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Drop off of items from the '67 Kennels of Hope' Mandela Day delivery event in Khayelitsha

67 Kennels of Hope: A Legacy of Love for Mandela Day

FOUR PAWS and Mdzananda Animal Clinic partner to bring comfort and dignity to Khayelitsha’s companion animals

18.7.2025

Cape Town, 18 July 2025 – In honour of Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of compassion and service, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, in collaboration with Mdzananda Animal Clinic, has successfully reached its 2025 67 Kennels of Hope campaign goal — delivering warmth, protection, and dignity to 67 pets in Khayelitsha.

This year’s campaign called on South Africans to go beyond symbolic acts and contribute meaningfully to the lives of animals in need. Through the generosity of individual donors and corporate partners, FOUR PAWS and Mdzananda were able to hand over:

  • 67 dog kennels to protect pets from harsh winter conditions
  • Nutritious food parcels to support pet health and vitality
  • Durable collars to keep pets safe and identifiable
  • Tick and flea treatments to ensure ongoing wellness

Each of the 67 beneficiary pets was selected from homes vetted by Mdzananda Animal Clinic — ensuring that the animals are in the care of responsible pet guardians. The majority of these pets have already been spayed or neutered, and all are vaccinated, thanks to Mdzananda’s ongoing community support.

“In Khayelitsha, we see the deep love people have for their animals every day but love alone doesn’t always keep a dog warm at night,” says Marcelle Du Plessis, Fundraising & Communications Executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic. “This campaign is about recognising that pet guardians in under-resourced areas are doing their best. These 67 kennels will provide dignity and comfort, helping both animals and their owners live better, healthier lives. We’re incredibly grateful to FOUR PAWS for standing with our community and being part of this life-changing initiative.”

Marcelle Du Plessis, Fundraising & Communications Executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic

“Mandela Day reminds us that small acts of kindness can create powerful change, and 67 Kennels of Hope is proof of that,” says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa. “For many families in Khayelitsha, pets are treasured companions, but access to basic resources like kennels and vet care can be out of reach. This campaign bridges that gap. It’s not just about giving; it’s about honouring the deep connection between people and animals and recognising the right of every pet to live with dignity.”

Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa

For many recipients, the gesture was more than just a gift, it was a sign of hope and care. 

“My dog, Rocky, is like my child to me. He is now going to be safe and warm. Thank you to FOUR PAWS and Mdzananda for thinking about the animals.” said Patricia Bodigelo, a Khayelitsha resident and grateful recipient of the initiative. “It shows that even though we may not have much, our pets are not forgotten.”

Patricia Bodigelo, Khayelitsha resident and recipient of the initiative

The 67 Kennels of Hope campaign demonstrates that meaningful change is possible when we act with empathy and purpose. As South Africans commemorate Mandela Day, FOUR PAWS encourages individuals, schools, corporates, and community groups to turn their 67 minutes into acts of kindness that leave a lasting legacy.

Call to Action

This Mandela Day let’s extend our compassion beyond humans to the animals that bring us companionship, joy, and unconditional love. Help us ensure that every pet receives more than survival — they receive safety, nutrition, and care.

For more information please visit our website www.four-paws.org.za or donate here.

ENDS/

Public Relations Officer ZA

Deidre Daniels

Public Relations Officer

Deidre.Daniels@four-paws.org

+27 (0)21 702 4277

+27 (0)78 675 8220

9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, 
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945

A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.

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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za 

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