Families, volunteers and animal lovers are invited to CapeGate Shopping Centre this Saturday to paint kennels that will become warm, dry homes for shelter dogs in need, in one of the northern suburbs’ most enduring Mandela Day traditions.

The Dogbox Project returns to Centre Court on 18 July from 10:00 to 14:00, with an aim of 67 teams painting 67 kennels — all for local shelters in need, in honour of Mandela’s 67 years of public service.

The Dogbox Project began in 2012 as a single Mandela Day gesture and has grown into an annual event because the need has never gone away. Local shelters are often short of blankets and food, but kennels remain the biggest cost and the hardest item for many shelters to afford on their own. CapeGate and its partner businesses sponsor the kennels, and on the day, members of the public paint them, turning a few hours into warm, dry homes that shelter dogs can use through winter cold and summer heat.

This year’s aim is 67 teams painting 67 kennels, in keeping with Mandela Day’s call to give of your time to help others. Businesses, schools, families and individuals are all welcome, whether by rounding up a team in advance or simply joining in on the day.

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Zoë Enslin, marketing manager at CapeGate Shopping Centre, said: “Every Mandela Day, our centre fills with people who simply want to help, and that is what makes The Dogbox Project so special. Whether you bring a team or come on your own, an hour of your time can give a dog somewhere safe and dry to sleep.”

Kennels painted on the day will go to six shelters: Grace Animal Sanctuary, Fisantekraal Animal Welfare, Help a Paw, Farm Paws, Dead Animals Walking and Hantam Animal Rescue.

The Dogbox Project takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026 from 10:00 to 14:00 at Centre Court, CapeGate Shopping Centre. Entry is free and open to the public