TAWI is making tails wag in the Wild Coast

TAWI is a small outreach improving the lives of rural dogs in the foothills of the Wild Coast.

To raise funds for Transkei Animal Welfare Initiative (TAWI), a fun wine-tasting evening will be held at the Riverside Sport Club at the Uvongo Bowling Club on Friday, October 4, at 17:30.

It will be an exclusive evening of fine wine, delightful company, and a chance to make a difference.

Founded in 2008, TAWI is dedicated to eliminating the suffering of companion animals in the rural, impoverished communities of the former Transkei region.

The non-profit organisation’s approach is different from conventional animal welfare organisations.

Joeanne Francis, fundraising co-ordinator for TAWI, said they are not a shelter; instead, they operate in an outreach capacity, rescuing animals in their own homes through community engagement.

Their success is made possible by their dedicated team.

Linda Dunn Livesey and Barbara Egan are passionate and dedicated advocates for animal welfare, who both play a crucial role in TAWI.

Mawethu Isaac Kunyu and Zolile Tyson Makhaykude, who grew up and live in Port St Johns, have a deep understanding of the community and have earned the respect and trust of those they work with, opening doors to education and lasting change for animals.

Kunyu and Makhaykude recently had to deal with a suspected rabies case, the fourth in the last few weeks.

Francis explained that the Transkei, a historically underserved region, faces unique challenges in combating rabies.

“High levels of poverty, limited healthcare facilities, and a lack of veterinary services contribute to the continued spread of the disease. Many communities in the Transkei are rural and isolated, with residents often relying on subsistence farming and living near domestic animals and wildlife,” she said.

TAWI uses a home-based primary animal health care method to ensure comprehensive care for every animal.

This is carried out by visiting each animal in their home so they can monitor their well-being, educate owners, and address everything from the water bowl to vaccinations.

Francis said this personalised approach creates meaningful and lasting change within homes for domestic companions.

“Children in the household are often the primary caregivers for the animals, and we focus on educating them to ensure proper care. By working from the ground up, they empower young guardians to take responsibility and care for their pets, fostering a culture of empathy and responsibility.”

Kunyu and Makhaykude drive to every house at great expense to TAWI, providing essential care and education. Francis said the impact of their work is evident as children and grandmothers line the streets, eagerly awaiting their turn.

“They’ve seen their neighbours’ dogs transform from thin and mangy to healthy, happy family members, and they want the same for their own pets,” she said.

Another event on the TAWI calendar was a ‘steri prep’ held in the village of Mnyameni last weekend. During this prep, many dogs were treated for ehrlichiosis, which is a serious bacterial disease in dogs transmitted by tick bites.

The main steri drive, sponsored by the National Sterilisation Project, is scheduled for August 31. Some 30 dogs will be sterilised.

To book tickets to the wine-tasting event or to help with donations towards their ongoing projects, contact Francis on 083 3062876.

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