Stepping out for rhinos – Our ongoing commitment to conservation
Spring is in the air, the sun is shining brighter, and for us at Sectional Title Solutions, Bright Light and the wider STS Group, this season is about more than blossoms and warmer days, it’s about honouring our ongoing commitment to protecting one of South Africa’s most iconic species: the rhino.
Every year, 22 September marks World Rhino Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness around the plight of rhinos and the urgent need to protect them from extinction. For us, this is not just a date on the calendar, but a reminder of why we continue to invest in conservation initiatives, especially through our long-standing partnership with Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, the world’s largest rhino orphanage.
Our World Rhino Day commitment comes alive in three ways: through our Bright Light solar and battery sponsorship powering conservation at Care for Wild, our annual Rhino Run on 20 September, and meaningful visits by our team to the sanctuary.
Powering conservation with solar energy
Protecting rhinos is not only about boots on the ground, but also about providing sustainable resources to ensure sanctuaries can function effectively. At Care for Wild, the demands are immense, from veterinary care and food supplies to ensuring the safety of the animals and staff. Reliable energy is critical for keeping everything running smoothly.
That’s where our solar sponsorship, through Bright Light makes a lasting difference. By installing an off-grid solar system at the sanctuary, we’ve helped reduce their dependence on unreliable and expensive grid electricity, while lowering their carbon footprint. The system powers essential operations, including security infrastructure, staff facilities, and the day-to-day running of the sanctuary.
In short, every ray of sunshine captured by those solar panels is directly contributing to the survival of rhinos. For us, this is conservation in action. It’s sustainable, impactful, and designed to protect not just animals, but the natural world they inhabit.
The 2025 rhino run: Stepping out for rhinos
Of course, raising awareness and funds is just as important as providing resources. That’s why we’re thrilled about the return of one of our most anticipated annual events: the STS Rhino Run.
The mission: On 20 September 2025, just two days before World Rhino Day, we called on our colleagues, partners, and friends to join us in #SteppingOutForRhinos. This year’s run once again raised funds for Care for Wild, ensuring that the sanctuary has the support it needs to continue its critical work.
How it works:
- The Rhino Run is fully virtual, meaning colleagues could participate from anywhere.
- Not a runner? No problem! People could also log kilometres by walking, cycling, swimming, rowing and even crawling. Every single kilometre counts toward saving our rhino friends.
Make our CEO pay:
True to tradition, our CEO Johnny Wates pledged to donate R50 for every kilometre completed by staff, (for cyclists, there was a 20km cap for donations, but many went the extra distance anyway!)
Prizes and fun:
- Most km ran – Maryann Milne at 42.33km
- Most km cycled – Ryan Gilbert with 22.65km cycled
- Most km walked – Lindiwe Mpama walking 20km
- Most steps in an activity – Ane Adriaanse, who paddled 17.15km
- Best Dressed – Louise Rodeway
Participants were encouraged to post their photos and distances by the 20th, and also to get creative with outfits.
Last year’s Rhino Run was a roaring success, and this year, our team and supporters came together once again to make an impact, one kilometre at a time. With over 320 km logged and a generous donation of R16 030.00 from our CEO to match!
A visit to Care for Wild
Beyond the solar sponsorship and annual Rhino Run, our connection to Care for Wild is deeply personal. Earlier this month, members of the STS team had the privilege of visiting the sanctuary once again. They walked the grounds, met the dedicated staff, and witnessed firsthand the incredible work being done to protect and rehabilitate rhinos.
For many of us, these visits are humbling. Seeing the orphaned calves (some rescued from poaching incidents) reminds us of the harsh realities rhinos face. Yet it’s equally inspiring to see the hope that Care for Wild provides: calves nurtured back to health, herds thriving in protected areas, and a passionate team working tirelessly to secure a future for this species.
READ: Another visit to Care for Wild: STS’s commitment to rhino conservation continues
During our visit, we also saw the solar system in action, powering everything from security systems to staff quarters. Knowing that our contribution has a tangible impact on both people and animals reinforced why our CSR initiatives matter. Conservation is a daily effort, supported by practical solutions and the collective will to protect what we love
Why we keep stepping up
At STS, Bright Light, and across our Group, CSR isn’t a checkbox, but rather a core part of who we are. We believe that businesses have a responsibility to go beyond profit and actively invest in the communities and environments that sustain us all.
Our support of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary reflects this belief in action. From renewable energy sponsorships to fundraising runs and hands-on volunteering, we’re committed to standing with those who protect our rhinos. But this isn’t just our story, it’s an invitation. Whether you’re a corporate, scheme or simply someone who cares about wildlife, you can join us in making a difference. Every rand raised, and every action taken brings us closer to a world where rhinos can thrive.
On days like World Rhino Day, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to conservation. Through solar power, collective action, and personal involvement, we’re showing that protecting rhinos is not just possible, but powerful.