Join the 8th annual Paws on the Promenade to support Mdzananda Animal Clinic

It’s time to leash up for a good cause! The 8th annual Paws on the Promenade is returning to the Atlantic Seaboard, combining a beautiful morning walk with a critical mission to support the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter.

 This dog-friendly fundraiser, organised by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha, in partnership with Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition, promises to be a memorable event for all.

Starting at the iconic Mouille Point lighthouse, participants will embark on a picturesque five-kilometre route towards the Sea Point swimming pool and back. For those with older pets or human companions who might need a break, shorter turnaround points will be available, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive and event organiser, expressed her excitement about this year's event.

"Our 2025 Paws on the Promenade was a great success with an attendance of 295 dogs. On a budget of just R8500, we raised R37,500. We hope to raise even more funds with this year’s event, but it all depends on the wonderful dogs and humans who join us for the walk," she said.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter, a non-profit organisation in Khayelitsha, serves an impressive 22,000 animals annually. The clinic offers services that include consultations, hospitalisation, surgeries, and mobile clinics, all while prioritising community education on responsible pet ownership. However, the clinic faces challenges as du Plessis revealed, "Sadly, we recently received the news that our main funder will not be renewing any grants in South Africa next year, leading to a significant loss of R250,000 per month. We desperately need to find alternative funding and encourage everyone to join Paws on the Promenade to help us continue our vital work."

Attendees can expect a colorful spectacle as dogs of every shape and size take centre stage. "People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes," du Plessis shared. Look out for Dalmatians in tutus, Dachshunds donning hot dog outfits, and Pomeranians sporting dapper bow ties.

Cindy Jacobson, manager of Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition, highlighted the importance of this partnership: "For the past seven years, Vondi’s has partnered with Mdzananda, making this event one of our annual highlights. The scenic route is wonderfully enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. We support Mdzananda because of their professionalism and the profound impact they make in the Khayelitsha community, educating pet owners and treating vulnerable pets that would otherwise receive little to no help."

Everyone is encouraged to participate — humans are welcome to attend even without furry companions. Tickets for the event are reasonably priced at R50 per person, R50 per dog, and R25 for children under 12. These can be purchased via Quicket at www.qkt.io/pawsonprom2026 or on the day from 08:30.

The event will feature a raffle, product sales, delicious food, and crafts to keep attendees entertained. For the first 100 dogs to arrive, there will also be special goodie bags. Pet owners are encouraged to dress in dog-themed outfits or wear orange, representing the Mdzananda brand.

An additional heartwarming aspect of the event is the opportunity to "rent" a small number of homeless dogs for a walk on the day. Those interested should contact [email protected] to book a furry friend.