Anglo American Platinum this morning donated four Bat Hawk surveillance aircraft to South African National Parks (SANParks) to aid surveillance, conservation and anti-poaching efforts in the Kruger National Park. The sponsorship agreement of the aircraft is valued at over R 3.8 million.

Speaking at the event to hand over the aircraft to SANParks, Anglo American Platinum’s executive head of projects Prakashim Moodliar said, “Our donation of the four Bat Hawk aircraft is an important step for improved biodiversity and wildlife conservation in the Kruger National Park. In our own business, we are committed to ensuring a healthy environment as part of our Sustainable Mining Plan and we understand the power of working with others. Building a safer, cleaner and more sustainable future can be achieved through collaboration and knowledge-sharing that comes from partnering with like-minded organisations such as SANParks.”

The Kruger National Park, which spans over 2 million hectares of land and is divided in 22 sections, continues to face a number of operational challenges linked to animal poaching, the poisoning of animals, as well as snaring. The four Bat Hawk aircraft, which are proudly assembled in South Africa, are a more affordable and safer alternative to helicopters, and will go a long way in assisting with the Kruger’s conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Other benefits of the aircraft include its great visibility during adverse weather conditions and its light undercarriage which can easily manoeuver through bush terrain.

Barbara Creecy, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said: “Anglo Platinum joins a number of international and local companies and individuals who work with SANParks to protect our natural world and our threatened species. These Ultra-Light aircraft will assist us in carrying out aerial patrols as well as monitoring and effectively managing the environment. As custodians of our fauna and flora, SANParks has limited resources at its disposal. It is therefore important to form partnerships to look after our country’s rich and varied biodiversity.”