by
Chinwe
Heroes come in all colors, races, and sexes, but it is few and far between that we recognize black, female heroes. There is currently a group of black South African women who are fighting an important environmental war in their country.
The Black Mambas – who are they?
The Black Mambas, which was formed in 2013, is an all female anti-poaching unit in South Africa and the first of its kind. The unit, which is made up of twenty six women, protects rhinos and other wildlife in the entire Balule area (which is over 98,000 acres) from poachers. What makes this group even more heroic is that the women (yes, women) are taking successful stands against poachers. Since its inception, the unit has “reduced snaring and poisoning activities by 76% within their area of operation (BlackMamba.org). ”
These brave Mambas are also working by hand and foot alone. They do not carry guns nor do they patrol by vehicle. They “walk up to 20 kilometers a day as they check fences and seek out poachers, their trails, camps and snares (Thomson Reuters Foundation),” patrolling the Balule reserve for three weeks at a time. It is after they spot poachers or suspicious activity that they call in the armed guards. The Mambas’ job is by no means free of danger, as 27-year-old unit member Felicia Mogakane alludes to CCTV Africa:
Yes, I feel scared sometimes because I’m thinking, what if I don’t come back … What if we come across poachers … but there is nothing I can do because this animal must be protected (CCTV Africa)
The unit is so effective and courageous that back in September 2015, they were awarded the highest United Nation environmental honor entitled Champions of the Earth. In 2015, they were also recognized as the Best Conservation Practitioner of the Year at the annual Rhino Conservation Awards.
The meaning behind the group’s name truly suits its efficient impact against poachers. Felicia shares:
We’re called the Black Mambas because we can bite and we can strike as fast as lightning (Thomson Reuters Foundation)
SOURCES:
BlackMamba.org
Thomson Reuters Foundation
What do you think of the Black Mambas?
