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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ROAD RAGE: Reckless driver accused of assaulting a learner appears in court

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NIGEL - Xolane Qhubeke (37) appeared at the Nigel Magistrates’ Court for his first appearance on 14 April.

He is facing charges of reckless driving and common assault for allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old high school learner.  

It is alleged that on 10 April 2025, the victim was a passenger in a school transport, on their way back from school, while there was traffic on the road.  It is alleged that the accused was driving on the wrong side of the road, thus blocking the school transport.  

An altercation between the accused and the driver of the schooler transport allegedly ensued while the two were standing outside next to the schooler transport vehicle.  

While standing outside, it is alleged that the accused put his upper body inside the schooler transport and disengaged the hand brake of the vehicle. The complainant, who was sitting at the back of the car, then pulled the hand brake back up.  At that point, it is alleged that the accused began to assault the learner by clapping her multiple times. 

The learner reported the matter to the police, and the accused was arrested on 12 April 2025, and released the same day on police bail.

 In court, the matter was postponed to 22 April 2025 for legal representation.


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