The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust

The KRST is a community-based wildlife project, established in 1992. The project was conceived in 1989 by a group of concerned residents who wished to save the vanishing rhino, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and to provide economic benefits to the community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. A model for environmental education was also envisioned.

At the time the idea was conceived, it became apparent that unless immediate action was taken to protect rhinos in Botswana, the country would soon have no rhinos left at all. Lt. Gen. S.K.I. Khama, Paramount Chief of the Bamangwato, agreed that the project was worthy and agreed to become its Patron. Discussions were held with the local villagers in a series of Kgotla (public) meetings in Serowe, Paje and Mabeleapudi, the villages closest to the proposed site. At these meetings, the residents expressed their approval of the project.

Negotiations for a site were initiated and a deed of trust was drafted. In October 1992, the KRST was formally registered. Eight member of the Board of Trustees were elected at Kgotlas in Serowe, Paje and Mabeleapudi and two members were appointed by the Paramount Chief. The Trustees appointed a Management Committee to manage the day-to-day operation of the Sanctuary.

The Site
In 1993, after consultation with all affected parties, the Ngwato Land Board allocated the land around the Serwe Pan to the KRST. The selected site had been communal grazing land.

Formerly home to rhinos and other diverse wildlife, the particular site was chosen as a safe haven for rhinos due to its ideal habitat, central location and proximity to a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) base. The BDF provides 24-hour security for the rhinos. The Sanctuary is located 28 kms. from Serowe in eastern Botswana on 4,300 hectares of Kalahari sandveld savannah.

To the north and west stretches Kalahari bushveld; to the south and east, at the Mmoko escarpment the sandveld gives way to hardveld. The Serwe Pan provides prime habitat for white rhino and other grazing animal such as zebra and wildebeest, whilst the denser vegetation in the southern portion of the Sanctuary is favoured by browsing animals such as black rhino and giraffe.

Who is the KRST?

Patron
Lt. Gen. S.K.I. Khama

Board of Trustees
Raymond Watson, Chairman Bathusi Letlhare, Vice-chairman Tholego Seretse N.E.K. Sebele Kgosi M. Martin Bajaki Boiteto Norma Watson Kgosi Batshabile (Mabeleapudi) N.S. Martin (Paje) B.S. Seithamo, (VDC) G. Rencken - Treasurer R. Potasznik - Secretary/Coordinator.

Management Committee
R. Watson, B. Letlhare, N,E.K Sebele, J. Broekhuis, G. Rencken, M, Fry, G. Lesiela, L.S.B. Dabutha, N. Watson, R. Blackbeard, P, Rencken, R. Potasznik, A. Joubert and R, Joubert.

Staff
A. Joubert, O.Galaletsang, K.Nkobiwa. B.Shashane, P.Mothlanka, M. Rapontso, D, Mochanang, M. Tsalayabotshelo, L.Osupile.