The recognition comes as the organisation marks more than 70 years of protecting animals and advocating for stronger animal welfare across the country. The NSPCA has been operating since 1955 and is both a non-profit organisation and a statutory body established under the SPCA Act 169 of 1993.

Its inspectors enforce the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, investigate cruelty and respond to reports of animal suffering. The organisation’s work extends across farm animals, wildlife, companion animals, as well as animals used in research and entertainment. Specialist units within the organisation deal with the different aspects of animal protection.

The NSPCA also has the power to institute private prosecutions in cases of animal cruelty. This authority was confirmed by the Constitutional Court in 2016 and enables the organisation to pursue cases of animal cruelty through the courts where it is warranted, and it sets the organisation apart in South African animal welfare.

“For more than 70 years, our inspectors have protected animals across the country, enforcing the law and answering cruelty complaints every day,” said NSPCA spokesperson Samanta Stelli. “This recognition is welcome, and the work does not stop.

“The award comes at a time when demand for animal welfare services continues to grow, with the organisation relying on public support to maintain its operations and keep inspectors on the road.

“Donations and public involvement remain important in ensuring that inspectors can continue responding to animals in need. As a non-profit, the NSPCA relies on public support to keep going.”

NSPCA CEO Esté Kotzé said the award recognises the organisation’s longstanding work. “This recognition reflects more than seventy years of steady work protecting animals across South Africa. Our focus stays where it has always been, on the animals who need us and the law that protects them.”

The organisation’s objective is to serve and protect all animals, to uplift their welfare and to ensure the protection they have under South African law is upheld and respected.

And its mission is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of all animals, whilst its vision is to end animal cruelty in South Africa and engender compassion for all animals.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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