19 Jun 2019

 South African musician and animal activist, Ms Ann Jangle is embarking on a ride from Botswana to Kenya in a quest to spread awareness on wild dogs’ conservation. 

Supported by Kalahari Research Conservation (KRC), Ms Jangle will be cycling across southern Africa into East Africa on a mission to sensitise people on the endangered wild dogs. 

The six-months cycling journey started off in Ramotswa and Ms Jangle said her finish point would be in December where she would be performing for the New Year’s festivities at the Kiliki Festival in Kenya. 

Her route starts from Botswana going through Zambia then to Malawi. She will thereafter proceed to Tanzania and finally Kenya for her performance. 

A keen adventurer, Ms Jangle’s route in Botswana passes through the Trans Kalahari where she would have stops at some villages. 

Riding for six hours a day with two days’ rest, she said she chose cycling over driving as she did not want to be detached from nature, especially to avoid the barrier from engaging with various communities as she spreads her message. She also said compared to driving, cycling proved to be cheaper and safer for the environment. 

Taking on a long ride like this takes a lot of preparation with good nutrition and the right equipment for one to complete the mission. 

“I am taking this journey on my sponsored bicycle by Mathew Dejongh,” said Ms Jangle, adding that she carried her food and water as well as medical supplies. She also explained that her bicycle was equipped with all gears, which would make her ride easier with descends and ascends whenever necessary as she cycles through southern Africa. 

Armed with her passion for conservation of wild dogs and her music, Ms Jangle would hold talks with children and the community in Hukuntsi, proceed to Ghanzi where she would have a rest and stop over before proceeding to the west. She will be given support by some local cyclists, especially in areas of Ghanzi and Maun, who will cycle a few kilometres with her.  

KRC programmes director, Mr Moses Selebatso said Ms Jangles love for wild dogs was of relevance as they were currently researching on them in Botswana. He said partnering with her was important as they would be spreading the message through her endeavours of music and cycling. 

Out of a population of 4 000 wild dogs in southern Africa, Mr Selebatso said Botswana had only 1 000 and that there was conflict with humans around Hukuntsi and Kang. He said Ms Jangles ride would help raise awareness on the conservation of the endangered wild dog. 

Ms Jangle will engage the community and farmers on how to deal with wild dogs to reduce conflict with humans. ENDS