MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / News / What Kind of South Africa Do We Choose to Be?

What Kind of South Africa Do We Choose to Be?

FOUR PAWS hosts its annual State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA, inviting the public to join the discussion via YouTube livestream.

Cape Town — Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS will host the annual 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 in Cape Town. Bringing together leaders from animal welfare, government, academia, conservation and public health to reflect on the state of animal welfare in South Africa.

The influential annual platform will centre on a defining question posed by FOUR PAWS Director Fiona Miles: “What kind of South Africa do we choose to be, one that turns a blind eye to suffering, or one that leads with compassion, justice and dignity for all beings?”

Under the 2026 theme, “A South Africa that treats animals with respect, empathy and understanding,” the event will explore the systemic challenges facing animals across key sectors, from big cats and farm animals to companion animals and the reforms needed to build a more compassionate and ethical society for all living beings.

The public will be able to livestream the event via YouTube ensuring broader national access to this critical conversation on animal welfare in South Africa. Participants will be able to add their questions during the live Q&A session.

Event information:
• When: Tuesday, 05 May 2026
• Time: 19:00 – 21:00
• Where: YouTube
• Register: Here

Highlights of #SOAWA 2026 include:
• Master of Ceremony: Graeme Richards
• A keynote State of Animal Welfare Address by Fiona Miles
• A panel discussion on The State of Big Cat Welfare
• Expert insights into Farm Animal Welfare and Companion Animal Welfare
• A live Q&A session with speakers
• Networking with leaders across sectors

As South Africa continues to grapple with complex animal welfare challenges that intersect with public health, ethics, conservation and social justice, the 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address aims to spark accountability, dialogue and action, placing compassion at the centre of national decision-making.

For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za

Author: Deidre Daniels

Category: Tag:

If you feel strongly about this article then feel free to send MyZA a ‘Letter to the Editor’ using the submission form below:

Letter to the Editor

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
If this is in response to an article please include that article title here or as the lead in for the first paragraph of your Letter below.

Separate tags with commas

Localise your letter by naming the city your words are about. Add relevant words describing your subject. Single comma separated words of no more than 5
Your Name(Required)
Your Name will be linked to the website below.
Your personal, business or social media web site
Choose NO to not set up a user account on MyZA. User Accounts will allow you to submit letters under your own Author Name

3 Latest Letters to the Editor:

  • Re: R8.5 Million Lotto Winner Claims Prize in Gqeberha

    Dear Editor This is indeed an exciting story for the community. Congratulations to the winner and may this bring positive change to Nomathamsanqa. As someone from KwaMashu, I understand the impact such winnings can have on township communities. Wishing the grandfather all the best. Regards Themba Zulu In Response to/From: R8.5 Million Lotto Winner Claims…

  • Re: Minister Tolashe and Postbank Black Cards

    Dear Editor I appreciate the Minister’s assurance regarding the smooth transition to Postbank Black Cards for grant beneficiaries. As a concerned citizen, I hope the government will ensure that all beneficiaries, especially elderly and vulnerable populations in areas like Soweto, receive adequate assistance during this transition period. The expansion of card replacement locations to include…

  • Lotto Winner Story

    Dear Editor This is indeed an exciting story for the community. Congratulations to the winner and may this bring positive change to Nomathamsanqa. Regards Willem Pieterse In Response to/From: R8.5 Million Lotto Winner Claims Prize in Gqeberha

Reader Interactions

Comments