Members of the legendary South African rock band, BLK JKS, will join Bush Warriors’ peaceful demonstration to speak out against South Africa’s rhino crisis.

Bush Warriors has confirmed that two members of the popular South African rock band, BLK JKS, will be attending an upcoming non-violent protest, lending their voice in speaking out against the nation’s surging rhino crisis. The ‘Bush Warriors Rally for South Africa’s Rhinos’ will take place in front of Limpopo’s Musina Magistrate Courthouse on 11 April, 2011, the trial date and location of a high-profile case involving suspected members of a rhino poaching syndicate. The non-violent protest will provide citizens with an opportunity to voice their concerns about the poaching issue, urge the judicial system to take a firm stance against poaching by enforcing strict punishments for offenders, and to assert that these criminal acts will not be tolerated by society.

“Well it's pretty simple, really, and we all know this. Rhino poaching is unnecessary, and to cause any living thing unnecessary pain is one of the greatest evils. But to stand by and watch, when you can do something about it, is worse,” says BLK JKS guitarist, Mpumi Mcata.

Based in Johannesburg and established in 2000, BLK JKS is internationally-recognized for their talented music. They starred in the World Cup 2010 kick off concert in South Africa, where they performed “Mzabalazo”, a song the band describes as an "update of a classic apartheid era ‘Toyi Toyi’ fight song when folks got it crackin’ in the streets". Representing South Africans of all kinds, they will stand with other protestors to make it clear that rhino poaching will not be tolerated by South Africa nor the world. They will also lead the rally with empowering, motivating songs to get people up on their feet.

"It is truly one of Bush Warriors' biggest honors to have the legendary BLK JKS join us at the rally in Musina. To have the support of these proud South African icons is extremely important in the fight to save rhinos. Not only does their presence help raise awareness about the desperate situation faced by these animals, but more importantly, it shows that there is a revolutionary social movement from within South Africa in speaking out against rhino poaching. BLK JKS is setting an example to be followed by others throughout Africa and the world," explains Dori Gurwitz, the Founder of Bush Warriors.

The monumental event marks the first time in history that anything like this has been attempted for rhinos. It is truly a fascinating affair, as it has involved coordinated efforts from opposite sides of the world, working together to organize the rally and make it a success. Amazingly, some involved in the organizing have never even met face-to-face. With the aid of social media, the peaceful demonstration has gained the support of people from around the world. Other South African celebrities who’ve lent their voice to the cause include lead singer, Cito, of the rock band WONDERboom, and former Miss India-South Africa (2007-2008), Miss Sabeeha Husain.
Bush Warriors, a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness about global wildlife issues, is calling on the public to attend and support the rally, in order to serve as a voice for South Africa’s imperiled rhinos. The protest will demonstrate national and global support for the South African government's intolerance for rhino poaching, setting an example for the world. It is hoped public outcry will bring justice for one of the nation’s most economically important assets, which are threatened are threatened with extinction due to rampant illegal poaching.

The case to be tried on the day of the rally illustrates the importance of focusing efforts on organized crime syndicates, which are the primary forces driving these criminal acts, operating with flagrant disregard for the law. The suspects in the 11 April case include well-known game farmers, veterinarians, and professional hunters from within the conservationist community and are believed to have worked together to carry out large-scale rhino poaching operations. The case has drawn international attention and could be the tipping point wildlife supporters are hoping for in the battle to protect rhinos.

In 2010, poachers slaughtered 333 rhinos in South Africa. In just the first three months of 2011, the nation has already lost close to 80 rhinos. Holding a large majority of the world’s White and Black Rhino populations, the nation serves as a major tourist attraction for those wishing to see one of the most revered of Africa’s ‘Big Five’. Citizens, stakeholders, and conservationists from around the world are deeply concerned about the future of these species. Their message of intolerance for crimes against rhinos will be underscored if the judicial system takes a paralleled stance in the upcoming trial. Should the proceedings rule in favor of stringent punishments, the stage will be set for similar cases in the future and will send a bold warning of the consequences for illegally killing rhinos or contributing to these acts.

All who feel strongly about protecting South Africa’s rhinos and tourism-based economy are strongly encouraged to gather peacefully for this demonstration and to make their voices heard by the court, the government, the criminals, and the world. This is the first time in history that something like this has been attempted for these animals. Bush Warriors has organized for free transportation to the rally via bus from Johannesburg for anyone interested in attending. They welcome any additional support for this historical affair, including the provision of transport from various locations across country, provision of overnight accommodations for rally attendees who’ve traveled from afar, and supplying printed Bush Warriors materials for the event.

For more information on the event, the poaching of rhinos, or Bush Warriors, please visit their website or contact them at:

Website: www.bushwarriors.org
Email: bushwarriors@gmail.com