It’s been an exciting week at the NSPCA!
The past week has been dominated by our incredibly bold #ReinInThePain campaign. After numerous unsuccessful attempts at engaging with the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHRA) on issues of cruelty in the industry, we decided that what was needed was an unavoidable protest against the abuse. We also released two more incredible paintings from artist, Mareli van Zyl, in the run-up to Mandela Day and, with delight, introduced our new CEO, Esté Kotze. Join us to find out what we’ve been up to this week in the world of animal welfare.
We Rocked the Horse Racing Industry, and We Continue to Fight the Abuse
For years, the NSPCA has attempted to engage with the NHRA on serious welfare concerns within the horse racing industry. From the unnecessary use of whips and tongue-ties to the fate of discarded horses, we are determined to bring about change in the way racing horses are treated in South Africa.
And, we managed to create some waves last weekend, with our national #ReinInThePain campaign. Following the strikingly successful “hijacking” of the Durban July, we’ve continued the awareness with hard-hitting images on social media and billboards across the country.
This is just the beginning. We’ll be sharing more throughout the month. We’re exposing the cruelty, and we need your support. The horses can’t speak, but you can. Follow the campaign, share the stories, and sign our petition. With your help, we can keep pressure on the NHRA and the horse-racing industry to demand change.
➡️Sign our petition here.
Photo of the Week
Bobby, the internet sensation, after her successful sterilisation this week.
New Leadership and a Continued Legacy: We Welcome the NSPCA’s New CEO
With sadness, we bid farewell to our former Executive Director, Marcelle Meredith, at the end of June 2025. However, Marcelle’s farewell marked the beginning of a new and exciting chapter with Esté, our new CEO. Esté Kotze has been with the NSPCA for 18 years and was appointed the NSPCA’s Deputy CEO in 2011. She has a wealth of knowledge in the animal welfare sphere, building her career over the decades with compassion, integrity, and determination.
We are incredibly excited to welcome Esté into this new leadership role. We know, without a doubt, that Esté will continue to take the NSPCA from strength to strength. Esté believes that compassion is non-negotiable, and it is this resolve to protect South Africa’s animals that will continue the legacy and take a bold, strong, and steady step into the future.
“I pledge to honour the strong foundation laid before me by continuing to push for meaningful change and ensure the welfare of all animals.” – Esté Kotze, CEO
Welcome, Esté!
Your voice on social media
- “Congratulations, Este! We know we are in good hands .” — Facebook/Angela King-Page
- “Sooooo very excited! Este is one amazing person!” — Facebook/Micarla Boucher
- “We salute you, brave woman….!!!! Much respect .”— Facebook/Emma Esterhuizen
Supporting South Africa’s Animals Through the Beauty of Art With the NSPCA’s Mandela Day Campaign
Incredible watercolour artist, Mareli van Zyl, has continued to “wow” South Africa with her heartfelt and stirring artwork, all in support of our 2025 Mandela Day campaign.
This week, we released the painting of Bobby. Bobby was a silent victim behind a viral video; a starving, tick-infested dog overlooked while someone else danced for attention. This poignant watercolour captures Bobby’s transformation from neglect to hope. Her journey is a quiet triumph and proof that resilience is real, and love is life-saving.
The Donkey Painting, also released this week, tells the rare story of rescue and redemption in the brutal world of the illegal donkey skin trade. Once bound for slaughter, these survivors now roam freely in Bethlehem. This uplifting watercolour honours their journey from suffering to sanctuary, and fear to freedom.
🔗While these incredible artworks have already been sold, there are other one-of-a-kind paintings available for purchase at our online shop.
All proceeds support the NSPCA’s continued rescue efforts and legal battles. Through your purchase, you become part of the change, honouring Mandela’s legacy of compassion and justice.
That’s a wrap for this week’s Week in Review! If these stories resonated with you, check out the full articles and join the conversation on our social media pages.
📲 Join our WhatsApp channel for on-the-go newsbytes.
Your support helps us continue making a difference for animals – whether by sharing our updates, raising awareness, or donating to our cause. See you next Sunday for another Week in Review!
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
Latest News Posts
Will You Be the One Who Takes Action?
Most people will scroll past this. But will you be the one who stands up for animals?
Animal welfare isn’t always in the spotlight, but it changes lives – for every neglected, abused, or suffering animal we help. Our teams work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, ensuring animals across South Africa are protected.
This work is relentless. The challenges are immense. But with more hands, hearts, and resources, we can do even more.
The equation is simple: the more supporters we have, the greater our reach, the stronger our impact.
Be part of the change. Become an NSPCA Project Partner today. From just R50 per month, you can help ensure that no animal suffers in silence.
