Chairperson, colleagues, we note with anger and sadness that another two white rhinos were shot dead this weekend on a farm near Hectorspruit, bringing the total for the year to 348. If you think about that, colleagues, that is one rhino poached per day.
We further note that three of the rhino species globally are critically endangered. In fact, the indigenous rhino found in Vietnam has recently been declared extinct. We recognise that our rhinos in this country face a real threat of extinction because of these international forces who are slaughtering them in order to get the horn, which they mistakenly believe has medicinal qualities.
Now, we acknowledge the immense amount of work being done by organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund and various other organisations such as eBlockwatch, but this is not enough. We therefore call on all stakeholders - not only those responsible for conservation, but government and the executive - to urgently convene a "save the rhino summit" so that we can explore ways to improve our collective response as a nation to fighting these ruthless and cruel poaching syndicates. Thank you. [Applause.]