South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has been called upon by a leading politician to bring an immediate end to rhino poaching, which is having a serious effect on South Africa and surrounding countries' heritage tourism.

Speaking at a parliamentary debate, former deputy environment minister and current leader of the United Democratic Movement party, Bantu Holomisa, warned that the poaching was taking its toll on the heritage tourism, one of South Africa’s most lucrative sectors.

More than 3,400 rhinos had been poached since 2006 in South Africa alone, mainly for their valuable horn. Of those poached, more than 1,000 have happened within the last year while this year the tally stands at 700 “and rising”.

During the debate, Environmental Affairs minister Edna Molewa said rhinos had been “emblematic” of Africa and its people “since the dawn of time”, calling the animals “intrinsically tied” to African heritage.

Molewa also spoke of a relocation plan for 500 rhinos in poaching hotspots, with a number of interventions being put in place to bring an end to the poaching.

The government’s strategy to combat poaching also includes awareness campaigns, both locally and in user countries, as well as creating new economic opportunities in communities adjoining rhino areas.

South Africa has earmarked tourism – which supports one in every 12 jobs in the country – as a key sector with excellent potential for growth. The government is planning to increase tourism’s contribution, both directly and indirectly, to the economy from the 2009 baseline of R189.4bn (US$17.7bn, €17.7bn, £10.7bn) (7.9 per cent of GDP) to R499bn (US$46.6bn, €35.4bn, £28.3bn) by 2020, according to the National Department of Tourism.