Local businessman is going the distance to save Africa’s Rhino

Theodore Yach,53, one of Cape Town’s most respected businessmen and one of the South Africa’s accomplished cold water ultra swimmers, have taken up the challenge to help save Africa’s rhino.

Theodore was instrumental in creating the Cape Town Partnership and the Cape Town Central City Improvement District, which were key players in drawing in over R25 billion investment into Cape Town to reverse the decline of the CBD.

Beyond his working life in the property arena, Theodore is a cold water ultra swimmer who has successfully swum the English Channel, regarded as the pinnacle of open water swimming, and has made the Robben Island – Blouberg crossing 62 times.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of his first crossing in 1981, Theodore will be tackling his 63rd crossing and he’s doing it for a great cause. Under the auspices of the CLDSA (Cape Long Distance Swimming Association) and in conjunction with Aquila Private Game Reserve’s ‘Saving Private Rhino’ initiative, Theodore will be swimming to save Africa’s rhinos. All sponsorship raised from the event will be donated to the Saving Private Rhino fund.

More rhinos have been killed in South Africa in the past 10 months than were killed in all of 2010. Statistics from South Africa National Parks show that 342 animals have been poached so far in 2011, compared to a record total of 333 last year. ‘Saving Private Rhino’, established after 2 rhino where brutally killed and dehorned at Aquila Private Game Reserve, was set up to ensure the future conservation of Africa’s rhino and wildlife heritage.

The swim will take place on Sunday 4 December 2011, and we anticipate the arrival of Theodore and his fellow CLDSA swimmers at Big Bay, Blouberg at approximately 09h00. Spectators and supporters will be able to welcome the swimmers and get involved with the Saving Private Rhino fund through the promotional drive that will be happening at Eden on the Bay and on the beach throughout the morning.