Thirty years ago, one community member began going door-to-door in Khayelitsha to feed pets and stray dogs.
Today, that initiative has grown into Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter, a fully fledged animal hospital and shelter caring for more than 22,000 animals every year.
As Mdzananda celebrates its 30th anniversary, the organisation is looking back at three decades of providing affordable veterinary care, education and support to animals and the families who care for them.
Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive, told Pet Pals:
“Thirty years is an extraordinary milestone, but what matters most to us is what those 30 years represent – the thousands of animals we have been able to care for, and the families and community members who have trusted us with their beloved pets.”
Caring for Khayelitsha’s animals
Mdzananda is the only animal clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha, a community with an estimated 300,000 companion animals.
With private veterinary care often unaffordable for many families, Mdzananda provides veterinary services at low cost and well below the actual cost of treatment.
This helps families access care for their animals while keeping pets within the homes and communities where they are loved.
Over the years, the organisation has worked closely with the community to encourage responsible pet ownership, increase access to sterilisation and improve animal health.
1,000 animals sterilised
Mdzananda’s anniversary coincides with another milestone for the organisation.
Its 1,000 Pet Sterilisation Campaign has been completed, resulting in 1,000 animals being sterilised.
The campaign was established to help prevent unwanted litters and address animal overpopulation.
“To celebrate 30 years of service while also reaching the milestone of 1 000 sterilised animals is incredibly special for our team,” says du Plessis.
Celebrate Mdzananda’s 30th birthday
The public is now invited to celebrate both achievements with the Mdzananda team at the Barnyard Theatre on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
The evening will feature Can’t Stop the Feeling – 60 Years of Number 1 Hit Songs as the organisation marks three decades of service and its sterilisation milestone.
Doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost R200, while pizzas, burgers, salads and drinks will be available to purchase.
Tickets can be reserved by contacting Kelly at fund@mdzananda.co.za.
Three decades after its story began with one person going door-to-door to help animals, Mdzananda now cares for more than 22,000 animals each year.
Its 30th anniversary marks not only how far the organisation has come, but the thousands of animals and families that have been part of that journey.
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