No film stars on the red carpet at Pathé Buitenhof on Thursday night, but nine ambassadors, an Oscar-nominated short film, and an auction featuring a private chef as one of the lots. The event created a rare The Hague combination of networking and nature conservation, stylish, but with a serious undertone.
© Nic Jooste
The host was Kees Rijnhout, CEO of Jaguar Fresh and chairman of the organising Kruger Park Wildlife Foundation. "South Africa is more than a fruit-producing country for us," he said. "It is a country that touches us." Rijnhout welcomed a diverse group of more than 350 diplomats, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and art collectors. Particularly notable was the presence of many entrepreneurs of the kind who prefer to speak in quiet achievements rather than grand words.
© Nic Jooste
Nic Jooste, co-founder of the foundation and a retired figure in the fresh produce world, shared in his brief but impactful speech the story of encountering the carcass of a young rhinoceros, its horn crudely cut away. "If I had looked away, I would have become part of the problem," he said. His video account was watched in silence, where images briefly took precedence over words.
The documentary The Last Ranger, previously honoured at international festivals, further emphasised the gravity of the issue. Not an activist outcry, but a tribute to the silent heroes in camouflage who face heavily armed poachers every day.
© Nic Jooste
A smoothly run auction followed, led by Chris Vellinga, whom Rijnhout described as "the best north of the equator." Among the items: a private dinner by chef Erik van Loo (Parkheuvel, two Michelin stars), a stay in a villa on the edge of the Kruger Park, and 15 original works by ceramicist Marijke Gemessy. The proceeds are destined for anti-poaching initiatives and ranger support.
© Nic Jooste
The drinks that followed were distinctly South African. Rhino Tears, a bold South African wine, flowed freely. Boerewors and biltong, samoosas and koeksisters were served. Conversations in the foyer revolved around origins, hope, and responsibility.
© Nic Jooste
"This is not a gala," remarked one young diplomat, "but a moral reality check."
South African ambassador Vusi Madonsela closed the evening with a powerful reflection: "Nature is not a luxury. It is all of our heritage."
For more information:
Nic Jooste
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