KARIEGA – SPCA Uitenhage, which has cared for animals at its Kariega facility for nearly six decades, now faces eviction after municipal officials awarded the management of the Kariega municipal pound to another organisation.
While the animals remain under supervision, the shelter must urgently find a new home, raising concerns among staff, volunteers, and animal welfare advocates.
Deirdré Swift, chairperson of SPCA Uitenhage, said the team is doing its best to continue operations under difficult circumstances.
“Understandably, obviously it’s been a very emotional time for absolutely everybody involved — our staff, volunteers, and supporters,” she said. “The team has been very positive. They’ve all pulled together and are working hard to provide the service that the public has been used to getting from us, despite extremely difficult conditions.”
Owing to the ongoing changes, SPCA staff have had to relocate offices and clinics into two metal containers, which Swift described as “very cramped” and extremely hot.
Yet the organisation continues to care for the animals at the facility, she said, whilst trying to reassure staff about the uncertain future.
The crux of the situation lies in the municipal tender for the management of the pound.
The previous SPCA contract expired at the end of October 2025. Whilst SPCA had been a long-standing service provider since around 1969, municipal officials explained that the organisation did not submit a bid for the new tender.
According to Tshonono Buyeye, MMC for Public Health at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, “When the advert went out, there was a site clarification meeting where all those who were interested in bidding were called, and everything was explained. SPCA was part of that meeting and had an opportunity to raise objections, but they did not. Then, a day before the deadline, they informed us they would not be submitting a bid.”
The municipality said it was legally unable to award the tender to an organisation that had not bid, even though SPCA had been a trusted service provider for decades.
“We could not do it even though we’ve had this long relationship with them,” Buyeye said. “Their failure to bid left us with no other option but to appoint someone else to run the pound.”
The new service provider, Busy Bee, is a locally founded organisation with extensive experience in animal welfare across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Speaking to UD Express, Stanley Adam, co-founder of Busy Bee, said, “I’ve been helping donkeys on the street, working with animals for more than 20 years, and have experience with organisations here and abroad. My intention is to make sure our pound management provides continuous care for all animals, without disruption.”
Busy Bee will handle the management of the pound, whilst veterinary services will be provided by Doctor Tafara Mapuvire, whose qualifications include advanced small animal and equine surgery, fracture repair, and production animal care.
Mapuvire has extensive experience in South Africa and abroad, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Cape Town, and is a registered member of multiple veterinary professional bodies.
Despite assurances about continuity of care, the transition has left SPCA volunteers and staff unsettled. Swift emphasised that the animals must be placed only within the SPCA network, underscoring the organisation’s concern for maintaining accountability and ethical placement of animals, even as they are required to vacate the premises.
Swift explained that the SPCA did not assume it would automatically retain the contract, but said the timeframe of the tender was unmanageable.
“The tender went out on 19 December and was only valid until 31 December,” she said. “That left literally five working days to submit a bid, excluding weekends and public holidays. Many of our committee members were unavailable owing to the Christmas period. We asked for clarity and an extension, but were told the dates could not be changed.”
The SPCA has also faced logistical challenges in preparing to vacate the premises.
Two containers were emptied to accommodate the new service provider, forcing staff to operate from cramped spaces.
“It’s been incredibly difficult, but our staff has remained professional and positive,” Swift said.
The municipality confirmed that SPCA will have until 20 February 2026 to vacate the property, giving them time to move their assets.
Officials also stressed that no animals are at risk of being put down owing to the transition. There is sufficient space at the municipal pound, and veterinary oversight will ensure all animals continue to receive care.
The situation highlights the tension between legal procurement processes and the human element of animal welfare. Swift said her priority is the wellbeing of the animals under her care, and that SPCA will continue to advocate for ethical and responsible placements within their network.
Adam said Busy Bee’s focus will be hands-on animal welfare and community engagement.
“We’re here to educate people, to work with the community, and to make sure animals are cared for,” he said. “It’s not about publicity. Our goal is to provide continuity of care and ensure no animal is neglected during this transition.”
As SPCA Uitenhage prepares to leave its historic premises, both the municipality and Busy Bee stated that the welfare of animals remains their top priority. Residents can expect continued services at the municipal pound, whilst SPCA seeks a new location to maintain its decades-long legacy of care.
Community members and businesses are encouraged to assist the SPCA. For more information, contact Deirdré Swift on 083 415 5181.
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