Admirable ferocity
CARMEL RICKARD: Every taxpayer should feel exactly like an enraged buffalo
One of the big five of SA’s wildlife can show citizens how to approach corruption and maladministration: with fierce determination
An iconic animal, the SA buffalo. I have just read an appeal court decision that begins by describing its great size, its economic importance — and its temperament. This is an "aggressive bovine", said the judge, "possessed of fearsome horns and a temper to match". Now I have a new crusade: that the taxpaying public should identify more closely with the buffalo. Its size and importance to the economy are clear. What still needs to be developed is, if not literally a fearsome set of horns, at least the buffalo’s matching temper when faced with official corruption, incompetence and maladministration. Despite their strength, buffalo are susceptible to diseases that could devastate cattle herds, and special permits are required to move them. Some years ago, out of concern that the species might die out, new breeding projects were started to produce "clean" buffalo calves from infected parents. One such was operated by Buffalo Conservation 97, at Magudu in northern KwaZulu Natal.
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