JAC T9 Supports Rhino Protection Efforts
In the heart of Southern Africa, where red sand meets rugged bushveld, a silent battle is being fought for the survival of one of our continent’s most iconic species: the black rhino.
While poachers continue to threaten their existence, a new kind of hero has emerged, not with sirens or badges, but with four wheels, a load bay, and the grit to take on anything nature throws their way. Meet the JAC T9, the bakkie that’s helping protect the black rhino in one of Africa’s most ambitious anti-poaching collaborations.
A Bakkie Built For The Wild
When you think of a 4×4 bakkie, you think power, endurance and adaptability. But in the case of the JAC T9, those specs are now part of a much bigger story. Namibia Wildlife Protection (NWP), a dedicated anti-poaching organisation, has entrusted the JAC T9 with a critical mission: covering vast, unforgiving terrain in the fight to protect state-owned black rhino populations placed on private land.
Working hand-in-hand with high-tech thermal drones and trained foot patrols, the T9 operates in some of Namibia’s most remote and demanding conditions. Over 90% of its time is spent off-road, and it performs like a champ, day in and day out. As NWP’s founder Salmon Vermaak puts it, “We’ve had zero problems, despite pushing the vehicle to its limits daily.”
Why The T9 Matters In Conservation
It’s not just about horsepower or capability; it’s about having a vehicle that can be counted on when time, terrain, and mission-critical priorities collide. In this context, the JAC T9’s reliability becomes more than a feature, it becomes a lifeline.
Namibia’s black rhino custodianship programme is a world-first model in community-driven conservation. These rhinos, although government-owned, are placed on private land to be better protected. But there’s a catch: there’s no funding provided to those landowners. No backup. No subsidy. Just dedication, and now, the mechanical muscle of the JAC T9.
Since the poaching crisis intensified in 2014, over 600 rhinos have been lost. The programme is under enormous strain, and support from private and commercial partners has become critical. That’s where JAC’s involvement becomes more than business, it becomes part of a legacy.
Designed To Go The Distance
The T9 is built on JAC’s third-generation international LCV platform and comes with a commanding engine, exceptional off-road handling, and a tough-as-nails suspension system. In the field, these aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities.
With a Super Lux double-cab spec, the T9 combines comfort with hardcore utility. For NWP’s team, that means getting where they need to go, quickly and safely, often through harsh, hot, and dusty terrain. The ability to carry personnel, gear, and tech like drone equipment means they can keep their eyes on the horizon and their boots on the ground.
And soon, there’ll be even more to look forward to.
Looking Ahead With The T9 PHEV
South African bakkie fans, take note: the plug-in hybrid version of the JAC T9 is on its way. With a petrol-electric powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and dual electric motors, the new T9 PHEV promises a whopping 385kW and 1000Nm of torque.
Better yet, it’ll offer a 100km range on electric mode alone, an ideal solution for custodians and conservationists who need quiet mobility and lower fuel consumption during long-distance patrols.
JAC isn’t just keeping up with modern trends, it’s setting the pace. And with its eyes fixed firmly on the future, the brand is taking a firm stance on issues that matter.
Driving Value Where It Counts
In a fiercely competitive bakkie market, the T9 has managed to carve out a serious niche. With standout design, performance that delivers, and features that don’t cost the earth, it’s becoming a go-to choice for South Africans who need a bakkie that works hard without breaking the bank.
But perhaps most powerfully, it’s a vehicle that’s proving its worth where it counts, in real-world scenarios where people, land, and wildlife are under threat.
How You Can Support The Cause
If the story of the JAC T9 and the black rhino has struck a chord, there’s more you can do. The Black Rhino Protection Fund works directly with Namibia Wildlife Protection and other partners to ensure long-term, sustainable rhino conservation.
This fund enables custodians to better protect rhinos while offering direct support to those carrying the financial and logistical burden of guarding these magnificent animals. Every rand, every bit of awareness, and every voice helps.
Backing The Rhino, Backing The Future
At Group1 JAC, we’re proud to be part of a journey that’s bigger than vehicles. Through partnerships like this, we’re reminded of what’s possible when smart engineering meets real-world purpose. Whether it’s on a farm, a job site, or a game reserve, the JAC T9 is showing up and standing tall.
Keep an eye on our Facebook for more exciting updates on JAC vehicles, technology, and conservation partnerships. There’s always more to come.
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