In the heart of Soshanguve, where small acts of kindness can mean everything, Tebogo Maredi is quietly making a powerful difference by bringing support and full stomachs to both vulnerable children and the animals who depend on him.
Soshanguve, South Africa (16 April 2026) – Something as simple as a meal can make a world of difference to someone in need.
Last week, Tebogo Maredi, founder of Soshanguve Animal Shelter and EduCentre, spent time sharing nutritious meals – not only with animals in need, as he so often does, but with children in the informal settlements as well.
“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and the excitement from the dogs reminded us why we do this work every single day,” Tebogo shared in a post.
Making sure the most vulnerable don’t go hungry is just one part of Tebogo’s greater mission.
We connected with this local hero, who is always on the road or working on the ground to rescue and support animals in need – and as of late, to look out for vulnerable children too.
“Our work has always been rooted in the community. While rescuing animals, we quickly realised that many of the challenges animals face are deeply connected to the circumstances of the people around them. In many of the informal settlements we visit, families are struggling and children often go to school hungry,” he tells us.
Tebogo and his team couldn’t ignore that reality.
“You can’t teach compassion for animals without also showing compassion to people,” he says.
By supporting the children, the Soshanguve Animal Shelter are not only helping children directly through the Smart Meals initiative but also nurturing a generation that understands kindness, responsibility and empathy towards animals.
“That’s how our Educentre and feeding initiatives were born to care for both the animals and the community as a whole.”
The impact has been as heartwarming as it has restored dignity.
Through the Smart Meals initiative, the organisation has been able to provide consistent, nutritious meals to children who might otherwise go without.
“This has improved their energy, focus and participation during our educational activities. We have also seen a stronger sense of trust and connection within the community. Children look forward to our visits, not just for the meals, but for the learning, interaction and care they receive,” Tebogo explains.
In addition to feeding the children, the team often assist the youngsters with their pets too, providing food and basic care where possible. This holistic approach, in turn, helps create a healthier, more compassionate environment for both people and animals.
Moments like these are only possible because of the support from kind supporters who believe in Soshanguve Animal Shelter’s mission.
“Every donation, every bag of food, every contribution, big or small, helps us bring comfort, hope and nourishment to those who need it most.”
To help Tebogo and his team reach and support more children and animals, consider donating to donating on SnapScan or to the banking details below:
- Bank name: Standard Bank
- Branch name: CENTRAL CITY
- Branch code: 051001
- Account holder: THE DIRECTOR SOSHANGUVE ANIMAL SHELTER AND EDUCENTRE NPC
- Account number: 10155394906
- Account type: CURRENT
- SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ
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