SPAR Group is strengthening its commitment to sustainable conservation through its annual SPAR Rhino Firelighter initiative – a campaign aimed at protecting and rehabilitating South Africa’s endangered rhino population. Now in its third year, the initiative pledges a donation of R2 to the Zululand Rhino Orphanage for every SPAR Rhino Firelighter purchased in store.

Launched in 2022, the initiative raised a substantial amount last year, directly supporting the care of Lazula, a rhino calf who arrived at the orphanage almost completely blind due to a medical condition, described in medical terms as congenital cataracts. With specialist intervention and dedication of the rhino carers, Lazula has made remarkable progress. Today, he is thriving as part of a crash of calves, indicating the impact of meaningful partnerships.

“Rhinos are under threat, with 420 lost in 2024 alone due to poaching. As the custodian of the world’s largest rhino population, SA’s efforts are central to the survival of the iconic species. Our SPAR Rhino Firelighter initiative is one way SPAR demonstrates its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which is embedded in our mission to be the brand of choice in the communities we serve,” said Mpudi Maubane, SPAR South Africa National PR, Communications, and Sponsorship Manager.

The Zululand Rhino Orphanage, the only dedicated facility of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal, plays a critical role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and ultimately rewilding rhino calves left orphaned by poaching. Calves like Lazula not only lose their mothers but also often suffer trauma and injuries themselves, leaving them vulnerable and in need of long-term care.

“Every rhino calf at our facility has a story of survival, and each donation helps us provide medical treatment and other logistics needed to prepare them for a life back in the wild,” explained Blake Beukes, Manager of Zululand Rhino Orphanage. SPAR’s contribution makes a tangible difference. Lazula’s journey is proof of what can be achieved through collaboration.

The SPAR Rhino Firelighter initiative reflects SPAR’s broader environmental stewardship, which includes ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact, support biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices across its operations. As global concerns grow over biodiversity loss and climate change, SPAR recognises that the preservation of wildlife like rhinos is central not only to the health of ecosystems but also to the well-being of future generations.

Poaching syndicates continue to threaten the rhino population by illegally trading horns, particularly to Asian markets, where they are marketed for use in traditional medicine. This has made rhinos one of the most endangered species, with SA bearing the heaviest burden.

Through the SPAR Rhino Firelighter initiative, customers can make a difference. Each purchase represents a small but significant step towards safeguarding our precious wildlife assets. Customers can continue supporting good causes by purchasing a SPAR Rhino Firelighter until the end of September 2026. SPAR Rhino Firelighters are locally manufactured, odourless, non-toxic, made from rhino dung and recyclable material.

At SPAR, we firmly believe that sustainability begins with collective action. Together with our customers, we are not only lighting fires in homes but also igniting hope for the survival of rhinos in South Africa,” concludes Maubane

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