Silke van der Merwe

As we move through 2026, SPCA Windhoek faces an unprecedented challenge. Between January 1 and April 20, 1,435 animals joined our care. That’s an average of 14 new animals every day, about 388 each month. Behind every number is a living being in need of food, medical attention, and a safe place to call home. Our team on the ground is small but mighty: 17 full-time staff members dedicated to these animals. Yet the workload has surged beyond what any shelter should bear. The daily reality adds...

April is Cruelty to Animals Awareness Month for SPCA Namibia, a time to reflect on how we treat animals and what that says about our society. As Mahatma Gandhi reminded us, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” A stark reality from SPCA Windhoek reminds us that 90% of the 4000 plus animals we take in yearly are neglected, abandoned, sick, or injured. This figure isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action. Behind every number...

Poppie’s story is a reminder of both the heartbreak and the incredible courage behind my team’s work.