Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), in collaboration with the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust, recently executed a large-scale dehorning initiative at the Pilanesberg National Park.
To safeguard the rhino population, anti-poaching units must be both visible and mobile. In recent years, TSAM has donated vehicles, covered all service costs, and partnered with Monitor dealers to refurbish additional vehicles.
“Toyota's global environmental policy is robust, and we are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust. Protecting our heritage and safeguarding these majestic animals are integral to our mission. We are committed to playing our role in ensuring the survival of this endangered species for future generations,” says John Thomson, Vice President of Future Toyota.
Black and white rhinos face extinction owing to rampant poaching for their horns. These horns are often exploited as a symbol of wealth, either as ornate dagger handles, decorative displays on mantelpieces or for medicinal reasons.
Claims are that rhino horns have mystical powers when consumed as a powder, purportedly acting as an aphrodisiac. In reality, rhino horns are composed primarily of keratin protein, the same substance found in human fingernails, and have no proven medicinal or aphrodisiacal properties. It also has no cancer-curing properties.
In 2016, Northwest Parks initiated a dehorning programme for all rhinos. The procedure itself does not harm the animal in any way and the horn regrows. For now, this process has proven effective in deterring poachers.
“The rhino horn is not connected to the animal’s skeletal structure but grows from a growth plate above the bone. Dehorning, while essential, is an expensive procedure, TSAM managed to cover 70% of the costs of the recent dehorning process in the Pilanesberg.
“This support, along with donor funding and the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust, contributes to wildlife veterinarians and assistants, helicopters and pilots for darting, medication for sedation and stabilisation, ground teams, vehicles as well as volunteers. This collective commitment to protecting these magnificent animals and conserving wildlife make these efforts possible,” says John.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
