Celebrating 29 years of compassionate care: Mdzananda Animal Clinic's journey

October heralds a special milestone for the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter, as it proudly celebrates 29 years of unwavering service to the animals and pet owners of Khayelitsha. What began in 1996 as a modest initiative to bathe dogs in an open field has blossomed into a fully operational veterinary clinic, hospital, and animal shelter. It now supports over 1,500 animals each month.

To commemorate this remarkable journey, Mdzananda hosted a vibrant community dog show, inviting pet lovers throughout Khayelitsha to join in a day filled with festivities, celebration, and an infectious sense of community spirit. A total of 42 dogs showcased their charm and skills before a panel of four judges, with prizes awarded across various categories, celebrating the unique bond between the residents and their four-legged companions. The event was characterised by wagging tails, joyful barks, and smiling faces, a testament to the connection shared between the people of Khayelitsha and their pets.

In conjunction with the celebratory activities, the clinic ran an educational session for 60 local children, focusing on the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. This initiative aimed to nurture respect, love, and proper care for animals among young community members, underscoring Mdzananda’s broader mission to advocate for a more compassionate and informed pet-owning populace.

“We are so proud of how far we’ve come,” said Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda.

“From humble beginnings to becoming a vital lifeline for pets in Khayelitsha, this anniversary is not just a celebration of our growth but a tribute to the community, our supporters, and the incredible animals we serve every day.”

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter stands as a permanent, veterinary-focused animal welfare organisation situated in the heart of Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The clinic provides a wide array of services, including consultations, treatments, sterilisation and surgeries, hospitalisation, mobile clinics, outreach work, adoption services, and pet owner education and advocacy.

With its community-centric philosophy, Mdzananda operates on a foundation of partnership, respect, and compassion. The clinic empowers pet owners by equipping them with essential knowledge and access to veterinary care, significantly enhancing the lives of both animals and the people who care for them.

Mdzananda extends heartfelt gratitude to all donors, partners, and supporters whose generous contributions make the clinic's vital work possible. “Your contributions help us continue to be a beacon of hope and health for animals in need,” said du Plessis, highlighting the collective effort that sustains the clinic and its mission.