The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter is proud to celebrate its 29th anniversary this October, marking nearly three decades of dedicated service to the animals and pet owners of Khayelitsha. What began in 1996 as a simple dog bathing initiative on an open field has since grown into a fully operational veterinary clinic, hospital, and animal shelter, now caring for over 1,500 animals each month.
To mark this milestone, Mdzananda hosted a community dog show, bringing together Khayelitsha pet lovers and their furry companions for a day of fun, celebration, and community spirit. 42 dogs strutted their stuff in front of a panel of four judges, with prizes awarded for various categories. The event was filled with wagging tails, excited barks, and joyful faces, reflecting the deep bond between Khayelitsha residents and their pets.
In addition to the festivities, the clinic ran an educational session for 60 local children, focusing on the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. The session aimed to teach children how to care for, respect, and love animals – part of the clinic’s broader mission to foster a more compassionate and informed pet-owning community.
“We are so proud of how far we’ve come,” says 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 is a permanent, veterinary-based animal welfare organisation located in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. It offers a range of services, including consultations and treatments, sterilisations and surgeries, hospitalization, mobile clinics and outreach work, animal adoptions and shelter services and pet owner education and advocacy.
With a community-centric approach, Mdzananda’s work is built on partnership, respect, and compassion. The clinic empowers pet owners with knowledge and access to essential veterinary care – improving the lives of both animals and the people who love them.
Mdzananda extends its sincere gratitude to all donors, partners, and supporters whose unwavering generosity makes this work possible. “Your contributions help us continue to be a beacon of hope and health for animals in need,” says du Plessis.
