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.

South Africa at a glance

  • Population: 59.89 million 
  • Area: 1,221,037 square km 
  • Location: Southern Africa 
  • Capital city: Pretoria

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.

Other countries we work in

At this difficult time, help us reach more working animals

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Working donkey suffering from parasites

Help treat working animals suffering from parasites

A gift from you today could help relieve working animals of the terrible suffering caused by parasites.

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A working donkey from a village affected by the 2023 Morocco earthquake received veterinary treatment from SPANA vets for a painful nose wound

Morocco earthquake – one year on: Treating Soufiane the wounded donkey

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Gender equality and working animals 

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Christelle teaching

Teaching the next generation to care for working animals

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Unsung Heroes of the Water Crisis: Reflecting on International Working Animal Day 2025 

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