Helping working animals in South Africa

South Africa’s working horses and donkeys are used for tasks ranging from farming to transport, and there are many communities where people are dependent on their working animals to earn a small income. We’re making a considerable difference to the lives of working animals in South Africa’s low-income communities by ensuring animals have access to vital veterinary treatment and educating the next generation of owners about animal care.

Our work in South Africa

In South Africa, our work is focused on the Limpopo area, in the north of the country. In this rural province, donkeys are used for transporting people, water, firewood and building materials, and for farming tasks. Working across nine villages, we support a network of Donkey Care Workers, who have been trained to assist owners with basic animal care.

In addition, the project is empowering communities to start local enterprises based on donkey welfare, such as making harnessing equipment with appropriate designs and materials, or selling reflective tags to help reduce road accidents.