The Joburg SPCA is hosting its own mayoral elections. Two goats are in the running. Hazel and Greta. Your vote actually counts.
Johannesburg, South Africa (23 October 2026) – Ahead of the municipal elections on 4 November, the Johannesburg SPCA (JSPCA) has launched its very own mayoral race. We’re not even joking! Two goats are on the ballot. Hazel and Greta are running for Mayor of the JSPCA.
Both goats arrived at the JSPCA in the last four months after being found in very poor conditions. With lots of patient care from the team, they’ve bounced back and have become firm favourites with the staff. They both now live permanently at the JSPCA, so this one has a happy ending no matter who wins.
But you need to vote. Your vote counts, more than you might know. Before we tell you about the ‘why’ behind these elections, meet the candidates!
Hazel is the steady hand. She’s promising no load-shedding in the kennels, water on tap every single day, and potholes filled with biscuits. (Finally, a pothole policy we can all get behind.)
Greta is the cheeky outsider. Her platform is free bunny chow for every kennel, a vuvuzela for every dog, and a groove every Friday night. Sounds lekke.
The campaign is all fun and completely non-partisan, with no link to any political party or candidate. But there’s a serious reason behind it. The JSPCA has been looking after Johannesburg’s animals since 1902 and relies on the generosity of the public. This race is about raising awareness and donations. Every cent goes to the care of the animals.
Voting runs from 21 October to 2 November, and the winner will be announced on 3 November.
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The free way is to head to the JSPCA’s social media pages, find the campaign posts for Hazel and Greta, and like or love the post of the goat you want to win. Every like or love counts as a vote for that candidate.
The second way is to donate, and this is where you can give your goat a serious boost. Every rand you donate counts as an extra vote, so R50 for Team Greta is worth 50 votes for Greta.
You can donate by scanning the QR code on the campaign posters with SnapScan or Zapper. Or you can do so by EFT (bank details here) and use ‘Hazel Mayor’ or ‘Greta Mayor’ as your reference so your donation counts for the right candidate.
Keep an eye on the JSPCA’s Facebook page too. Kennels Receptionist Mapule is reporting on the race for Jozi Woof News, interviewing staff and animals along the way. Yes, the animals.
Pick your goat, cast your vote, and help the JSPCA keep doing what it does best!
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