South Africans are encouraged to visit Hyde Park Corner’s Centre Court over the next 7 days, to engage in a live dog adoption drive, where puppies and their individual backstories will be introduced to potential new families on large screens sponsored by Hisense SA. The opening event, which took place on 15 July, was attended by prominent public figures, and supported by media, influencers, and families who joined the launch in celebration of Mandela Day.
“We want to encourage people not just to support worthy charities but to make meaningful connections,” says Sheree McHaffie, Hyde Park Corner’s Marketing Manager. “We’re asking people to stop, to look into the eyes of these animals and to recognise the life behind them. Whether you adopt, donate or simply spread the word, you are part of something real.”
The event also marked the extension of Hisense SA’s “Loads of Love” campaign to animal welfare organisations, with the donation of Hisense washing machines to the SPCA and Woodstock Animal Rescue.
Alex Chen, Brand Marketing Manager of Hisense SA, added that: “Mandela Day is about making a real difference through small, meaningful actions. Our Loads of Love campaign allows us to do just that, and we are proud to be responsible for the donation of hundreds of washing machines, across South Africa, to support the essential work of these community-based organisations. Today, we’re proud to extend that impact to animal shelters, who work tirelessly to provide care, comfort and second chances.”
A number of SA Fashion Week Designers joined the Hyde Park Corner Mall’s initiative for our four-legged friends this year, by creating and displaying a unique range of doggie tents made using designer prints from the likes of House Of Ole, Sober, Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs, Ezoketho, The Bam Collective, Imprint, Renaissance, Desme Designs, Isabelle de Villiers, Ape, Anissa Mpungwe Atelier, and Rubicon.
These designer dog tents remain available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting local animal welfare.
Running alongside the adoption drive is the Secret Scarves Shhh… campaign by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. This national tradition turns hand-knitted scarves into gestures of kindness for those in need. From 9 to 20 July, around 667 scarves created by the Morningside Mockingbird KnitWits® will be displayed throughout Centre Court. Each scarf carries the message: “I am not lost, if you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, from 67 Blankets.”
The scarves also pay tribute to Gompo, the beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback who brought warmth and joy to Nelson Mandela’s family during their time in Soweto. Of the 667 scarves, 300 scarves will be displayed in Hyde Park Corner’s Centre Court for distribution to communities in need once the expo closes, while the remaining 367 scarves will be donated to the Inner City Project for people living in dire conditions in central Johannesburg by 67 Blankets on July 18.
At 15h30 on Friday, 18 July, the KnitWits® and members of the public will head into the streets around Hyde Park Corner, including taxi ranks, bus stops and pavements, to hand scarves to those in need. “Everyone is welcome to help,” says 67 Blankets founder Carolyn Steyn. “We do this stitch by stitch, scarf by scarf, hand to hand because that’s how change happens.”
Hyde Park Corner encourages the public to visit the Centre Court up and until 20 July, support the various campaigns and reflect on what Mandela Day represents: dignity, kindness and action. This year, that action just happens to come on four legs and with a wagging tail.
Members of the public are also encouraged to visit the SPCA’s shelter directly, between 09h00 and 15h30, Monday to Friday, or from 09h00 to 12h30 on Saturdays. The Sandton SPCA is located at 9th Street, Marlboro Gardens, Johannesburg. Details of animals available for adoption can be found online at www.sandtonspca.org.za
