Hardus Brits and Thato Segapo realised one of their dreams recently when they went on a rhino capture in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The people and organizations that made it happen include the Reach for a Dream Foundation, SANParks, 2 Conserve, Marius Kruger of SANParks, Saab Technologies SA as well as the game capture team of SANParks and Chris Jacobs of the Honorary Rangers, ranger support services.
The Reach for a Dream Foundation is an organisation that has brought hope to many young South Africans and it believes firmly in the power of dreams. Children are motivated to use their dreams to fight life-threatening and other serious and debilitating illnesses.
Both boys enjoyed their experience immensely. Hardus made an artistic version of his experience while Thato sent in a heart-warming letter of thanks (translated from Afrikaans).
Letter
Good day Uncle,
I want to say thank you for the trouble you went to for us. I really enjoyed it a lot, but was very scared of the rhinoceros that we touched. But it was still very enjoyable.
It was the first time that I saw my father so happy - he was always laughing, also my uncle. The thing I enjoyed the most was the aircraft - it felt like a dream and it was really beautiful to see the animals from above, the lovely green grass and trees.
The food was delicious and fresh and we drove around in the car and saw animals. I felt like a king and I am very happy, because for the first time in my life I touched a wild animal.
Thank you very much.
Thato
