The dedicated inspectorate team of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA took on the 5km Sanlam Peace Run this past Saturday to raise critical funds in their relentless fight to protect those who cannot speak for themselves.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2024) – On the crisp Saturday morning of 19 October, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA team of dedicated inspectors laced up their running shoes and took on the 5km Sanlam Peace Run.

With every stride, they carried the weight of countless animals who have suffered, those still waiting for rescue, and those who have found comfort in their care.

Led by Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, the team’s efforts were a powerful statement against animal cruelty.

Thanks to the incredible support of those who generously ploughed into the fundraising initiative, Cape of Good Hope SPCA was able to raise 50% of their R100,000 goal!

“This race was more than just a run. It was a statement—we will never stop fighting against animal cruelty.

“Your donations keep our inspectors on the road, rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. They provide medical care, food, shelter, and love to animals who have known nothing but pain,” the organisation said.

To all those who contributed, cheered and stood in solidarity with the runners in the fight against cruelty, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA thanks you!

“Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are unstoppable. Together, we are their voice.”

But their mission is far from over. There’s still time to donate and help them reach their ultimate goal!

Every rand you give makes a difference in an animal’s life. Visit the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s GivenGain page to make a donation.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

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As summer approaches, the risk of encountering snakes increases, making it an ideal time to learn more about these fascinating reptiles at SAAMBR’s Snake Awareness Mini-Exhibition.

Durban, South Africa (21 October 2024) – Covered in scales with hair-raising patterns and colours, snakes are often misunderstood and feared creatures.

Seeking to reveal the beauty and marvels of these sneaky serpents this summer (read snake season), is the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR). A team of experts will offer a unique opportunity to delve into the world of these reptiles.

Whether you’re a snake enthusiast or looking to conquer fear, the SAAMBR will be hosting a free Snake Awareness Mini-Exhibition outside Dangerous Creatures in the uShaka Village Walk from Friday, 25th to Sunday, 27th October, between 9 am and 4 pm.

Contrary to the wide-held fear, snakes are flight animals, which means their first response when encountering humans is to flee from danger and not to stay and defend themselves. While there are 130 different species of snakes in South Africa, less than 10% of them are venomous.

“The event will focus on indigenous snakes encountered throughout South Africa, highlighting the important role snakes play in our lives.

“By being able to identify some of the more commonly encountered snakes, you will hopefully feel more confident when you come across a snake in your garden or whilst walking on a nature trail,” SAAMBR explained.

As summer approaches, snakes become more active, and you are more likely to see snakes in summer than in the colder winter months.

So, this may just be the ideal time to familiarise yourself with these creatures from the experts who know and understand them best.

For more information email info@seaworld.org.za or call 031 328 8222.

Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research 

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A Cape Vulture who was released back into the wild in 2021 is still trackable and has been on quite the quest across the country; giving the team who helped him to freedom, a magnificent insight as to life after release!

Eastern Cape, South Africa (18 October 2024) — One of the most exciting experiences for conservationists is getting to see where animals adventure off to after they are released. Thanks to technology, many released animals are trackable, allowing those who cared for them in rehabilitation to keep up with them until their tracking devices no longer transmit signals.

Thanks to tracking technology, the team at VulPro have been able to follow one of the oldest captive-bred birds that they’ve worked with, a vulture named ‘Grey Black 04’, who has been on quite a quest over the years!

‘Grey Black 04’ was born at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria in 2018. Its release came in 2021 at Rookwood in the Eastern Cape thanks to VulPro (the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind) where a new life of exploring, foraging and taking to the skies ensued.

Since then, Grey Black 04 has travelled all over the country and even into Namibia. For the team, Grey Black 04’s adventures are particularly special as this vulture is their longest-tracked bird.

Currently, GreyBlack 04 has been enjoying the Eastern Cape near Komani where it is said to be looking to join a breeding colony!

“Grey Black 04’s journey highlights the success of collaborative conservation, showing how rehabilitation, captive breeding, and release programmes bring us closer to a future where vultures thrive in the wild,” the VulPro team said.

Beyond the thrill of being able to see how far a vulture’s wings take them, being trackable is also essential for future research as it helps conservationists learn more about the animal’s patterns, behaviours and movements.

Other wildlife champions who deal with different species also track their animals, like the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, which always gives us a dose of good news when they share where their turtles’ travels have taken them.

Sources: VulPro

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From pet food donations to monetary contributions, the Kloof and Highway SPCA has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community which has made their invaluable work possible.

Kloof, South Africa (17 October 2024) – With a heart filled with thanksgiving, the Kloof and Highway SPCA recently took to social media to thank its selfless supporters for continuously pouring into their cup.

The animal rescue recently acknowledged and thanked everyone who generously donates to their worthy cause which serves as a lifeline to countless animals in need.

“Often those who donate and help the most never ask for a ‘thank you’. We want you to know how much we appreciate your support always,” the organisation said.

The SPCA’s staff and volunteers have also been working tirelessly to spruce up the space and tea garden, creating a haven for animals, a place where they can find love, care, and a second chance at life.

“Our dog walkers have ensured that our goats have an enrichment area, and some volunteers helped do a garden in our Village Green.

“We have also had some wonderful students come and do community service and help us too. Donated plants are sold in our nursery, and your unwanted donated goods keep our charity shops stocked.”

Whether it be through donating unwanted household goods, pet food, volunteering or monetary donations, none of these developments would be possible without the generosity and kindness of animal lovers who don’t think twice about supporting the incredible work of assisting vulnerable animals.

To learn more about how you can support the Kloof and Highway SPCA call 031 764 1212.

Sources: Kloof and Highway SPCA

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Adding to the artistic movement of little things making a big difference in Cape Town’s City Centre is a new project that’s giving worn flower pots a makeover; helping instil care and pride in town, all while proving that the details add up.

Cape Town, South Africa (16 October 2024) — 2024 has been a big year of little improvements for Cape Town’s City Centre! In a bid to showcase how much the details matter, the City Centre has been spruced up in a myriad of ways—from the bollard beautifying effort that kickstarted the year to the recently painted flower pots that now adorn areas like Adderley and Longmarket Street.

Many of these artistic touches have come with a lot of care; fittingly added by artists themselves under the lead of community organisation, The Cape Town Central City Improvement District.

HandCantrol 360 Crew (a team of artists including CareCreative, Urban Khoi, Mak1one, SergeOne and Dfeat Once) have been imperative in the beautification effort.

The flower pots were said to have been in a sad way; void of their flowers and the vision of neglect.

Their makeover will see them move to Waterkant St where they will get to hold fresh indigenous plants all while boasting new creative looks.

CCID Urban Management’s Kally Benito explains that this is all part of a greater beautification strategy that the team hope will create more visual interest in town.

As with the bollards, it is also a way to instil pride in members of the community; encouraging them to care for public spaces and street treasures.

Sources: Cape Town Central City Improvement District 

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Restaurant scraps are the ingredients creating hope, thanks to Streetscapes’ clever composting project that’s helping the homeless put food on the table!

Cape Town, South Africa (16 October 2024) – Restaurant scraps have an important place in the bigger ecosystem of social upliftment if used correctly. While the unfortunate reality is that a lot of scraps simply remain scraps and become waste, there’s another side to the coin that sees scraps as an opportunity for growth. And, Cape Town-based non-profit Streetscapes is showing us how it’s done!

Cape Town is a foodie city. In fact, it was even crowned the Best Culinary Destination City at the World Culinary Awards 2024. But what if all those restaurants focused a little more on what happens after the food is plated and ready to be enjoyed?

Streetscapes’ composting project is a shining example of what’s possible when waste is viewed as a tool—an ingredient to do better for the people of the city who most need it.

Addressing two key issues, the composting project lessens environmental impact while giving their clients (the homeless) a new purpose.

Here’s how it works:

Restaurants that have teamed up with Streetscapes share their organic waste after it has been separated from other kinds of waste. It’s collected and thereafter used to create a high-quality compost where fresh vegetables can be grown and sold!

Alfonso Peterson oversees the composting work and explains that their mix is potent.

“Different waste types like coffee grounds of citrus peels break down differently, but the mix we’ve developed is incredibly potent. We’re creating a valuable product that helps grow more food,” says Alfonso.

In fact, Alfonso proposed the innovative idea to develop the compost. A beacon of hope, Alfonso was once homeless himself. But, through his own determination and the Streetscapes Programme, he now proudly rents his home and is a cornerstone of support both for the composting project and various other Streetscapes’ social development programmes.

In only a few months, the project has already shown impressive results. Nearly five tons of organic waste have been diverted from landfills, while clients have been able to reconnect with a sense of purpose—a key point in their journeys away from homelessness.

The composting project was visited by university professor Harold Tessendorf of Mercer University.  Harold noted that it was a great example of the circular economy in action, and concluded that the quality of the compost was excellent.

“There’s a real opportunity here to expand the project’s impact and sustainability,” Harold added.

Its expansion could look like another avenue for income—selling the compost itself at Streetscapes’ market for local gardeners and community members! Ultimately, the project provides a long-term opportunity for clients who have fantastic potential beyond skills-building.

Sources: Streetscapes Newsletter 

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The circular economy has created boundless opportunities for many South Africans who were at once down on their luck!

South Africa (16 October 2024) — The circular economy is a pretty hot topic in today’s terms. Not only is it one of our biggest assets in the fight to curb environmental damage caused by traditional capitalist waste, it’s also something that’s created an entirely new revenue stream for many previously disadvantaged communities; making it a win-win for socio-ecological upliftment!

What is the Circular Economy?

In a nutshell, the circular economy refers to cleverly reusing and regenerating products and materials, often in new ways, preventing items that otherwise would have ended up in landfills from getting there. These refurbished or upcycled products can then be sold to help people put food on the table and range across waste sectors—from the fashion industry’s waste to eWaste.

Upcycling-focused businesses like Bin to Beauty (who turn waste from wrappers and packets into accessories), organisations like Shoose Life, who create school shoes for students in need from waste materials and communities like Re.Bag.Re.Use who turn what were once plastic bags into fashion are fantastic examples of local upcycling legends.

Uplifting South Africans Through the Circular Economy

In addition to the above, there’s Taking Care of Business; an ever-growing social enterprise that shows us how much is possible when you put people and the planet first.

While they primarily work in fashion-focused fields, repairing and refurbishing electronic items is also a big part of their circular economy.

TCB works by empowering struggling South Africans (many of whom are unemployed mothers) to become their own bosses by facilitating not just technical skills but business and life skills.

They largely use donated retail waste items as stock for their different programmes—Resell, Repair and Remake. Participants are then trained as part of a two-year programme and thereafter, are equipped to start their own businesses!

TCB’s work is a testament to how the circular economy has uplifted struggling South Africans. Looking at figures from the past financial year, the overall picture starts to look a lot like hope:

• 2,276,542 ‘waste’ items were donated to TCB programmes
• 905 unemployed people were recruited into these programmes
• 1188 participants are active in the two-year programmes
• 986 programme graduates still access and sell the stock
• R71,8million is the estimated profits made by participants and graduates
• 86,3 tons of e-waste has been received

eWaste

Just yesterday, National eWaste Day was acknowledged—a time when eco-savvy communities reflect on the fact that more needs to be done to tackle the stream of waste that stems from our electronic devices.

eWaste is a pretty tough nut in the bigger barrel of environmental problems. Unlike fashion, the skills to repair electronic devices can be much harder to access.

But, TCB has created a model that works through its Repair Programme.

“In this programme, participants (mostly men) are taught how to repair damaged appliances for resale. They also resell cell phones and other mechanical items that would have been thrown away. His year, TCB’s Repair programme has already processed 104 tons of potential eWaste. The majority of these items have been repaired and repurposed, preventing them from ending up in landfill. A victory for eWaste management!” Shares co-founder Tracey Gilmore.

 “TCB is actively adding value by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and repurposing supply chain waste. What we absolutely can’t use, is recycled. It is a mutually beneficial situation since waste is being turned into economic value while reducing the burden on scarce natural resources. TCB collects, debrands and redistributes this excess merchandise and retail waste without additional costs to the supply partner. These donated items have a social impact by supporting unemployed South Africans on their journey to self-employment and social and financial independence. It’s a win-win,” she says.

To keep the programme going strong, businesses and even individuals are urged to make donations of ‘stock’ to TCB. From appliances that just don’t work like they used to or old clothes that need new life, everything has a place in their ecosystem.

You can find out more about donationshere.

Sources: Supplied 

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When litter cast a not-so-lekker shadow on Riebeek Valley, Nico Rens decided to do something pretty creative. What began as an experiment to turn plastic bottles and tops into chandeliers and lights has become a whole movement!

Riebeek-Kasteel, South Africa (15 October 2024) — When artist Nico Rens moved to the Riebeek Valley several years ago, he couldn’t ignore the duality of the area. On the one hand, there were charming villages against great backdrops of natural beauty. On the other, plastic and waste seemingly grew from the ground; ruining precious parts of the Valley with litter galore.

With a background in architecture and interior design, Nico was no stranger to coming up with clever solutions creatively. Seeing the litter problem as something bigger, he decided to begin experimenting; tinkering with the idea that if the waste was simply remodelled, it might become something fantastic.

 

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Nico began making chandeliers by reworking plastic bottles, containers and lids as part of the design. But, he was just one person and the waste problem needed a lot more hands on deck. So, he decided to launch a plastic waste collection program amongst the local youth.

Many of the young people were interested in how he transformed the plastic. Nico realised that he could tackle the environmental problems and problems related to social upliftment, and soon, a new project was born!

In collaboration with FOR Life Centre, a Non-Profit Organisation that fosters social upliftment, development and reconciliation through community arts programs in the Valley, the new project offered a way to equip people with a means not just to tackle waste but to transform it.

It provided workshops around waste management and collection, recycling, design, construction, and ultimately upcycling!

When Megan Wilson, an acclaimed theatre director, producer and actor among many other titles, learned of the project, she saw its potential for even more good.

What if it could become something that spreads awareness about environmental issues and the means to empower oneself by tackling them? What if it could offer sustainable employment and training to uplift the local community and extend further into the Western Cape? The lightbulb moment had hit, and it wasn’t long until Africa Illumination was born!

 

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Just like Nico’s original work, Africa Illumination creates lighting from upcycled materials. With four community members employed, the idea has already helped people not only give back to their environment and put food on the table, but connect to a greater sense of purpose.

In fact, team leader Johannes Dirks shares that it is work that is “food for his soul”.

With help from Nico’s brother, Gerhard Rens, a retired engineer, the designs have only gotten more functional.

The team is small, but the spotlight on them is enlarging. They have already participated in Solo Studios—Intimate Art Encounters 2024 in Riebeek Kasteel, as well as the Stanford in Bloom festival. Not to mention some features on TV and customers who have purchased the creations from as far as Canada!

These Riebeek Valley locals are showing us that a little extra care and a lot of creative juices can go a long way, and in more directions than just sustainable living. You can check out their goods at the square in Riebeek-Kasteel or right here.

Sources: Email Submission 

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South African conservationist Paul Gardiner’s new series ‘Natural Born Runners’ is set to take us on something of a conservation ‘marathon’ across the world! Paul is running all over the world’s last wilderness areas to meet wildlife heroes near and far:

Global (15 October 2024) — Conservationist and eco-tourism expert Paul Gardiner is taking us all on the run of multiple lifetimes thanks to his new series, ‘Natural Born Runners’.

Set to launch during the COP16 summit (AKA, the most important biodiversity event that unites eco-leaders across the world), ‘Natural Born Runners’ is set to take us all on a conservation adventure into and through some of the last wilderness areas in the world focused on the theme ‘Peace with Nature’ in line with COP16.

From icy terrains to open grasslands, Paul’s running shoes will take him across the world in a massive effort to learn about what conservationists are getting up to in their effort to prolong species’ environments and lifetimes.

A deep-rooted passion, Paul was born into a family for whom conservation efforts like rewilding were a labour of love. His father was a visionary who transformed Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape into one of the world’s leading conservation success stories; helping reintroduce lions, rhinos and elephants back into their natural habitat.

As such, Paul begins his trek in the Eastern Cape; retracing these efforts. From there, he ventures to Scotland’s Alladale Wilderness Reserve all the way to North America to learn of the inspiring restoration of the American bison there.

‘Natural Born Runners’ will also see him participate in Run Richmond 16.19—a race founded by Oscar-nominated actor and activist Djimon Hounsou (Amistad, Gladiator).

Along for the ride is Paul’s cameraman and aspiring wildlife filmmaker Christian Antoine, who makes up for what he lacks in endurance running through comedy and edutainment.

The series is set to be launched on YouTube as a way to connect with the next generation of nature’s guardians—young people.

“We need to inspire the youth to take ownership of the planet’s future, and YouTube is where they engage,” says Paul.

“If we’re going to make peace with nature, the next generation needs to be at the forefront.”

Watch: ‘Natural Born Runners’ Trailer

Sources: Email Submission

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Senior shelter dog Ray has waited almost half his lifetime for a forever home. But, just a day ago, his wait came to a heartwarming end as he joined a new family at long last!

Fourways, South Africa (15 October 2024) — It’s been a long road home for senior dog Ray, who has waited nearly five years for a family to call his own. But, as the saying goes, ‘Every dog has its day’, and Ray’s day came at long last ever so recently when the senior good boy was finally picked as the perfect addition to a new family!

Ray was born in 2015; which means by the time his wait began, he was already an older dog. And when you’re an older dog, every month (never mind, every year) counts significantly in a shelter.

Choosing to adopt senior dogs takes a special kind of family. It means patience and the acceptance that you won’t have all that long with them. But man, oh man, is there something to be said about giving a dog—who has waited a huge part of their life for a home—their golden years in full glory. 

Ray will get to enjoy the rest of his days with a big garden, ‘two doting humans’ and even a furry girlfriend called Jazz, as his former shelter Paws R Us: SA happily share.

For his shelter, which is based in Fourways, Ray’s adoption by Maureen and Peter mattered not just for the pooch but the fate of their shelter as a whole.

As the shelter explains, they are currently facing a ‘race against time’. Because their boarding facility is a private business and will reach its peak capacity in December and January, their shelter dogs need to move to create space for more incoming ‘client dogs’. As such, they have upped the ante on their adoption posts immensely.

Their goal is to get down to 60 dogs by 1 December should their wishes for multiple adoptions be granted.

As such, they are calling on dog lovers across Gauteng to spread the word about their dogs in need of a home. Some of these pooches are like Ray and have waited a lifetime to leave camp.

Whether this means playing foster parent, simply sharing the news with someone looking to add a pooch to their lives or adopting yourself, the more people who get involved and connect dogs in need to their communities, the better!

You can keep up with Paws R Us: SA here.

Sources: Paws R Us: SA 

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