134 Dogs to Receive Life-Changing Kennels This Mandela Day

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha is inviting the public to celebrate Mandela Day by making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals while experiencing the organisation’s work firsthand.

On 18 July, South Africans are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to doing good in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

This year, Mdzananda is inviting individuals, families and corporate groups to spend their 67 minutes visiting the clinic and shelter during its Mandela Day Open Days.

Mandela Day Open Days

Guided tours will take place on Friday, 17 July, and Saturday, 18 July, offering visitors an opportunity to see the organisation’s life-changing work in action and learn more about animal welfare in Khayelitsha.

Tours can be booked by emailing the orgaisation.

Mandela Day Partnerships

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. This Mandela Day, they will finally receive the gift of warmth, protection and comfort,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter.

“This campaign is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when compassion turns into action,” says Fiona Miles, Director at 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.”

Additional Kennel Sponsorship

The impact doesn’t stop there.

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

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

Encouraging Community Engagement

Beyond the kennel distribution, the organisation hopes the Open Days will encourage more people to visit Khayelitsha and witness the compassion, resilience and dedication that define the community.

“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,” says du Plessis.

About Mdzananda Animal Clinic And Shelter

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.