What Kind of South Africa Do We Choose to Be?
Written by: Deidre Daniels Save to Instapaper
What Kind of South Africa Do We Choose to Be? FOUR PAWS hosts its annual State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA, inviting the public to join the discussion via YouTube livestream.
Cape Town, 23 April 2026 — Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS will host the annual 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 in Cape Town, bringing together leaders from animal welfare, government, academia, conservation and public health to reflect on the state of animal welfare in South Africa.
The influential annual platform will centre on a defining question posed by FOUR PAWS Director Fiona Miles: “What kind of South Africa do we choose to be, one that turns a blind eye to suffering, or one that leads with compassion, justice and dignity for all beings?”
Theme And Focus Areas
Under the 2026 theme, “A South Africa that treats animals with respect, empathy and understanding,” the event will explore the systemic challenges facing animals across key sectors, from big cats and farm animals to companion animals and the reforms needed to build a more compassionate and ethical society for all living beings.
The public will be able to livestream the event via YouTube, ensuring broader national access to this critical conversation on animal welfare in South Africa. Participants will be able to add their questions during the live Q&A session.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, 05 May 2026Time: 19:00 – 21:00Where: YouTubeRegister: Here
Event Highlights
Highlights of #SOAWA 2026 include:
Master of Ceremony: Graeme RichardsA keynote State of Animal Welfare Address by Fiona MilesA panel discussion on The State of Big Cat WelfareExpert insights into Farm Animal Welfare and Companion Animal WelfareA live Q&A session with speakersNetworking with leaders across sectors
Driving National Dialogue
As South Africa continues to grapple with complex animal welfare challenges that intersect with public health, ethics, conservation and social justice, the 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address aims to spark accountability, dialogue and action, placing compassion at the centre of national decision-making.
Learn More
For more information, please visit https://www.four-paws.org.za
Submitted on behalf of
- Company: FOUR PAWS
- Contact #: 0786788220
- Website
Press Release Submitted By
- Agency/PR Company: FOUR PAWS
- Contact person: Deidre Daniels
- Contact #: 0786788220
- Website
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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 by Heli Dungler and friends in Vienna in 1988, the organisation focuses on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones.... Read More
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