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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Revised Qualifying Time for #Comrades2025

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With 150 days to race day, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced a significant change to the qualifying criteria for this year’s 98th Comrades Marathon.
 Effective immediately, the qualifying time for the standard 42.2km marathon has been adjusted to 5 hours for all participants.

This change is aimed at making the Comrades Marathon more inclusive and accessible to a broader range of runners, encouraging more athletes to qualify for and participate in this iconic event, come Sunday, 8 June 2025. 

The decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with various stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and running clubs.

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said, "We are thrilled to make the Comrades Marathon more accessible to a wider range of runners. This change reflects our commitment to inclusivity and the growth of the sport."

“The Ultimate Human Race continues to uphold its tradition of challenging endurance and celebrating the spirit of camaraderie and perseverance. We believe that this adjustment will inspire more runners to participate and experience the unique challenge and camaraderie that the Comrades Marathon offers.”

CMA Acting Race & Operations Manager, Alain Dalais added, "The new qualifying time is a fantastic move. It opens up the race to more participants and encourages a greater diversity of runners to take on this incredible challenge."

Monday, 5 May 2025 is the final date for submission of qualifying details for this year’s Comrades Marathon. Athletes are required to submit their qualifying race and time, running club details, provincial club licence number and fill in the medical questionnaire.

Qualifying for the 2025 Comrades Marathon is applicable as of 10 June 2024 till 5 May 2025. The qualifying criteria for this year’s Comrades Marathon will be to complete a standard 42.2km marathon in under 5 hours. To update your details, please log into your entry profile via the Comrades website www.comrades.com 

#Comrades2025 will be a Down Run on Sunday, 8 June 2025. The race starts at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and ends 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park, covering an approximately 89km distance. This will be the 49th Down Run.

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