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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City of Cape Town calls on Entrepreneurs to apply for #YouthStartCT program

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CAPE TOWN - The accelerator programme for start-up entrepreneurs, now in its ninth year, aims to contribute to skills development, innovation and job creation in Cape Town.

 Applications for this year's #YouthStartCT are open until March 16, 2025. The city is inviting entrepreneurs with established businesses, as well as those in the concept or planning phase, to apply now.

The competition aims to give entrepreneurs access to developmental opportunities and resources to unlock opportunities for their business, and so stimulate job creation.
Competition categories this year are Agriculture and farming, Information Technology, Finance and Business Services, Tourism and Manufacturing.

"The #YouthStartCT competition has attracted hundreds of young business owners and would be entrepreneurs since its launch, and we hope to see many more entrants exploiting the opportunity this year. This flagship youth development programme offers opportunities for new ideas and collaboration between participants, coaching and mentoring, and seed funding for the top performers. Thriving businesses need employees and resources, which opens doors for others seeking employment, and ultimately helps stimulate our local economy," said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

HOW DOES THE COMPETITION WORK?

The top 100 participants will be selected from the online applications and divided into ideation phase and existing businesses
There will be ±8 weeks of training and mentoring, and three elimination rounds to whittle down the group from 100 to the top contenders
During June 2025, the top three existing businesses winners and the top five business ideas will be announced at a gala event

HOW CAN YOUTH APPLY?

* The competition is open to persons 18 – 35, until 16 March 2025
* All applications must be submitted online here: YouthStartCT 2025 Entry Form Survey (research.net)
 * Indicate whether you are entering an existing business or a business idea
* All applicants will be required to create and upload a short video to communicate their proposal and why they think it will succeed
* Participants are reminded that the City’s
 * Libraries offer SmartCape computer services where they can submit their entry if need be

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