Exclusion of animal welfare from National Lotteries Commission’s fund will be detrimental to organisations

Cape Town - The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has expressed disappointment at the exclusion of animal welfare from the National Lotteries Commission’s (NLC) fund, saying the industry was already faced with inadequate support.

The NLC recently published a call for the 2022/23 charities’ applications.

Areas for priority were 35% for Early Childhood Development, 30% for gender-based violence and 35% for the Protection of the Vulnerable.

“The charities sector’s overall goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of poor communities, poverty alleviation, and protection and support for vulnerable target groups through the provision of integrated holistic services. In adjudicating applications, the Charities Distributing Agency (CDA) will give preference to applications from organisations in underdeveloped areas that advance the interests and participation of women, youth, and people with disabilities as well as projects that lead to job creation and retention.

“Preference will also be given to projects /programmes located in the District Development Model priority districts,” said the NLC.

Mdzananda spokesperson Marcelle du Plessis said the clinic received funding from the Commission once before which allowed them to vaccinate many animals.

“It is very sad that the NLC has decided not to include animal welfare in their funding categories. We understand that there are many human issues that need to be addressed, but this should not exclude animal welfare from funding.

Animal welfare organisations such as Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha don’t only address animal issues, but the corresponding human issues too.

“We believe that human issues and animal issues go hand in hand and that, through caring for an animal one learns important life qualities such as respect for life, responsibility, compassion and more,” said Du Plessis.

Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the withdrawal of any funding opportunities for animal welfare would impact the lives of domestic and other animals.

“I am aware that the animal welfare organisations in South Africa already carry a heavy load on behalf of the government as they receive extremely limited funding,” he said. The NLC didn’t respond by deadline.

For further information about applying for NLC funding contact the call centre on 08600 65383 and alternatively visit their website www. nlcsa.org.za/charities/

* This story has been updated

Cape Times