The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha will distribute 134 kennels to community dogs this Mandela Day in partnership with Four Paws South Africa and the Signature of Hope Foundation.

Open days welcome the public to Khayelitsha

On 18 July South Africans are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to doing good in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Mdzananda is inviting individuals, families and corporate groups to spend those 67 minutes at the clinic and shelter during its Mandela Day open days.

Guided tours will take place on Friday 17 July, and Saturday 18 July, giving visitors the chance to see the organisation’s work first-hand and learn more about animal welfare in Khayelitsha.

Dogs that have waited months will finally get shelter

As part of the Mandela Day celebrations, Mdzananda has partnered with Four Paws South Africa to distribute 67 kennels and more than 670 care packs to community dogs that have spent months waiting for shelter during the cold winter months.

“Many of these dogs have been on our waiting list for months to receive a donated kennel,” said Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter. “This Mandela Day they will finally receive the gift of warmth, protection and comfort.”

An additional 67 kennels have been sponsored by the Signature of Hope Foundation, bringing the total distributed this Mandela Day to 134.

“We are proud that, through Signature of Hope, we can help provide safe shelter for animals in the care of this remarkable organisation,” says Craig Featherby, trustee of the Signature of Hope Foundation.

Compassion turned into action

“This campaign is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when compassion turns into action,” says Fiona Miles, director of Four Paws South Africa. “Together with our supporters and partners, we have not only reached our goal but gone beyond it, delivering meaningful, lasting change for dogs who need it most. This is the spirit of Mandela Day brought to life.”

Du Plessis said the open days are also an opportunity to challenge perceptions about Khayelitsha. “We know some people feel hesitant about visiting Khayelitsha, but we would love to welcome them to experience our work firsthand this Mandela Day. It is an opportunity to see the difference that compassion can make every single day.”

Thirty years of service to the community

For 30 years, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter has been the only veterinary clinic and animal shelter serving Khayelitsha and surrounding communities. Beyond providing veterinary care and shelter, the organisation focuses on education, responsible pet ownership and building a compassionate community where people and animals can thrive together.

For more information, email info@mdzananda.co.za

To book a Mandela Day tour, email fund@mdzananda.co.za

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