Government provides monthly scholarship of 5000 rupees to farmers' children under the scheme

Six weeks after launching the mass sterilization campaign in mid-June, Mdzananda Animal Clinic reported that nearly 500 dogs have been sterilized. This campaign aims to reach a target of 1000 sterilizations amid intensified efforts to control the excessive growth of the animal population.

The clinic, located in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is conducting these procedures in addition to its daily surgical sterilization program on site. This demonstrates the organization's commitment to addressing the growing problem of pet overpopulation in Khayelitsha and surrounding areas.

Marcel du Plessis, Mdzananda's Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications, calculated that there are approximately 300,000 dogs and cats living in Khayelitsha, and this number continues to rise with the growth of the human population. She emphasized that without large-scale sterilization, the number of unwanted animals increases rapidly, placing immense pressure on families, communities, animal welfare organizations, and already limited resources.

Du Plessis noted that sterilization is one of the most humane and effective ways to reduce animal suffering. It prevents the birth of unwanted offspring, reduces the number of animals facing abandonment, neglect, and cruelty, and contributes to the health of pets and increased community safety.

Furthermore, sterilized animals are less likely to roam, engage in fights, or contract certain diseases, which improves their overall condition and reduces the burden on owners.

Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter is the only non-profit veterinary clinic serving Khayelitsha and adjacent areas, and it is celebrating 30 years of service to the community. The clinic provides affordable veterinary care to thousands of pets annually, acting as a vital support for owners who would otherwise lack access to veterinary services.

Du Plessis added that poverty in their area makes private veterinary care unaffordable for many families. Despite this, community members love their animals and wish them well, but they heavily rely on the clinic's services to maintain pet health and prevent unwanted litters.

Although almost half of the campaign's target has been reached, the organization is calling on the public to help fund the remaining sterilizations. Donors can sponsor one procedure for just 200 Rands, thereby helping to prevent countless future litters and break the cycle of animal suffering before it begins.

Du Plessis stressed that one sterilization changes the life of one animal by preventing the birth of generations of unwanted puppies and kittens in difficult circumstances. She urged supporters to choose sponsoring a sterilization instead of dining out to make an exceptional and long-term impact.

The organization hopes to reach the goal of 1000 sterilizations, which will lead to long-term changes for the animals, pet owners, and the entire Khayelitsha community.

Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sikhle Zikalala officially opened the rapid response facility for combating gender-based violence at the Wentworth police station, located south of Durban.

The park zone house structure was donated to the Wentworth police station, which is situated south of Durban, by the organizations Human AID SA and Tropic Plastic. This house is intended to provide counseling and supportive assistance to victims of gender-based violence.

Sikhle Zikalala launched the rapid response center and the gender-based violence prevention center. He emphasized that this facility will help counter gender-based violence by ensuring that victims receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate support. Consultants from the Department of Social Development will also work at the center to provide necessary support.

Zikalala noted that Wentworth faces high levels of violent crime, gang violence, and drug-related offenses, which often lead to gender-based violence. The center will serve women and children who have suffered sexual and physical abuse.

The Deputy Minister stated that the opening of the gender-based violence center demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders in this fight. He also commended Ahmed Osman and Human AID SA for their donation. Zikalala added that the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure will continue to provide facilities that contribute to the fight against gender-based violence.

To date, the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure has provided over 35 facilities across the country. Zikalala believes that the opening of this center is a practical example of what can be achieved through collaboration between private individuals, communities, civil society, and government.

He specifically noted that Osman and his organization encourage everyone to help in the fight against gender-based violence. Zikalala also mentioned the provision of infrastructure for the National Command/Dispatch Center for GBVF in Salvokop, which serves as the national coordination center for GBVF response measures and victim support services.

He reported that his department collaborates with the Department of Social Development and relevant NGOs to identify, repair, and provide safe shelters and support facilities for survivors in all nine provinces.

Raven Naidu, a community activist and former representative of the Merewent Community Policing Forum (CPF), expressed the view that men are also subjected to cases of gender-based violence. Naidu also notified social services about adult men who stalk young girls.

Naidu voiced concern over the silence, noting that despite raised issues, the community response has been passive and indifferent. He stressed that community leaders are ready to voice concerns on many issues but remain silent when children and youth in their communities are exploited by predators.

He added that it seems the public shows more outrage when garbage collectors rummage through trash bags than when violence and exploitation of youth occur. Naidu also pointed to the ongoing rise in substance abuse among youth and the growing problem of overcrowding. He noted that multiple tenants living in one property puts immense pressure on neighborhoods and public services, which can foster conditions conducive to crime.