https://eia.org/press-releases/eia-calls-for-urgent-appeal-to-prevent-commercial-rhino-horn-exports/

“EIA is deeply disappointed by the Northern Cape High Court’s dismissal on 3 July 2026 of the South African government’s request for leave to appeal in the case involving the potential export of hundreds of rhino horn for commercial purposes. 

With last Friday’s decision, a regional South African court is facilitating a dangerous scheme to export rhino horn to known trafficking hotspots without effective government oversight or safeguards, and without the approval of governments that are party to CITES.  

EIA strongly encourages the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr. David Maynier, to pursue urgent appeal applications to the Supreme Court of Appeal to provide an opportunity for judicial scrutiny of the High Court’s judgement and of the immediate enforceability of the order regarding the potential issuance of captive breeding certificates. “