NSPCA celebrates Best Animal Welfare Advocacy Award 2026

NSPCA inspector caring for an animal following the organisation's recognition as Best Animal Welfare Advocacy winner at the 2026 African Excellence Awards.

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has officially been named the Best Animal Welfare Advocacy winner at the 2026 African Excellence Awards. For an organisation that has tirelessly defended vulnerable animals for over seven decades, this continent-wide honour marks a major milestone.

Esté Kotzé, Chief Executive Officer of the NSPCA, highlighted the dedication behind the recognition: “This award reflects more than seventy years of steady work protecting animals across South Africa. Our focus remains where it has always been, and that's on the animals who need us and the statutory framework that protects them.”

Founded in 1955 as a national federation to unify welfare standards, the NSPCA operates as a statutory body governed by the SPCA Act 169 of 1993. This unique mandate attracted the late Nelson Mandela, who served as Patron-in-Chief from 1994 until his passing in 2013.

Frontline inspectors continuously enforce the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 , with specialised operations spanning four key areas:

Agricultural Livestock: Enforcing statutory welfare guidelines across farms and commercial livestock.

Wildlife Protection: Preserving and safeguarding indigenous wildlife species.

Companion Animals: Executing rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing initiatives for domestic pets.

Research & Entertainment: Auditing facilities to ensure ethical compliance in scientific testing and media production.

What distinguishes the NSPCA from standard non-profits is its independent legal authority. In a landmark 2016 ruling, the Constitutional Court confirmed the NSPCA’s power to institute private prosecutions against animal abusers , ensuring legal accountability even when state prosecutors decline to take on a case.

Hosted annually, the African Excellence Awards celebrate organisations demonstrating exceptional resilience, innovation, and lasting societal impact across Africa.

As the demand for frontline enforcement grows, the NSPCA relies on public contributions to keep its inspectorate fleets ready and prepared. "This award comes at a time when the demand for animal welfare services continues to grow, with the organisation relying on public support to maintain its operations and keep inspectors on the road," Kotzé said.

To support their award-winning work, visit https://nspca.co.za/donate/.