr Mbongeni Sibanyoni, told me that, ‘if you don’t value you what you do, no one will’. This has helped me charge based on value instead of being the cheapest service provider,” says Shadung.

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