On Saturday evening, the 27th of July, Johannesburg – based Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd staged a charity ball in aid of the Wildlands Conservation Trust at the famous Castle in Kyalami – themed as “Royalty of Africa.” The event marked the 22nd birthday of Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd, one of the leading mechanical and piping contractors in South Africa.
The event was inspired by a precious charity ball Wetback Contracts organised for their 21st Birthday in 2012, in aid of creating awareness and raising funds for nature conservation and social development.
Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd made a generous donation to Wildlands to enable this event, which brought together some of the company’s largest business partners, and all funds raised on the evening will go towards the Somkhanda Game Reserve in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, which is currently being managed by Wildlands in partnership with the Gumbi Community.
Master of Ceremonies on the evening, famous South African DJ, Alex Jay, set the stage for the glamorous event with an introduction of the purpose of the evening, focusing on the plight of South Africa’s wildlife, in particular the dwindling rhino population. He mentioned the important role corporate companies can play in safeguarding wildlife and contributing to sustainable development. Managing Director of Wetback Contracts (Pty) Ltd, Gianni Anic, elaborated on these points, confirming Wetback’s commitment to support wildlife conservation and the development of South Africa’s rural and urban communities. In support of this a cheque of R120 000 was handed by Mr Anic to Dr Roelie Kloppers of Wildlands.
Dr Kloppers, who was the guest speaker, thanked those present for ‘choosing to care’ through their support and commitment to Wildlands’ cause. The focus of his message was not one of ‘doom and gloom’, surrounding the current onslaught on South Africa’s wildlife, but rather a celebration of committed people wanting to make a difference. “People in this country are sick and tired of negative statistics about crime in our society and our game reserves. More and more people are coming together and putting their hands up to make a difference,” said Kloppers. This was evident during the auction, when those present pledged more than R160 000 towards Wildlands’ activities in Somkhanda Game Reserve.
Included in the auction was a post flag from the 18th hole of the 2012 Open Championship signed by South African great Ernie Els, an original signed and framed photograph of football genius, Lionel Messi, a signed and framed piece celebrating Graeme Smith’s 100 games as captain of South Africa and two exceptional Nelson Mandela pieces, celebrating his life and wisdom.
“The event was a great success and celebration of the commitment of South Africa’s corporate society towards wildlife conservation and sustainable development,” commented Kloppers, “Wildlands would also like to extend a huge Thank you to Wetback Contracts, your investment is key in making our Somkhanda Game Reserve a success story!”
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)