Mdzananda
Photo Credit: Supplied

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha is one of only two organisations serving the entire community; the team have stepped in to save the other organisation from the verge of shutting down.

 

Khayelitsha, South Africa (14 September 2022) – In South Africa, if funding is scarce, charities are always close to closing their doors. That was the risk for the South African Mass Animal Sterilisation Trust (SA MAST) but the Mdzananda Animal Clinic has stepped up to help save the organisation from closing.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has launched an urgent appeal to anyone who can help. They have started an emergency takeover of the South African Mass Animal Sterilisation Trust (SA MAST) – the only other animal organisation in the township – to rescue the organisation from shutting down.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, veterinary council registered, NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha, a township just outside of Cape Town, South Africa, home to 400 000 people (2011 census) and their pets. The clinic sees around 1500 animals per month.

Unfortunately, the founder and fundraiser of SA MAST had left the organisation and this led to the loss of several donors. The remaining team struggled to keep the organisation afloat.

In the community of Khayelitsha, having two organisations caring for the animal population is essential. This is was drove the remaining SA MAST trustees to reach out to Mdzananda for help.

“We cannot allow this clinic to shut down,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive of Mdzananda Animal Clinic.

“Hundreds of animals are sterilised here ever year preventing unwanted litters, homelessness, neglect and even abuse. Just last week a box of puppies was brought to this clinic’s gates. Imagine if the clinic had shut down. These poor pups would have died. We need to save the clinic, so we’re taking over.”

As of today, what was previously known as SA MAST will now be the Mdzananda Satellite Sterilisation Clinic. But saving this clinic is impossible without the support from the public.

“Even though we are sad to lose SA MAST in the community, we are honoured to be able to continue its legacy on its premises,” says Sr Heidi May, General Manager of Mdzananda Animal Clinic.

“But it is a scary task. Taking over is an enormous extra cost on top of that of our own organisation – it is impossible without the help of donors. If we do not raise sufficient funds, we will need to shut the clinic down leaving hundreds of animals unsterilised.”

Mdzananda needs to raise R5 million rand to take over and run this clinic for the next year. With their own budget already stretched to its limit, they need to draw on the generosity of the public to help take over the clinic. Not only will the takeover keep stability in Khayelitsha, but the teams employed at this site, will be able to retain their employment.

“We really need some heroes,” says du Plessis. “We ask the public to please make an emergency donation. And if just 4000 people can become #SteriSuppawters and donate R100 per month to sponsor a sterilisation, together we can save this clinic and all the animals that rely on it.”

The Cape Animal Welfare Forum commends the efforts of trying to keep the clinic open. They too are calling on supporters to aid in the emergency funding of the clinic.

“The Cape Animal Welfare Forum stands behind the work of Mdzananda Animal Clinic as an active CAWF member. We encourage Cape Town animal lovers to rescue the work of SA MAST, a vital animal welfare facility, by donating whatever they can. Sick and suffering animals in Khayelitsha are totally dependent on this takeover working out, so it is time for us to stand by our Mdzananda friends so they can continue the work that desperately needs to be done in the area,” said Karin de Klerk, Chairperson Cape Animal Welfare Forum.

To assist, make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, you can make a direct deposit using the details below or  sign up as a #Sterisuppawter at www.mdzanandasecure.co.za.

Standard Bank,
Savings Account
Account: 075595710,
Code: 025009,
Reference: Help+Your Name.

For more information email info@mdzananda.co.za, visit www.mdzananda.co.za


Sources: Mdzananda – Supplied
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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