NSPCA welcomes long-awaited reform for lion captivity breeding ban

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CAPE TOWN - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has  welcomed the announcement by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on the imminent publication of the Lion Prohibition Notice banning new captive lion breeding facilities.   This long-awaited reform marks a pivotal milestone in dismantling an industry built on systemic cruelty, reflecting years of legal action, public advocacy, and inspections by the NSPCA. The prohibition confirms what the NSPCA has long exposed: the captive lion industry has operated largely unabated for decades, inflicting severe animal welfare violations, damaging South Africa’s conservation reputation, and flouting constitutional obligations to protect sentient beings. While limited to new facilities, this ban sends a clear signal that the commodification of lions for tourism, hunting, and the bone trade is no longer defensible. The NSPCA’s decade-long investigations have laid bare the industry’s brutality. O...
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KZN Premier mourns the passing of renowned journalist Paddy Harper

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DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli has expressed profound sadness and extends heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of Paddy Harper, a veteran political journalist and political editor of the Mail & Guardian, who passed away on Saturday morning in Durban.  

Paddy Harper was a towering figure in South African journalism, known for his fearless commitment to speaking truth to power, his unwavering ethical standards, and his incisive and thought-provoking commentary. Over his illustrious career, he earned the respect and admiration of both the media industry and political spheres.  

"Paddy Harper’s passing is a great loss to journalism and to the nation. His fearless reporting and sharp wit shaped political discourse and held those in power accountable. Paddy was a beacon of integrity and a voice of truth in a challenging and ever-changing media landscape," said Premier Ntuli.  

Harper’s contributions to the *Mail & Guardian* were unparalleled, regularly producing front-page stories that set the national agenda and sparked important conversations. His weekly column, affectionately known as “Paddy’s column,” became a staple for readers seeking insightful and sardonic perspectives on political developments.  

“KwaZulu-Natal mourns the loss of one of its finest sons. Paddy Harper’s legacy as a journalist of impeccable character and unmatched talent will endure. On behalf of the Provincial Government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I extend my deepest sympathies to Paddy’s family, friends, and the entire *Mail & Guardian* team during this difficult time,” Premier Ntuli added.  

The Premier noted that Paddy Harper’s work not only informed and inspired but also challenged leaders to reflect and strive for accountability and justice. His legacy as a journalist with unimpeachable ethics will remain a guiding light for generations to come.  

As the province comes to terms with this monumental loss, the KZN government honors the indelible mark Paddy Harper left on journalism and the role he played in shaping a better South Africa.  

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