Johannesburg, South Africa – Hundreds of birding enthusiasts will converge at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga over the next couple of weekends as part of efforts to raise funds for conservation, including counter-poaching activities.

Organised by the South African National Parks (SANParks) Honorary Rangers West Rand Region the annual birding weekends help raise funds to help conserve and protect the country’s national parks.

Sasol has been the proud and sole sponsor of the annual SANParks Birding Weekends since inception 18 years ago, working in partnership with Birdlife South Africa. This year’s birding weekends take place from Friday, 27 January until Sunday, 12 February.

“Sasol actively supports the conservation of our natural heritage, which in turn fosters education, employment and tourism in the communities surrounding our national parks,” said Wrenelle Stander, Sasol Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Real Estate Services.

Over the last 10 years, the SANParks Honorary Rangers West Rand Region have raised more than R 248 million, which has gone towards empowering local communities through project participation; game transfers, the removal of alien species; and – increasingly – counter poaching activities.

Most of the funding raised in 2016 has gone towards procuring additional ranger equipment, refurbishing the storage facilities for critical research samples at the Kruger National Park, veterinary costs, as well as equipment for the safe monitoring, tracking and transportation of the animals.

"As the official SANParks volunteer organisation it is our privilege to organise and host this special event,” said Louis Lemmer, NEC Chairperson, SANParks Honorary Rangers.

“We thank our sponsor Sasol for their support, which makes it possible for us to welcome visitors to Kruger National Park to enjoy its spectacular birdlife and vast natural beauty.This partnership is an example of how South Africans from different spheres can combine, to best utilise our rich natural heritage to the benefit of our country."

Launched in 1999 with 50 guests at one camp, the birding weekend attracts approximately 800 guests over four weekends at 19 camps.