Vodacom uses its technology to help fight against rhino poaching

The scourge of rhino poaching remains problematic in South Africa. To help combat this challenge, Vodacom and Celcom have now thrown their weight behind the fight against anti-rhino poaching operations by introducing an innovative security measure for the Addo Elephant National Park. This includes the provision of mobile devices that have been programmed with a Cmore application software to help protect the Park from poachers.
The smart-phones will enable real-time tracking of rangers out in the veldt which is crucial in the safety and security environment. The application also allows rangers to enter information such as poaching incidents, poacher sightings, carcass locations or logging a patrol.

Addo Elephant National Park, Conservation Manager, John Adendorff says: “In the Addo scenario, ranger teams need the ability to detect events, follow forces in the field, collaborate between one another and receive rapid feedback. The Cmore enabled cell-phones will be issued per two-man patrol and will be switched on automatically to monitor the rangers’ positions, who are able to plot any incidents they come across in the field on the system. If needed, additional forces can be deployed immediately, effectively and precisely through GPS co-ordinates.”

The application was developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is an innovative technology tool that is based on modern web and mobile technology. In essence, Cmore is a comprehensive portal which allows for in-depth search and visualisation of all Cmore related devices such as tracking, incidents, positions of interest and resources.

Vodacom Eastern Region, Executive Head: CBU Sales and Marketing, Travis Goate says: “In keeping with our commitment to ensure that we use our technology to change lives, this partnership with Celcom and Addo Elephant National Park is a perfect demonstration of the transformative power of technology.”