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MyPR Price Increases

On 22 September 2025, after 7 years of no increases at all, we increased the monthly submission price (for NEW members only) from R200.00 to R250.00 per month. All existing members will stay on R200 per month so long as they do not cancel or ‘take a break’.

We also increased the price for ‘once off’ submissions from R110.00 to to R120.00 per release – this after 13 years at the same price.

Should you wish to pay for monthly releases via EFT and manual invoice then we offer quarterly, six monthly and annual plans. Contact us HERE to request manual invoices.

Also – we are very open to any ideas that you may have regarding our service and encourage you to contact us HERE with comments, requests and ideas.

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World Rhino Day 2025: Poaching at 11 Year Low, but Still Threatens Some Populations

CAPE TOWN, 22 September 2025 – New data released in the International Rhino Foundation’s 2025 State of the Rhino report ahead of World Rhino Day on the 22nd indicates that although one rhino was poached every 15 hours in Africa last year, poaching levels are at their lowest in more than a decade. Asian and African rhino populations overall have increased by 430 to 26,700, since the last official count in 2022. Wild Africa emphasises that despite this progress, the poaching crisis remains a serious threat.

A white rhino calf in the Kruger National Park. The white rhino is listed as “near-threatened” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with an estimate population of 15,752. Photographer: Wild Africa

Africa is home to the majority of the world’s rhinos, including the “critically endangered” black rhino, a member of Africa’s iconic Big Five, and the “near-threatened” white rhino. Current estimates place the black rhino population at 6,788, and the white rhino at 15,752.

Poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horn remain the greatest threats to their survival, driven by demand from Vietnam and China, socioeconomic factors in Africa, and organised criminal gangs. Rhino horn is used as medicine in Vietnam and China and even for ornamental carvings and trinkets, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine.

In a concerted effort to prevent rhino extinction, African governments and conservation groups have implemented a range of anti-poaching strategies. These include on-the-ground protection initiatives, intelligence-led enforcement, advanced ranger training and integrity testing, and stronger collaboration with local communities. Many initiatives also integrate innovative technologies, such as camera traps, aerial surveillance, and motion sensors, alongside rhino translocation programmes aimed at reducing risk in high-poaching areas. While progress has been gradual, these multi-faceted approaches are beginning to yield results.

Since the onset of the poaching crisis in 2008, over 12,000 rhinos have been illegally killed in Africa, with the highest number recorded in 2015, when 1,349 rhinos were poached. By contrast, 2024 saw ‘merely’ 516 recorded poaching incidents. According to The African and Asian Rhinoceroses – Status, Conservation and Trade report (commissioned by CITES 2025), poaching accounted for just 2.15% of Africa’s total rhino population loss in 2024, the lowest rate in 13 years.

“While rhino poaching in South Africa has declined this year and populations are growing overall, rhinos are still threatened by poaching for their horns. Integrity testing of rangers needs to be applied across the board as it has been proven to be effective and education and demand reduction in Vietnam and China is also important as we seek to rebuild rhino populations,” says Peter Knights OBE, CEO of Wild Africa.

South Africa rhino statistics: 

  • South Africa has the largest rhino population according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • In 2024, 420 rhinos were poached in South Africa, a 15% decrease from 499 in 2023.
  • This represents 81.4% of all rhino poaching cases in Africa (420 out of 516).
  • From 1 January to 31 March 2025, 103 rhinos were poached in South Africa, averaging 34.3 rhinos per month. 35 fewer than the same period in 2024.
  • On 5 May 2025, Dr. Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, announced ongoing efforts to combat rhino poaching.
  • Median rhino populations in South Africa remain below the levels recommended by the IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group, meaning many populations are too small to be reproductively and genetically viable.

While there is hope for rhinos, their plight is far from over. These gains, though significant, remain fragile. Sustained investment in protection, stronger international collaboration, and continued efforts to reduce demand, particularly in consumer countries, are critical to securing the species’ future. On World Rhino Day 2025, Wild Africa urges governments, enforcement agencies, conservation groups, and the public to stay vigilant and maintain their commitment to rhino preservation.

Say no to poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, protect rhino habitats and report wildlife crimes.

Black rhinos in the Karoo, South Africa. The black rhino is listed as “critically endangered” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with an estimated population of 6,788. Photographer: Wild Africa
One rhino was poached in Africa every 15 hours last year, but population numbers are starting to come back. Photographer: Wild Africa

Video: Learn more about Wild Africa’s mission to protect wildlife:

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More Info on World Rhino Day 2025: Poaching at 11 year low, but still threatens some populations here: https://wildafrica.org/world-rhino-day-2025/
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My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

CAF announces referee for Ghana vs Mali game

South African referee, Badi Luxolo South African referee, Badi Luxolo

Badi Luxolo from South Africa has been appointed as the centre referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier between Ghana and Mali.

The 30-year-old will be assisted by Phatsoane Souru (Assistant Referee I) from Lesotho, Cledwin Baloyi (Assistant Referee II) from South Africa, and Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo from Namibia as the fourth official.

Guezzaz Mohammed from Morocco will serve as the Referee Assessor, while Kachalla Babagana Kalli will act as the Match Commissioner.

The Black Stars on Monday, September 8, 2025, will host the Eagles of Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium under the floodlights on matchday 8 of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Mali lost the first leg 2-1 under former coach Eric Chelle on June 6, 2024, at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

Ghana trained with full house as coach Otto Addo is expected to make significant changes to the starting lineup he used in the 1-1 draw against Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Inaki Benched, Partey Starts: Black Stars predicted starting XI against Mali

Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey and Joseph Paintsil are all expected to start in the game against a Mali team that has kept 6 clean sheets in their last 8 games.

Meanwhile, watch the pre-match conferences of Otto Addo, Tom Saintfiet and Black Stars final training session ahead of Mali game

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Makhanda’s Gwijo Combined Invited to Record With The Soil

Big dreams are fast turning into reality for the inaugural National Arts Festival Makhanda Igwijio Competition winners, Makhanda Gwijo Combined. The local singing group were recently invited to feature on the new album being made by South Africa’s iconic a cappella trio, The Soil. The homegrown Gwijo group met The Soil when they were at this year’s National Arts Festival as headline act and judges of the Makhanda Igwijio Competition. Gwijo Combined’s electrifying performance at the competition earned them more than first prize and the chance to perform with The Soil at the Festival, it also secured them an unexpected invitation to Johannesburg to record with the trio for their upcoming album.

Igwijo is a South African form of singing known for its intense emotion, shared harmonies and raw voices. It has been popularised by young people in sports teams, schools, weddings and other cultural gatherings.

The unmissable journey to the Joburg recording studio was made possible through the power of collective effort, with support from the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, as well as a fundraising initiative led by the Igwijo group themselves, and the determination and enthusiasm of family and friends.

While their trip was primarily focused on their time in the studio, they were also taken on a tour of some of Johannesburg’s cultural attractions such as Nelson Mandela Square, Vilakazi Street and The Market Theatre, where they were joined by National Arts Festival Chairperson, Professor Siphiwo Mahala and theatre director Mandla Mbothwe.

Makhanda Gwijo Combined and National Arts Festival, Chairperson Professor Siphiwo Mahala, outside The Market Theatre in Johannesburg.

Speaking on behalf of The Soil, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga said, “The session was nothing short of incredible. Those boys are born superstars, they were thrust into a professional studio environment for the very first time, yet handled themselves like seasoned pros. With a cappella, there’s always the challenge of keeping pitch and tempo consistent, and we introduced them to tools like the metronome to help them hold their ground without losing the soul of their music. They rose to every challenge brilliantly.”

Ntsika went on to say, “Beyond recording with us, this experience has shown that they are ready to record their own projects and step into the industry with confidence. It has been a blessing to extend our hand beyond the competition stage and to truly bond with them. We pray the magic felt in studio translates when the world hears the songs, one of which will feature on our upcoming album.”

With a deep understanding of the origins and evolution of township music, Ntsika recognised the Gwijo goes beyond just being a genre, “To us, it’s a heritage and to see our custodianship of a cappella meet their raw gift in such an effortless way is truly exciting. More than music, we encourage them to keep that same fire in their studies, to stay disciplined, and to live responsibly so their gifts can have longevity. They have now seen up close what a sustainable career in music can look like. What a start, what an exciting time for them, and for us too. We are so proud!”

After returning from their three-day trip, the group shared how monumental it was to be in the studio with their biggest inspirations and create music together. Expressing their gratitude for the experience, Lizalise Diva, the Makhanda Gwijo Combined group leader, said, “For a moment, I began to reflect on my childhood. I remembered singing The Soil songs like ‘Iinkomo’ with my friends. Who would have thought I would actually be in the studio with them? We learnt how much hard work and discipline it takes.” He also expressed appreciation for their management and Nobesuthu Rayi, the National Arts Festival Partnerships and Stakeholders Manager.

Another group member, Anothando Skade, agreed that the trip has left them inspired and motivated, “It was evidence that dreams really do come true. Growing up, I used to watch them (The Soil) a lot, so collaborating with them, was a very big moment for us”.

Featuring lead composer and founder Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, beatboxer and co-founder, Luphindo Ngxanga, and singer-songwriter Theo “Songstress” Matshoba, The Soil’s new album is expected to be released later this year.

Gqeberha Protesters Block Busy Addo Road, Demanding Better Land

Protesters from Nomakanjani informal settlement blocked the R335 early on Wednesday. demanding to be moved to better land.

About 300 protesters from Nomakanjani informal settlement in Motherwell in Gqeberha blocked the busy R335 Addo Road early on Wednesday.

They say their shacks are waterlogged when it rains and they want to be allocated land elsewhere.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said a truck had been burned. He said the road had been opened by 8:15am.

As the protest continued, the protesters blew whistles and sang songs such as “Noma besidubula, siyaya” (Even if they shoot us, we will not retreat) and “Amabhulw’ amnyama, andenziwari” (Black boers make us worried).

Protesters then marched to Ikamvelihle Police Station demanding that Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe address them. Instead, Ward 53 councillor Zwelandile Tsotso (ANC) addressed them, saying the mayor was held up in a meeting.

He said the mayor had promised to come.

A protester in the crowd shouted that they had voted for the mayor but she was too busy to address them: “But if they mayor is busy it’s fine, we will see you in 2026.”

Another shouted: “Even if we are birds, we are not scared to be shot at. This will be another Marikana massacre. We are used to being shot at.”

When they dispersed, protesters said they would return.

Some said the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality had promised to move families to vacant sites in neighbouring ward 54 on 18 August.

Resident Thembisa Lamani said officials from the municipality’s human settlements directorate had failed to keep their promise. “When it rains, our shacks leak and roads flood. We are overwhelmed with the stinking smell of dirty water, while frogs and mosquitoes are all over the area. Due to the unbearable situation, several families decided to leave the area for good. This is very sad,” she said.

Asked by GroundUp about the promise to move the families, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya did not respond.

In a statement earlier in the day, he said: “Residents are advised to avoid Addo Road as it is currently blocked due to protest action. The protest relates to human settlements grievances, and a municipal delegation will be engaging with the community to address the concerns.”

The settlement is waterlogged when it rains.

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Enjoy free access to national parks this September

South Africa is blessed with 21 national parks, and from 22 to 26 September 2025, locals will be able to visit some of them for free. 

This is in celebration of the South African National Parks Week, which runs from 22 to 26 September 2025. 

SANParks made the announcement on 13 August. 

“Week Of Free Access To National Parks Announced. On 21 September 2025 South African National Parks (SANParks) will host a celebratory event at Kruger National Park to kickstart the 20th annual SA National Parks Week which will be held from 22 to 26 September 2025 and extended to 27 and 28 September at selected national parks. During this period, free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks,” read the statement on Facebook. 

This will allow locals to explore ‘breath-taking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage’ that the parks offer without paying a cent. However, SANParks warned the offer does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. 

Locals can visit the following national parks for free during 22-26 September: 

Kruger National Park

  • Launch date: 21 September 2025, Mopani Rest Camp, Limpopo
  • Free access 22 – 26 September 2025

Northern Region 

  • Golden Gate Highlands National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • Mapungubwe National Park: 20 – 28 September 2025
  • Marakele National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025

Cape Region

  • Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • Table Mountain National Park: 22 – 25 September 2025 [Extension TBC] (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
  • Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • West Coast National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 (not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season)

Frontier Region

  • Addo Elephant National Park: 22 – 27 September 2025
  • Camdeboo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • Mountain Zebra National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025

Garden Route Region

  • Garden Route National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025

Arid Region

  • Augrabies Falls National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025
  • Mokala National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
  • |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: 22 – 26 September 2025

The Pilanesberg National Park is located less than 200 km from Johannesburg, making it a perfect day trip. This is where you can get to see Africa’s Big Five. The park is also in an area that has eroded mountains, valleys and plains. The entrance fee is R80 per adult and R30 per child. The park offers a three-hour open-vehicle guided safari, and prices range from R450 per child to R 900 per adult. Read more about the park here. 

You can also take another day trip and visit Marakele National Park, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg. The park has elephants, rhinos, and lions among other wildlife. Read more about it here. 

Visit these two parks to experience the beauty of wildlife, connect with nature, view amazing sights, see a range of South African plant species, and enjoy time out with loved ones. 

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Ibrahim Mahama sponsors emergency forensic transfer of helicopter crash victims’ remains to South Africa

Businessman Ibrahim Mahama, is sponsoring the emergency transfer of remains from Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash to South Africa for advanced forensic testing, as Ghana continues to mourn the loss of two ministers and six other officials.

In light of the severely damaged state of the remains, Ibrahim Mahama offered his private jet for the mission. The jet departed on Thursday, August 7, 2025, carrying biological samples from the victims, along with a government delegation and forensic experts from the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The team is led by the CID’s Head of Forensic Analysis and is expected to complete DNA testing within 6 to 12 hours of arrival. A solemn prayer session attended by the Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, the IGP, CID Director-General, and other dignitaries was held before takeoff.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak told the media the decision to send the samples abroad was to accelerate identification and allow for dignified burials. “We are working around the clock to conclude investigations and give families closure,” he said.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh also explained that even when testing is done locally, international confirmation is often required. Highlighting the need for speed and certainty.

The crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, and six others:

  • Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
  • Dr. Samuel Sarpong
  • Samuel Aboagye, NDC National Vice Chairman
  • Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
  • Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
  • Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Flags across the country have been ordered to fly at half-mast, as tributes continue to pour in and preparations begin for what is expected to be a state burial.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.



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