ems foundation logo

Category News

10 Mar

WHERE ARE THE NAMIBIAN ELEPHANTS?

WHERE ARE THE NAMIBIAN ELEPHANTS? The Namibian Wild Elephant Auction, Capture and Export into Captivity in the UAE  On 3rd December 2020 a carefully worded government advertisement published in the Namibian media outlined its intention to auction wild elephants to anyone in Namibia or abroad. The potential buyers were required to meet the so-called strict criteria, which included […]

READ MORE

8 Mar

THE RECLASSIFICATION OF WILD ANIMALS AS FARMED ANIMALS SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGED IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE RECLASSIFICATION OF WILD ANIMALS AS FARMED ANIMALS SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGED IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA READ THE FULL JUDGEMENT: On the 17th of May 2019, Senzeni Zokwana former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries made an amendment to the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act No. 62 of 1998) (AIA) to include 33 wild […]

READ MORE

3 Mar

THE DECISION TO DRIVE THE BABOON TROOP OUT OF PRINGLE BAY

THE DECISION TO DRIVE THE BABOON TROOP OUT OF PRINGLE BAY THE OVERSTRAND BABOON MANAGEMENT PLAN Cullinan and Associates, environmental lawyers acting on behalf of the EMS Foundation have sent an urgent letter to the Overstrand Municipality, the Baboon Management Joint Task Team, Cape Nature Overberg and Human Wildlife Solutions with regard to their decision […]

READ MORE

21 Feb

OUR KIN DISCARDED, SOUTH AFRICA’S CRUEL AND GRATUITOUS TRADE AND KILLING OF (NONHUMAN) PRIMATES

IS PART FOUR OF THE EXTINCTION BUSINESS SERIES OF INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS PUBLISHED BY THE EMS FOUNDATION AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING SOUTH AFRICA INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT This report, Our Kin Discarded: South Africa’s Inhumane, Unsustainable and Discreditable Trade in (nonhuman) Primates focuses on South Africa’s so-called legal trade in (nonhuman) primates and their body parts. It […]

READ MORE

16 Feb

CONCERN ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN CHEETAH RELOCATION TO INDIA PROJECT

The cheetah is the fastest animal on land. Wild cheetah populations in Africa are under threat due to conflict with humans, loss of their habitat and associated prey, hunting and the trafficking from Africa to feed illegal demand for exotic pets in the Middle East. THE PROPOSED EXPORT OF CHEETAH FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO INDIA […]

READ MORE

24 Jan

33 ORGANISATIONS EXPRESS CONCERN ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AT CITES CoP19 HELD IN NOVEMBER 2022

33 ORGANISATIONS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AT CITES CoP19 HELD IN NOVEMBER 2022 Read the Full Letter Sent to the Vice President of the European Commission on the 16th of January 2022: The letter was written by Will Travers, President of the Species Survival Network and on behalf of […]

READ MORE

20 Jan

ASIAN BIG CATS IN CAPTIVITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

ASIAN BIG CATS IN CAPTIVITY IN SOUTH AFRICA On the 20th of January 2023 the EMS Foundation wrote an urgent Open Letter to Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy reminding the Honorable Minister about the open communication sent on the 22nd April 2021 expressing their grave concerns about public safety as a […]

READ MORE

17 Jan

SUBMISSION TO THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES ON THE PROPOSED REVISION TO THE RULE FOR THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

SUBMISSION TO THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES ON THE PROPOSED REVISION TO THE RULE FOR THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT The EMS Foundation is grateful to the USFWS for the opportunity to submit comment on the proposed revision of the rule for the African elephant under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 […]

READ MORE

17 Jan

AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE COLONIAL STYLED COMMERCIALISATION OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES ADVERTISED AT THE JAGD UND HUND EUROPES LARGEST HUNTING FAIR IN DORTMUND, GERMANY

AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE COLONIAL-STYLED COMMERCIALISATION OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES ADVERTISED AT JAGD UND HUND Advertised is the largest most prestigious shopping paradise for hunters, the 41st Jagd Und Hund is a trade show held annually in Dortmund in Germany, this year the show will be held from the 24th […]

READ MORE

24 Dec

REQUEST TO SUSPEND THE DECISION TO REMOVE MALE BABOONS FROM THE PRINGLE BAY TROOP

REQUEST TO SUSPEND THE DECISION TO REMOVE MALE BABOONS FROM THE PRINGLE BAY TROOP Saturday 24th of December Environmental lawyers Cullinan and Associates, acting on behalf of the EMS Foundation have, today issued an urgent communication which is addressed to the Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, representatives of the Baboon Management Joint Task Team, […]

READ MORE

16 Dec

A BOXER FROM THE OVERSTRAND WHALE BOXING CLUB SMASHES THE GLASS CEILING

The EMS Foundation sponsorship of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club included the team’s attendance at the annual National Boxing Championships held in December 2022. This year the event was held in Durban in KwaZulu Natal. The EMS Foundation extended the invitation to include and assist boxers from Khayelitsha in Cape Town. OWBC boxers brought six […]

READ MORE

8 Nov

BUILDING A HIGH SCHOOL IN HERMANUS IN THE WESTERN CAPE OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE EMS FOUNDATION LAYS THE FOUNDATION OF A NEW HIGH SCHOOL IN HERMANUS BY DONATING THREE CLASSROOMS AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES On the 8th of November 2022, the EMS Foundation officially opened the Hermanus Waldorf High School which currently consists of three classroom and associated facilities. The EMS Foundation generously donated these buildings to the Hermanus […]

READ MORE

8 Nov

BUILDING CLASSROOMS AND UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL THAT TRANSFORMS THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS

Given the right tools children will be able to find and achieve their personal greatness which will then, in turn, lead them to help others. In 2022, the EMS Foundation continued its mandate to enrich the lives of the less fortunate communities in South Africa. The EMS Foundation aligns itself with community leaders who are […]

READ MORE

26 Aug

COMMENTS ON DRAFT SOUTH AFRICAN ‘GAME’ MEAT STRATEGY

Phasellus enim libero, blandit vel sapien vitae, condimentum ultricies magna et. Quisque euismod orci utet.

READ MORE

6 Jul

JOINT STATEMENT OF 137 ORGANISATIONS POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING

“BAN TROPHY HUNTING IMPORTS AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO PROTECT WILDLIFE AGAINST ABSOLUTELY UNNECESSARY EXPLOITATION” 6th July 2022 JOINT STATEMENT OF 137 ORGANISATIONS POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING 6TH JULY 2022, BRUSSELS THE EMS FOUNDATION OPPOSES TROPHY HUNTING AND THE ASSOCIATED TRADE IN TROPHIES AND ASSERTS THAT “KILLING TO CONSERVE” IS NEITHER AN ETHICAL NOR A […]

READ MORE

6 Jul

JOINT POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING

THE EMS FOUNDATION OPPOSES TROPHY HUNTING AND THE ASSOCIATED TRADE IN TROPHIES AND ASSERTS THAT “KILLING TO CONSERVE” IS NEITHER AN ETHICAL NOR A SUBSTANTIAL APPROACH TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION. One hundred and thirty-seven organisations have signed in opposition of trophy hunting. This is the joint public statement of the one hundred and thirty-seven organisations: ©The […]

READ MORE

1 Jun

THE IMPACTS ON LEVELS OF ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS SINCE THE CLOSURE OF CHINA’S DOMESTIC TRADE IN IVORY

June 2022 WRITTEN BY DR HARVEY ROSS NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMIST The impacts on levels of illegal killing of elephants since the closure of China’s domestic market in 2017 Since 2015, when Chinese authorities first started to talk about imposing a domestic ivory ban (following on from then-US-president Obama indicating that the US would close its […]

READ MORE

27 May

COMMENTS ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN CLIMATE CHANGE BILL

27th MAY 2022 The comments submitted by the EMS Foundation and the Wild Law Institute have been endorsed by the members of the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa, Animal Law Reform and the Climate Justice Charter Movement. THE EMS FOUNDATION AND THE WILD LAW INSTITUTE SUBMITTED COMMENTS ON SOUTH AFRICA’S CLIMATE CHANGE BILL […]

READ MORE

26 May

COMMENTS ON THE BIODIVERSITY OFFEST GUIDELINE

26TH MAY 2022 The EMS Foundation was established in 2014. It is a Trust which is a registered nonprofit organisation and public benefit organisation. EMS is committed to social and inclusive justice, compassion and the advancement and protection of the dignity, rights and general welfare of vulnerable and marginalised groups and individuals in South Africa, […]

READ MORE

20 May

ONE HAND CLAPPING THE 2022 ZIMBABWEAN AFRICAN ELEPHANT SUMMIT

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT SUMMIT HWANGE NATIONAL PARK ZIMBABWE The Republic of Zimbabwe will host an African elephant summit in the Hwange National Park from Monday 23rd to Thursday 26th May 2022.   The summit will also officially announce the inauguration of the aerial elephant survey which has been spearheaded by the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) to take place in […]

READ MORE

15 Mar

NAMIBIA’S LIVE TRADE IN AFRICAN ELEPHANTS CAPTURED FROM THE WILD

Phasellus enim libero, blandit vel sapien vitae, condimentum ultricies magna et. Quisque euismod orci utet.

READ MORE

26 Nov

CONTROVERSIAL SEISMIC OIL AND GAS SURVEYANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

THE EMS FOUNDATION PROBES THE HISTORIC BACKGROUND TO THE DEAL FOR DEEP-WATER SEISMIC OIL AND GAS SURVEYANCE INTRODUCTION South Africa is the 12th worst emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. A large South Africa delegation attended the Climate Change COP26 Conference held between the 31st October and 12th November 2021in Glasgow in the United Kingdom.  South Africa’s substantial agenda was […]

READ MORE

11 Nov

EXTINCTION BUSINESS REPORT USED IN EVIDENCE IN HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

In July of 2018 the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading published a Report called the Extinction Business – South Africa’s Lion Bone Trade. In 2017 the South African Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, controversially and in the face of vociferous opposition and robust argument against this trade, set the annual export quota at […]

READ MORE

12 Aug

WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2021

Elephants Killed for Trophies in the Kruger National Park System, South Africa The EMS Foundation has confirmed, via an access to information request to the Limpopo government (LEDET), that in 2020 four male elephants were killed for trophies in an open system with the Kruger National Park – the Balule Reserve. In addition, in 2020, […]

READ MORE

10 Aug

WORLD LION DAY 2021

Focusing Exclusively on Lion Trophy Hunting The exploitation of wild animals has been identified as one of the dominant drivers of biodiversity loss, emergence of zoonotic infectious disease, animal suffering, and financial instability.  Lion populations have dropped by more than 40% in the past two decades. There are approximately 20000 wild lions in Africa, with only 3000 in South […]

READ MORE

2 Aug

REMEMBERING SKYE – THE LEADER OF THE WESTERN PRIDE OF LIONS IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

“Trophy Hunting is a form of selective elimination of the strongest members of a pride, based on whatever distinction has been accepted in the hunting fraternity.”  DAVID MABUNDA The Umbabat Nature Reserve is a privately owned nature reserve situated adjacent to the Kruger National Park on the bank of the Nhlaralumi River in the Bushbuckridge […]

READ MORE

28 Jul

EMS FOUNDATION AND WILD LAW INSTITUTE COMMENTS ON DFFE DRAFT POLICY POSITION 28TH JULY 2021

28TH JULY 2021 THE CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCERO Please read the full submission: Concluding Comments of the EMS Foundation and Wild Law Institute DFFE Submission: Humanity has overstepped the planetary boundary in respect of biological diversity and consequently has entered a “danger zone” where it will be negatively affected […]

READ MORE

24 Jul

GUIDELINE FOR COMMENTS ON DFFE DRAFT POLICY POSITION

Upon request, the EMS Foundation has provided useful information for interested individuals who want to get involved with the important decision making processes which concern us all. SUBMISSION DATE: 28TH OF JULY 2021 ACTION 1 PLEASE CONSIDER COMMENTING ON DR SOUTH AFRICA USING THIS LINK:  COMMENT: Conservation Policy (captive breeding) | Dear South Africa ACTION 2 […]

READ MORE

19 Jul

A HOLISTIC FRAMEWORK TO RESOLVE HUMAN AND WILDLIFE ISSUES IN THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT SECTOR

LETTER TO MINSTER BARBARA CREECY, DEPARTMENT FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT, 19th JULY 2021 The EMS Foundation commends the Honourable Minister for her commitment to ending inhumane and irresponsible practices in the wildlife industry which greatly harm the reputation of South Africa and to ending the captive lion industry so that South Africa does not […]

READ MORE

15 Jul

TRADING IN MISERY SOUTH AFRICA’S RECENT LION EXPORTS

TRADING IN MISERY SOUTH AFRICA’S RECENT LION EXPORTS INTRODUCTION TO THE REPORT The EMS Foundation has obtained official information from the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment via the Promotion of Access to Information Act also known as PAIA about lion exports from the Oliver Tambo International’s Airport situated in Johannesburg, South […]

READ MORE

6 Jul

SOUTH AFRICAN LION BREEDERS EXPORT LION CUB PETTING INDUSTRY TO IRAQ

COPY OF OPEN LETTER ADDRESSED TO MINISTER BARBARA CREECY TUESDAY 6TH JULY 2021 On the 2nd of May 2021 Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Barbara Creecy, released the report from the High Level Panel (HLP) of experts, which was appointed in 2019, to review policies, regulatory measures, practices and policy positions that relate to the hunting, trade, […]

READ MORE

9 May

THE CAPTIVE LION INDUSTRY – WHAT TO DO NEXT?

MEDIA STATEMENT – SOUTH AFRICA – 9TH MAY 2021 The High-Level Panel of Experts Report 2020 On Sunday the 2nd of May 2021, Minister of Environment, Barbara Creecy, released the High-Level Panel of Expert’s Report, which contains recommendations in relation to policies and regulations on the hunting, trade, captive keeping, management and handling of elephants, lions, […]

READ MORE

3 May

GUIDELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS BY SEA

© 2021 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved The EMS Foundation, represented by Environmental lawyers Cullinan and Associates, submitted comments on the Draft Guidelines for the Transportation of Live Animals by Sea to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa on the 30th April 2021. The position of the EMS Foundation […]

READ MORE

3 May

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CoP19 RESOLUTION CONSIDERATIONS

© 2021 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved COPY OF THE ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION 2ND MAY 2021 The nineteenth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19) is tentatively scheduled to be held in Costa Rica March 3rd-14th 2022. The US Fish and Wildlife Service invited submissions to include information and recommendations on animal and plant […]

READ MORE

12 Apr

CONCERN FOR THE ANIMALS AT THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

Honourable Minister Barbara CreecyMinister of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment 12 April 2021 Dear Honourable Minister Creecy, The EMS Foundation Concern for the Animals at the National Zoological Gardens On Sunday 11th of April 2021, the EMS Foundation received messages, and was repeatedly tagged on various social media platforms, from concerned South African citizens about the conditions […]

READ MORE

23 Mar

THE SOUTH AFRICAN CLIMATE JUSTICE CHARTER

THE SOUTH AFRICAN CLIMATE JUSTICE CHARGER ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2021 EMS FOUNDATION PUBLIC STATEMENT If the world wants to avoid a climate catastrophe, countries need to put into place policies and actions now that will produce deeper impacts, longer-term results, and systematic changes.  The South African climate justice movement which included the Co-Operative and […]

READ MORE

2 Feb

DENIAL AND WHITEWASHING IS PUSHING THE RHINO SPECIES TO EXTINCTION

PUBLIC STATEMENT TUESDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2021 South Africa bears the enormous responsibility of being the custodian of ninety percent of the world’s southern black and white rhino population.  Yesterday the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) published a graphic stating  that during 2020, 394 rhinos were poached for their horn in South Africa. This is apparently […]

READ MORE

15 Jan

KATAZA

STATEMENT OF CONCERN: KATAZA AND BABOON MANAGEMENT IN THE WESTERN CAPE FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY 2021 According to their own statement, on the 12th of January 2021, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA submitted an application to CapeNature for a permit to capture, transport and relocate Kataza/SK11 from the Western Cape to Limpopo.  Receipt of such application was […]

READ MORE

3 Nov

CLEAR AS MUD – The Official Response to Questions Relating to Trophy Hunting in the Associated Private Nature Reserves, the Greater Kruger National Park

CLEAR AS MUD – THE OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS RELATING TO TROPHY HUNTING IN THE ASSOCIATED PRIVATE NATURE RESERVES IN THE GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK 3rd November 2020 On the 6th August 2020 the EMS Foundation wrote an open letter to the Minister of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy, the CEO of SanParks Fundisile […]

READ MORE

1 Nov

The EMS Foundation and Animal Law Reform South Africa – Answers to the DEFF High Level Panel Written Questions

1st November 2020 INTRODUCTION The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries appointed a “High Level Panel of Experts for the Review of Policies, Legislation and Practices on Matters of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros Management: Breeding, Hunting, Trade and Handling” (“HLP” or “Panel”) in October 2019. The Panel made a call for submissions from stakeholders […]

READ MORE

30 Oct

The Ill Treatment of Kataza (SK11) is the Tipping Point for the Need to Reconfigure the Protection of Chacma Baboons and their Natural Habitat in the Western Cape of South Africa

OPEN LETTER Office of the Premier  Per Email: Premier.Winde@westerncape.gov.za 30th October 2020 Dear Honourable Premier Winde, Cape Town, with all its natural splendour, including the dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes, the world-class wineries and the spectacular beaches is a favoured destination of South Africans and travellers from all over the world. Voted as the best city in […]

READ MORE

30 Sep

DECEASED, A HUMPBACK WHALE, ANOTHER VICTIM OF FISHING EQUIPMENT ENTANGLEMENT SOUTH AFRICA

DECEASED, A HUMPBACK WHALE, ANOTHER VICTIM OF FISHING EQUIPMENT ENTANGLEMENT SOUTH AFRICA OPEN LETTER Honourable Minister Barbara Creecy 30th September 2020 WHALES CONTINUE TO SUFFER FROM HUMAN-INDUCED TRAUMA RESULTING FROM FISHING ENTANGLEMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA The EMS Foundation formally requested from the Honourable Minister Barbara Creecy, by means of a letter dated 07 September 2020[1], an […]

READ MORE

7 Sep

WHALE ENTANGLEMENTS AN URGENT REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE MORATORIUM ON THE USE OF NON-MOVABLE FISHING DEVICES

WHALE ENTANGLEMENTS AN URGENT REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE MORATORIUM ON THE USE OF NON-MOVABLE FISHING DEVICES OPEN LETTER Honourable Minister Barbara Creecy 7th September 2020 The EMS Foundation hereby submits a formal request for an immediate moratorium on the use of non-movable fishing devices, which include, but are not limited to, crayfish traps. We are extremely […]

READ MORE

27 Aug

A Rainbow in Someone Else’s Cloud

A RAINBOW IN SOMEONE ELSE’S CLOUD The Sunrise Educare Centre in Vrygrond, Muizenberg, situated in the Western Cape of South Africa The EMS Foundation delighted the children who attend the Sunrise Educate Centre today with new shoes. “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant […]

READ MORE

7 Aug

CALL TO THE G20 TO SUPPORT A BAN ON THE INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE TRADE AND AN IMMEDIATE PERMANENT CLOSURE OF WILD ANIMAL MARKETS

3RD AUGUST 2020 THE EMS FOUNDATION AND THE WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION ORGANISATION ADDRESS A PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, HIS EXCELLENCY CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, MEMBER OF THE G20 AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION We, the EMS Foundation and the World Animal Protection – Africa, with the endorsement of the undersigned African organisations, […]

READ MORE

5 Aug

UNETHICAL TROPHY HUNTING OF ELEPHANT IN THE GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Open Letter Minister Barbara Creecy, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, PPCEFF Members, Fundisile Mketeni CEO SanParks, SH Makhubele LEDET, Jared Goodman PETA and Senator Henry Stern Thursday 6th August 2020 The EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading (BAT), are registered Non-profit Organisations concerned, among other things, with the protection of wild animals. The EMS Foundation is a South African based social justice […]

READ MORE

27 Jul

RITA MILJO, REMEMBERING THE FEARLESS HEROINE OF BABOONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

RITA MILJO, REMEMBERING THE FEARLESS HEROINE OF BABOONS IN SOUTH AFRICA “Why wait until a species is on the brink of extinction before we try to help”. 27th July 2020 Rita Miljo was the founder of The Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education C.A.R.E. Rita Miljo was born in Litunaia, she moved to South Africa […]

READ MORE

18 Jul

EMS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES MANDELA DAY 2020

EMS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES NELSON MANDELA DAY 2020 WHERE RAINBOWS MEET “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same” Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela spent sixty-seven years of his life fighting for human rights. Mandela Day is an opportunity to remember him and to carry his legacy forward. […]

READ MORE

30 Jun

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MEAT SAFETY ACT

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MEAT SAFETY ACT A JOINT SUBMISSION BY THE EMS FOUNDATION AND ANIMAL LAW REFORM SOUTH AFRICA ADDRESSED TO: Dr M. Molefe Director: Veterinary Public Heath Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development  AND  Minister of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries We, Animal Law Reform South Africa (“ALRSA”) and […]

READ MORE

16 Jun

SUBMISSION IN RESPECT OF DEFF HIGH LEVEL PANEL THE EMS FOUNDATION AND ANIMAL LAW REFORM SOUTH AFRICA

SUBMISSION IN RESPECT OF DEFF HIGH LEVEL PANEL BY THE EMS FOUNDATION AND ANIMAL LAW REFORM SOUTH AFRICA 15TH JUNE 2020 MANAGEMENT, BREEDING, HUNTING, TRADE, HANDLING AND RELATED MATTERS: ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS “IF WE DO NOT DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT IT, AFRICA’S ANIMALS AND THE PLACES IN WHICH THEY LIVE, WILL BE LOST […]

READ MORE

8 Jun

EMS FOUNDATION AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING BREAKING POINT REPORT MEMORANDUM TO MINISTER CREECY

EMS FOUNDATION AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING BREAKING POINT REPORT MEMORANDUM TO MINISTER CREECY 8th June 2020 On the 21st of May 2020 Minister Barbara Creecy publicly responded to the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading Report on the legal wildlife trade between China and South Africa. The EMS Foundation and the Ban Animal Trading organisation […]

READ MORE

1 Jun

THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE FULFILLING IT’S ROLE AS A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE RULING GOVERNMENT

THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE FULFILLING IT’S ROLE AS A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE RULING GOVERNMENT OPEN LETTER DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE LEADER’S OFFICE Marks Building (2nd and 3rd Floor) ParliamentPlein StreetCape Town 8001Via email: leader@da.org.za Monday 1st June 2020 Dear Mr John Steenhuisen, THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE FULFILLING IT’S ROLE AS A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE RULING GOVERNMENT The EMS Foundation hereby officially […]

READ MORE

22 May

THE BREAKING POINT REPORT – PRESS RELEASE 22ND MAY 2020

THE BREAKING POINT REPORT – PRESS RELEASE 22ND MAY 2020 THE OUTCOME OF THE MEETING BETWEEN BAN ANIMAL TRADING SOUTH AFRICA, THE EMS FOUNDATION AND THE MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES The Minister of Environment, Barbara Creecy, initiated a meeting with the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading in response to the publication […]

READ MORE

18 May

EXPOSED: ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE BOOMING THANKS TO LEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE

ARTICLE ON THE BREAKING POINT REPORT WRITTEN BY: JARED KUKURA Illegal wildlife trade negatively impacts economies and ecosystems around the globe. In contrast, legal and regulated wildlife trade greatly benefits people and their surrounding environments. Those two prior statements are opinions, not necessarily facts, held by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of […]

READ MORE

17 May

THE BREAKING POINT – UNCOVERING SOUTH AFRICA’S SHAMEFUL LIVE WILDLIFE TRADE WITH CHINA

A SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORT BY THE EMS FOUNDATION AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING SOUTH AFRICA READ THE FULL REPORT HERE: https://emsfoundation.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BreakingPoint__FINAL_15052020_web.pdf Introduction The wild animals within the borders of South Africa are part of the heritage of every South African and we have the right to demand that our government protects wild animals against exploitation and […]

READ MORE

14 May

WILDLIFE ANIMAL PROTECTION FORUM SOUTH AFRICA SUBMISSION TO THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

IN RESPONSE TO THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS OFFER OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION WITH REGARD TO THE NATIONAL CATALOGUE OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE CAPTIVE BREEDING OF WILD ANIMALS IN CHINA The captive breeding of wild animals and the use of their products for food, clothing and medicine has […]

READ MORE

5 May

DISTRACTIONS ASIDE, CONSERVATION NEEDS RADICAL CHANGE

DISTRACTIONS ASIDE, CONSERVATION NEEDS RADICAL CHANGE – Written by Jared Kukura Dare to criticize the opinions of those promoting the exploitation of wildlife for economic benefit, and you will likely find yourself engulfed in frivolous drama that takes away from the real issues facing conservation. Craig Packer, and many others, know this all too well. […]

READ MORE

29 Apr

WHO STANDS TO BENEFIT, IF THE WILDLIFE TRADE CONTINUES?

 WHO STANDS TO BENEFIT, IF THE WILDLIFE TRADE CONTINUES? WRITTEN BY: Jared Kukura There is a clear divide in the conservation world. Despite most organisations agreeing wildlife trade caused the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no consensus on the path forward. An open letter released by the Lion Coalition called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to “release […]

READ MORE

27 Apr

“Sometimes it Falls Upon a Generation to be Great” Nelson Mandela

Freedom Day South Africa 2020 Ocean View, is a suburb situated in Cape Town in South Africa. It was established in 1968 as a township for “coloured” people who had been forcibly removed from so called “white areas” such as Simon’s Town, Noordhoek, Red Hill, Glencairn by the apartheid government under the Group Areas Act. […]

READ MORE

25 Apr

THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION STARTS WITH WILDLIFE TRADE BANS

THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION STARTS WITH WILDLIFE TRADE BANS – Written by Jared Kukura The Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS) released a statement opposing a ban on wildlife trade in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. ICCS advocates for better regulation of wildlife trade in the hope of benefitting people and wildlife. There are four main […]

READ MORE

13 Apr

NOW IS THE TIME TO BAN THE WILDLIFE TRADE

NOW IS THE TIME TO BAN THE WILDLIFE TRADE – Written by Jared Kukura The current public health crisis is forcing global leaders to reflect on what went wrong and what can be done to prevent future pandemics. Evidence suggests wildlife trade is responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak. But the question remains, what is the best path […]

READ MORE

4 Apr

I CHOOSE TO BE HERE – THE ART OF GIVING DURING THE GLOBAL COVID_19 PANDEMIC

I CHOOSE TO BE HERE – THE ART OF GIVING DURING THE GLOBAL COVID_19 PANDEMIC THE OVERSTRAND WHALE BOXING CLUB “Awubizwanga Uzizele, no one asked me to be here, I chose to be here” this is the mantra of the Overberg Whale Boxing Club which was founded by Mzi Damesi in 2007 and was formally […]

READ MORE

25 Mar

A LOOMING CRISIS – THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT INDUSTRY, COVID_19 AND GOVERNMENT CULPABILITY

An Open Letter to the Minister of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy A LOOMING CRISIS – THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT INDUSTRY, COVID_19 AND GOVERNMENT CULPABILITY Dear Honourable Minister Creecy, Since at least as far back as the late 1990s, various NGOs have warned your department about the harmful and negative effects of breeding […]

READ MORE

26 Feb

IS SOUTH AFRICA’S LION BONE TRADE CREATING HEALTH RISKS FOR WORKERS AND CONSUMERS COVID_19?

Claws, teeth and paws: a clandestine industry reduces wild lions to mere objects and creates health risks for workers and consumers AUTHOR Ross Harvey (PhD, Economics) In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, likely attributable to the consumption of pangolin meat at a ‘wet’ wildlife meat market in Wuhan, China, the Chinese state has imposed a ban […]

READ MORE

26 Feb

WILDLIFE ORGANISATIONS UNITE TO RESPECT AND SECURE THE WILDLIFE AT THE SANWILD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IN SOUTH AFRICA

The SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary “The only beneficiaries of the SanWild Wildlife Trust established in 2000, is the animals, the trustees are merely the custodians”. An offer has been presented to the trustees of the SanWild Wildlife Trust which translates into an enormous investment. The offer has been made with the best interests of the wild […]

READ MORE

23 Feb

THE MOSHIA SECONDARY SCHOOL PROJECT 2020 “Inspiring Greatness”

THE PROJECT IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY SHAMBALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE & THE EMS FOUNDATION On a beautiful morning, on Monday the 17th February 2020 the headmaster of Moshia Secondary School, in the village of Alma in Vaalwater, Limpopo Province in South Africa opened the school gates and welcomed his pupils and invited guests to celebrate […]

READ MORE

6 Feb

THE EMS FOUNDATION BID TO SAVE ELEPHANTS FROM HUNT IN BOTSWANA

The EMS Foundation has written an urgent letter to the Botswana government in order to try and save elephants that are being auctioned in a trophy hunting auction in Gabarone, 7th of February 2020. BOTSWANA TO SELL SEVEN HUNTING PACKAGES OF TEN ELEPHANTS EACH The Botswana government has demonstrated to the world that it does […]

READ MORE

31 Jan

THE INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF NATURE PAPER DOES NOT PROVE THE BENEFITS OF TROPHY HUNTING

Written by Dr Ross Harvey – EMS FOUNDATION Ahead of this year’s Safari Club International (SCI) Convention, at which Donald Trump Jr will be a keynote speaker, the organisation issued a press release attacking Humane Society’s objection to its cruel practices. HSI also questioned whether hunting makes an overall positive net contribution to conservation. The […]

READ MORE

21 Jan

The EMS Foundation and UK DEFRA CONSULTATION – TROPHY HUNTING POLICY BRIEFING

BY ROSS HARVEY “A classic example of entrenched white privilege is the Associated Private Nature Reserves in South Africa, bordering the world-renown Kruger National Park. The six private reserves each comprise a number of different private owners and farms. By 1996, these reserves had almost no elephants left as they had been hunted to near […]

READ MORE

30 Nov

WHALE COAST CONSERVATION

Comment on the Proposed Overstrand Municipality Amendment By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning 2019 and Associated Documents A COPY OF A LETTER FROM WHALE COAST CONSERVATION TO THE OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY: 28TH November 2019 Municipal Manager Overstrand Municipality PO Box 20HERMANUS7200 For attention Mr. Lionel Wallace Email: cgroenewald@overtrand.gov.za  cc lwallace@overstrand.gov.za Dear Sir, Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) has considered […]

READ MORE

28 Nov

The Long Tentacles of Safari Club International (SCI) Undermining Conservation Efforts in Africa

28th November 2019 The SCI exists to ‘protect the freedom to hunt’ and promote ‘wildlife conservation worldwide’. Since 2000, the organisation has spent $140 million on achieving its first objective through ‘policy advocacy, litigation and education for federal and state legislators to ensure hunting is protected for future generations.’ A little-known fact is that it also has […]

READ MORE

26 Nov

WAPFSA RESPONDS TO THE THE HIGH LEVEL ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

25TH NOVEMBER 2019 IN A LETTER ADDRESSED TO: THE DIRECTOR GENERAL MS NOSIPHO NGCABA AND MINISTER BARBAR CREECY RE: ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW POLICIES, LEGISLATION AND PRACTICES ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT, BREEDING, HUNTING, TRADE AND HANDLING OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS AND RELATED MATTERS A. BACKGROUND We, the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum […]

READ MORE

25 Nov

THE FUTURE OF THE SANWILD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

MEDIA STATEMENT MONDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2019 FROM ANIMAL CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION ORGANISTIONS Yesterday (24 November 2019), the SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary Board of Trustees of the released a media statement indicating that Mr Andre Grobler – co-founder and manager of the Sanctuary – had been voted off the Board on 22 November 2019. Mr Grobler has been accused […]

READ MORE

11 Nov

South Africa’s Positional Play at CITES is Poor Form

Written by Dr Ross Harvey, PhD (Economics) On 6 November 2019, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), provided feedback to interested stakeholders on the outcomes of proposals submitted to the 18th Conference of the Parties (CoP18) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species […]

READ MORE

4 Nov

The EMS Foundation Visits The Overstrand Whale Boxing Club

On 28 of October 2019 the EMS Foundation has visited the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) in Zwelihle, Hermanus, South Africa. Liz Steyn and Michele Pickover joined the team and Liz even boxed and sparred for a few minutes with coach Mzi. The Club, founded by Mzi in 2007 has achieved phenomenal success, not only […]

READ MORE

1 Nov

Evaluating Captive Wildlife Attractions & Activities

A GUIDE and TOOL by SATSA, The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association. This guide is SATSA’s response to a mandate from the industry facing radical movement against “animals in captivity for human enjoyment” Download PDF Guide Photo credit: SATSA © Copyright EMS Foundation 2019. All rights reserved.

READ MORE

22 Oct

EMS Presentation to the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs:

“The state of captive lion breeding in South Africa and the Economics thereof”, by Dr Ross Harvey, econimist. On the 22nd of October, economist Dr Ross Harvey presented to the Portfolio Committee (PC) an analysis called “Bred for the bullet: Why big cats should not be bred in captivity”, which was a summary of the […]

READ MORE

16 Oct

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Pressure mounts on governments to stop baby elephant imports

16 October 2019 The Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) has been denied access to the country’s captive elephants, reportedly about to be sent to captive facilities in China. This suggests that welfare concerns are being ignored. The ZNSCPA is constitutionally permitted to access any part of the country if […]

READ MORE

16 Oct

Urgent Letter re Proposed Export of Elephants from Namibia to Pakistan

It has been reported in the press in both Pakistan and Namibia that Pakistan has made an application to import 10 African elephants from Namibia to captive facilities in Pakistan. This has also been confirmed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Removing baby elephants from their families is increasingly recognised as an ethically and […]

READ MORE

10 Oct

Indaba of Experts Concludes that Elephants Should Not be in Captivity

Chairperson’s Summary Report and Recommendations On 6 September 2019, the EMS Foundation, convened an international Indaba and Panel Discussion with national and international elephant behavioural specialists in Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa, to discuss the issue of elephants in captivity and to develop a framework as well as policy guidelines for dealing with elephants in […]

READ MORE

7 Oct

Alleged Smuggling of Lion Bones Called “Legal” by Minister’s Spokesperson

Media Release from Members Of The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA) The recent news release of 342 kg of lion bones discovered on an outbound flight at OR Tambo Airport on 1st October 2019 which was subsequentially confiscated, has had extensive media coverage. The comment from the Director of Communications at the Department […]

READ MORE

4 Oct

Giving new meaning to the word Disingenuous!

Minister Creecy takes selfie with climate change activist Greta Thunberg. Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Minister for the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, yesterday – 3 October 2019 – addressed the launch of South Africa’s National Biodiversity Assessment. This occasion follows hot on the heels of the Minister appearing in selfies with Greta Thunberg, whose speech to […]

READ MORE

4 Oct

Compatibility of Trophy Hunting as a Form of Sustainable Use with IUCN’s Objectives

This report was posted on the IUCN website on Friday 27th September 2019 but was subsequently removed with no explanation. The report aims for assisting IUCN to clarify the ethical acceptability of trophy hunting according to current IUCN statutes and policies and consistent with generally accepted methodologies of social and environmental ethics. There has been […]

READ MORE

22 Sep

Exporting Chimpanzees from South Africa to China: Utterly wrong but technically allowed by CITES loopholes?

It has come to our attention that 18 chimpanzees have recently been exported from South Africa to China (https://news.sina.cn/gn/2019-09-16/detail-iicezueu6071304.d.html?from=wap).

READ MORE

10 Sep

Elephants in Captivity Under the Spotlight: Taking Elephants out of the Room

ln Hermanus on 6 September, at the Municipal Auditorium, elephant specialists from around Africa and the world participated in a conference, Taking Elephants out of the Room, to begin the process of dealing with issues of their captivity, welfare and the ethics of confining these sentient creatures. The aim was to create a framework within […]

READ MORE

30 Aug

No Governance, No Science and No Sustainability in South Africa’s Captive Lion Breeding Industry

It has been clear for a long time that – to put it euphemistically – there has been a catastrophic absence of governance in South Africa’s captive lion breeding industry. The national Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) is tone-deaf to the global scientific community’s abhorrence of the industry. A strong indicator of zero […]

READ MORE

26 Aug

It’s not a Numbers Game

New Science Reveals that Hunting and Killing Elephants is Not a Useful Tee-protection Mechanism The shooting of elephants is often defended on the grounds that it provides conservation benefits that could not otherwise be achieved. For instance, not all conservation areas are amenable to photographic tourism, which means that they require other sources of funding […]

READ MORE

26 Aug

Access to Information Request Reveals that South Africa holds 77 tonnes of Stockpiled Ivory: This is Untenable

South Africa doesn’t make its ivory stockpile numbers publicly known, so in May 2019 the EMS Foundation submitted a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), no. 2 of 2000. In response, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) revealed that the national ivory stockpile held by government bodies is nearly […]

READ MORE

26 Aug

SOUTH AFRICA’S RHINO HORN STOCKPILE

Selling the Family Silver: South African Government will Trade Anything if it thinks it can Make Money South Africa does not routinely make its rhino horn stockpile numbers publicly known, so in May 2019 the EMS Foundation submitted a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), no. 2 of 2000.

READ MORE

20 Aug

Open Letter by Elephant Specialists, re. Captive elephants and import of wild elephants for captivity

This letter, signed by 54 experts who “collectively are world-renowned authorities on elephant behavior, sociality, welfare, care and conservation,” was sent to US Fish and Wildlife today in opposition to any prospective imports of wild-caught elephants from Zimbabwe (or, by extension, any nation) Read full letter © Copyright EMS Foundation 2019. All rights reserved.

READ MORE

7 Aug

WAPFSA Comments on Biodiversity Bill

We want to highlight the importance of today’s Lion Bone Judgement which has major implications for CapeNature and the issuing of permits to facilities keeping captive wildlife and offering wildlife/human interaction. We request a moratorium on issuing of permits until processes and procedures will be in place to implement the judjment which we request you […]

READ MORE

6 Aug

High Court Judgement on Lion Bone Quota

A landmark decision was reached in the High Court in the matter NSPCA vs Department of Environmental Affairs on the 6th of August 2019. The decision was made in regard to South Africa’s controversial lion bone trade. The trade in lion bone in 2017 and 2018 was ruled unlawful and unconstitutional. In this judgement by […]

READ MORE

30 Jul

SSN Briefing to the South African Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries

As a group of conservation organisations with extensive knowledge of, and decades of experience with, wildlife policy, particularly in relation to trade, we have prepared the attached briefing on the impacts of international trade on endangered species, in the hope that you will find the time to read and consider it. We have prepared it […]

READ MORE

18 Jul

Donation of Tutudesks to schools in the Vaalwater area of Limpopo.

An EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Reserve initiative. © Copyright EMS Foundation 2019. All rights reserved.

READ MORE

16 Jul

Letter re: Euthanizing of Baboons as a Strategy

There is an urgent need to call for a moratorium on killing baboons, until such a time that there is a more in-depth assessment of the current situation. The undersigned organisations are in support of such a moratorium. Read full letter © Copyright EMS Foundation 2019. All rights reserved.

READ MORE

12 Jul

Octopus Trapping in the False Bay, how to move forward

It is of serious concern to us that 13 whales have been entangled in octopus-trap fisheries along the South African coast over several years, with 9 whales having succumbed to their injuries. Although very dangerous, octopus traps are not the only line catch devices causing entanglements; other fatalities have been recorded and have been linked […]

READ MORE

1 Apr

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa is a coalition of twenty-six South African wildlife NGOs. We implore the government of Botswana not to implement the recommendations handed to the President on 21st February 2019 Full PDF Document […]

READ MORE

28 Mar

Response from The Coalition “To Stop the Captive Breeding and Keeping of Lions and other Big Cats for Commercial Purposes” to SATSA Animal Interaction Workshops.

There are many concerns around the captive breeding of indigenous and exotic wild animals and their use in the tourism industry, such as cruelty, unnatural behaviour, unsuitable conditions, disease, distress, safety of persons involved and the fact there is absolutely no conservation value to this industry and thus these animals are being used purely for […]

READ MORE

22 Feb

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation

Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa is a coalition of twenty-six South African wildlife NGOs. We implore the government of Botswana not to implement the recommendations handed to the President on 21st February 2019. Full PDF Document © Copyright EMS Foundation 2019. All rights reserved.

READ MORE

21 Feb

CALL FOR MORATORIUM ON HUNTING IN THE ASSOCIATED PRIVATE NATURE RESERVES SOUTH AFRICA

CALL FOR MORATORIUM ON HUNTING IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATED PRIVATE NATURE RESERVES The purpose of this letter is request an urgent undertaking from SANParks that it will not sign a new agreement between themselves and the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) until the process that the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs directed […]

READ MORE