The topic of legalising the trade in rhino horn will be debated at the SATSA Conference, which takes place from August 8-9 at Spier in Stellenbosch.
The debate will include panellists Colin Bell, conservationist and Founder of Wilderness Safaris; and Pelham Jones, Chairperson of the Private Rhino Owners’ Association, and will be moderated by TBCSA Chairperson, Mavuso Msimang.
Last year, the South African Cabinet approved the development and submission of a proposal to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to introduce regulated international trade in rhino horn. Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, also recently invited stakeholders to participate in the process of investigating the feasibility of legalising rhino horn trade. 
The Department of Environmental Affairs said last week that 558 rhino had been poached since the beginning of this year. Rhino poaching has continued to increase, with 1 004 rhino poached last year. This compares to 333 in 2010, 448 in 2011 and 668 in 2012.
SATSA CEO, David Frost, says that, as an association, SATSA has not taken a position for or against rhino horn trade. “We have members both pro and anti-trade.  We have scheduled the debate as it goes to the heart of conserving a key pillar in our Big Five offering and has a direct impact on our tourism offering.” Following requests from SATSA members and because the issue impacts on tourism businesses, SATSA decided to include the debate in its annual conference.
To see the full programme for the SATSA conference, click here.
For more information or to register for the conference, click here.