Honouring Mandela’s Legacy With Acts of Kindness
Every July 18th, we’re reminded of the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela—a man whose compassion and courage transformed not just a nation, but the hearts of millions. Mandela Day animal welfare is a gentle but powerful extension of that legacy. It’s about kindness that crosses species, and about recognising that animals, too, deserve dignity, care, and community.
“Volunteering with animals changes lives—not just theirs, but ours too,” says Dr. Refilwe Ndlovu, a Johannesburg-based vet. “You’ll never forget the feeling of earning the trust of a frightened dog or seeing a kitten respond to kindness for the first time.”
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A Cause Close to Our Hearts: Petworld's Welfare Worx
At Petworld, animal welfare isn’t something we champion for a day—it’s something we nurture year-round through our Welfare Worx department. This dedicated team works closely with local shelters, rescue organisations, and outreach programmes to support animals in need across South Africa.
On Mandela Day, our Petworld staff will give their 67 minutes of service by volunteering time, hands, and hearts to nearby shelters. It’s our way of standing shoulder to shoulder with communities that care deeply for the creatures too often forgotten.
Why Animals Need Us—And How We Can Help
The Quiet Need Behind Shelter Gates
Animal shelters across South Africa are filled with gentle souls—abandoned, surrendered, or born into hardship—who are waiting for safety, affection, and a second chance. While their stories may begin with struggle, they don’t have to end there.
As a community, we can be their turning point. Whether it’s a scrubbed kennel, a warm bowl of food, or a playful walk outside, Mandela Day animal welfare efforts bring healing and hope.
How You Can Make a Paw-sitive Impact
Give Your 67 Minutes to Animal Welfare
- Volunteer at your nearest shelter: help with cleaning, feeding, dog walking, or cat cuddles.Â
- Bring your children or team—many shelters welcome supervised family volunteering.Â
- Â Use Mandela Day as a launchpad to offer your time regularly, even once a month.
Donate Something Practical
Even if you can’t be there in person, you can still help fill empty bowls and warm sleeping spots.
A Typical Animal Shelter Wishlist:
- Pet food (wet and dry)Â
- Â Stainless steel bowlsÂ
- Â Blankets and old towelsÂ
- Â Kennels, beds, or basketsÂ
- Â Cat litter and litter traysÂ
- Â Toys, leashes, collars and harnessesÂ
- Cleaning supplies (disinfectants, gloves, brushes, black bags)Â
- Â Flea and tick treatments and de-wormersÂ
- Â Newspapers and paper towelsÂ
- Â Shelter repair materials (paint, fencing, roofing)
Feel free to drop off donations at your local shelter—or if you prefer, use our online pet store to order and have it delivered directly.
Food Is Love: Help Feed a Pet in Need
We know many of our Petworld customers want to help but don’t always know where to start. One simple way is to purchase a bag of pet food or treats during your next shop and donate it to a shelter near you.
Here's a short list of popular pet products available at Petworld that are loved by rescue centres:
- Monty and Me Dog FoodÂ
- Ultra Dog OptiwoofÂ
- Montego Karoo Dog FoodÂ
- Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat
- Small Breed Dog FoodÂ
- Kitten FoodÂ
- Ultra Cat Optimal BalanceÂ
- Royal Canin Digestive CareÂ
- Optimizor PremiumÂ
- Puppy Hills Small Dog FoodÂ
- Mini/Large Puppy Food
- Dog Food Online Orders
All available in-store or from our online pet store—easy to add to your donation pile and drop off at your shelter of choice.
Making Every Day a Mandela Day
Mandela Day animal welfare reminds us that giving isn’t just for a calendar slot—it’s a habit of the heart. The need is constant, but so is our capacity to care.
Let’s turn 67 minutes into countless tail wags, purrs, and grateful hearts.
“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” — Nelson Mandela
So let’s do it—one bowl, one walk, one act of kindness at a time.