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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SAPSET Student Leadership Camp prepares youth for a bright future

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GAUTENG - National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has called on students participating in the 2nd SAPSET Student Leadership Camp to remain focused on their studies and help close South Africa’s skills gap.

The four-day camp, hosted at Sediba Kwele Adventure Camp, brought together 43 students from Grades 10 to 12 under the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET) programme.
The initiative prepares learners for the upcoming school term while nurturing leadership qualities and career readiness. 

These students are children of deceased SAPS members, with many coming from provinces with the highest rates of police killings, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng. SAPSET continues to honour the legacy of fallen officers by investing in the education and personal development of their children.

As part of the camp's activities, thirteen Grade 12 students received new laptops sponsored by Telkom. Other participants received gift packs, reaffirming SAPSET’s commitment to creating educational opportunities for its beneficiaries.

General Masemola was joined by several dignitaries, including SAPSET Deputy Chairperson Dr. L Shibambo, Acting Deputy National Commissioner for Support Services Lieutenant General L Nkhuoa, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lt. Gen T Hadebe who serves as SAPSET Executive Committee member, and Mr. N Kunene from the Telkom Foundation. Together, they encouraged the students to strive toward a brighter future.

Representatives from various stakeholders—including Liberty, Fundi, Telkom, and Dimension Data—engaged students in discussions around scholarships, career paths, and business opportunities.

The Employee Health and Wellness unit also pledged ongoing support to students as they navigate the pressures of adolescence and life’s challenges.

A 17-year-old male SAPSET beneficiary shared how the camp inspired him to take control of his academic future: “Thanks to the career guidance we received, I now understand the importance of applying early for university and scholarships. I know what subjects to focus on to pursue my dream career.”

Despite the loss of his father, another SAPSET beneficiary expressed how he remains determined to succeed: “With SAPSET’s support, I’m motivated to build my own empire in the next 5 to 10 years,” he said.

The leadership camp is not only about academic preparation—it also aims to empower students emotionally and socially, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of purpose. Another female SAPSET beneficiary student expressed her appreciation for the camp: “It’s been a life-changing experience. I hope SAPSET continues these amazing efforts to help us reach our full potential.”

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