The Cycle of Life™ Story

Our main supporters, abMedica, who have become our key sponsor over the past 4 years, provided branded cycle kit for the six of us. The following year, through word of mouth, our team grew to 61 riders and by the 2017 event, a team of 112 riders were kitted out to participate as The Cycle of Life team.

What started out as a once off fund-raiser, has grown into an annual event and with the interest and encouragement increasing each year, we look forward to more and moresupport for our rhino conservation campaign.

We strongly believe that our children are our future and that it is essential that we do all in our power to conserve our heritage and raise awareness. With this in mind, we launched an inter schools challenge. Teams of 8 learners, at various schools, have been encouraged to cycle as part of the team, and raise funds. Adults, too, are encouraged to fundraise and the top fundraiser of both teams will win a trip of 2 nights to a luxurious lodge on Phinda Private Game Reserve sponsored by &Beyond and Bayala Private Safari Lodges.

The funds raised to date, have been spent in many areas

• Rhino dehorning – all the rhinos at Phinda were dehorned over a 2 year period. There have been no rhinos poached this year as a direct result of these efforts.Horns regrow and require trimming every 18 months so this is an ongoing project
• Surveillance equipment installed
• Anti-poaching guard equipment and uniforms. Plus, an anti-poaching guard house was built to provide the guards with facilities while off duty.
• Orphaned animal support by way of food and medical costs
• Medical expenses for injured animals
• An endangered species boma at the vets clinic provides space for medical treatment on site and while injured or sick animals recover
• A large animal trailer was purchased and is used to transport injured or sick animals where required
• Community support – purchasing stationery and school bags for learners at schools in the community
• Financial support towards the Zululand Reward Fund to pay for intelligence that leads to the arrest or conviction of poachers
• Rohrer’s Rest, a deck built for use by Bishops and other schools during their ranger and conservation courses

All of this would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our solid team of experts who bring a wealth of experience from their different fields of expertise to the management of the charity.

We would like to clarify that we work voluntarily, not drawing any salaries from the donations made to the charity. Bank fees and relevant administration fees are deducted from the interest that is earned on our account and NOT from the donations.

We are an officially registered NPC in South Africa with Section 18a tax deduction status as well as a German registered NGO where a certificate for the tax authority is also issued for any donation.

Our Success Stories