Municipal funding for Empangeni and Richards Bay SPCA on the cards

THE year in review at the Richards Bay SPCA annual general meeting last Wednesday highlighted the organisation’s numerous struggles, yet also served to shine a spotlight on its successes.

First on the agenda was the SPCA’s ongoing financial plight, and an update on funding from the City of uMhlathuze.

While not yet finalised, Mr Z Poswa, Public Safety and Security Manager, notified the committee and members that talks of re-igniting a grant in aid for both Empangeni and Richards Bay SPCAs were ongoing.

‘Some years ago the grant was rescinded,’ said Poswa.

‘Owing to the dynamic nature of the SPCA and its high running costs, we also felt that the previous grant in aid annual lump sum payment of between R125 000 and R150 000 would be insufficient and a monthly payment of about R60 000, dependent on municipal finances, would be the preferred option.’

While no decision has been made, the door to municipal funding for both Empangeni and Richards Bay SPCAs has been opened, which is a step in the right direction for the cash-strapped NPO.

To deal with the responsibilities of a municipal pound, including stray and injured livestock, the city is at the planning stages of a pound within the uMhlathuze municipal area.

A suitable location has been found and the municipality is calculating building and running costs.

In the meantime, eShowe’s municipal pound will be shared.

Re-elected Chairperson Sarel Small thanked the generous community members for their ongoing support, both in food and financial donations.

‘We have had help from so many businesses and individuals that it is impossible to thank every one individually,’ said Small.

‘We are just grateful that we are able to continue operating.’
After the hugely successful food drive in February, stocks are once again running low.

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‘Times are tough for everyone, we understand, which makes whatever donations we can get all the more appreciated.’

Cash donations are down R300 000 on the previous financial year, making potential municipal funding more important than ever.

‘Our open days on the last Saturday of each month are our biggest income generators, so we urge our supporters to please continue to attend and to donate items for us to sell,’ concluded Small.

Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Cordiglia thanked all who have adopted SPCA pets and said adoptions have increased since the ZO’s monthly SPCA adoption corner.