Some of South Africa’s most celebrated artists are putting their work towards a cause close to the heart—helping neglected and vulnerable cats and dogs across Cape Town.
African Tails’ annual Art Auction will once again bring together leading names from the South African art world, with 100% of the proceeds going directly towards the organisation’s rescue, rehabilitation, feeding, and sterilisation programmes.
Among the artists and galleries contributing works to this year’s auction are Wilma Cruise, Galia Gluckman, Georgina Gratrix, Warren Maroon, Vusumzi Nkomo, Kilmany-Jo Liversage, Josie Borain, and Goodman Gallery.
A 20-year milestone of animal welfare impact
The donated works will go under the hammer at the Erik & Claude Foundation in Bo-Kaap on 17 September. Curated by art consultant Phillippa Duncan, the event is African Tails’ biggest annual fundraiser and plays a vital role in helping the Cape Town-based animal welfare organisation continue its work in under-resourced communities across the city and surrounding areas.
The auction comes during a significant milestone year for African Tails, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Established in Cape Town in 2006, the organisation has made a tangible difference over the past two decades:
- 18,000+ dogs and cats sterilised
- 2,900+ animals successfully rehomed
- 4,400+ injured or sick animals treated
- 18,800+ animals fed living on the streets and in local communities
“African Tails creates lasting change through mass sterilisation and pet care education in under-resourced communities,” says Yael Sacks, trustee and co-founder of African Tails. She explains that the organisation’s educational work extends beyond animal welfare, helping communities develop important life skills such as responsibility, empathy, and accountability.
Why mass sterilisation is critical
“This year’s Art Auction is not only our most important fundraiser, it’s also a celebration of 20 years of hard work and positive change,” Sacks says. “We are thrilled and so grateful to the artists who have generously donated such wonderful pieces. Every rand raised will help us continue our lifesaving work.”
The need for community support remains urgent. African Tails highlights the staggering rate at which unsterilised animals can reproduce, noting that just one unsterilised female dog and her offspring can potentially produce as many as 67,000 puppies over six years. Mass sterilisation remains central to breaking the cycle of unwanted, neglected, and abused animals.
Event and ticket details
- In-Person Event: Thursday, 17 September, from 18:00 to 20:00
- Venue: Erik & Claude Foundation, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
- Tickets: R100 per person
- Online Bidding: Available online via BidPro until 30 September for those unable to attend in person
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