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A Celebration of Legacy and Vision: Beauty Without Cruelty’s Past, Present and Future

A Celebration of Legacy and Vision: Beauty Without Cruelty’s Past, Present and Future

07/01/20254 min Read More
Mrs Cheryl Phillips Supports BWC SA

Mrs Cheryl Phillips Supports BWC SA

07/01/20251 min Read More
Paws-A-While Supports BWC

Paws-A-While Supports BWC

07/01/20252 min Read More
BWC Supporter Testimonial by Stacy Edwards

BWC Supporter Testimonial by Stacy Edwards

07/01/20255 min Read More
Greendawning Supports BWC

Greendawning Supports BWC

07/01/20252 min Read More
Pindari Farm Supports BWC

Pindari Farm Supports BWC

07/01/20251 min Read More

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Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)

2 days ago

Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)
𝗚𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗢𝟮 𝗚𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀Every day in South Africa, thousands of pigs are killed in 𝗖𝗢𝟮 𝗴𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀, a method used within the supply chains of several major retailers. It is often described as humane, yet what happens inside these chambers is extremely distressing. Pigs gasp for air, panic, scream and suffer burning in their lungs while remaining fully conscious for long periods.These are sentient beings who experience fear, pain and distress. Their final moments are hidden behind industrial systems that most consumers never see.Beauty Without Cruelty raises this issue to bring truth, transparency and compassion to a system that urgently needs review.𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘀: 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀. 𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.Woolworths is one of South Africa’s strongest leaders in cruelty free progress. Many of their products are endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty and appear proudly in our 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲, meeting strict no animal testing criteria. We honour this and value the relationship.However, accountability begins with the partners we trust. Woolworths publicly commits to the internationally recognised 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺𝘀, which include freedom from pain, fear and distress. Yet CO2 gassing, used by 𝗠𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲, a supplier of their pork, contradicts these very principles.This is not a campaign against Woolworths. It is an important call for consistency between what is promised to the public and what takes place within the supply chain. We are in ongoing discussions with Woolworths and we continue to wait for meaningful change.Consumers deserve clarity. Animals deserve dignity. Values must be lived.𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀Retailers that position themselves as ethical leaders carry the trust of the public. When severe suffering within 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 systems remains hidden, that trust becomes misaligned.Transparency allows consumers to make informed choices. Accountability ensures that no being suffers in silence. Informed communities become 𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 who help shift the country toward a more compassionate food system.Your voice is needed.𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲. 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.Here is the video link.youtube.com/shorts/8LRPvEyGlS4?feature=shareWatch it fully.Comment to share your thoughts.Share it so more South Africans can see what is happening out of sight.Honest conversations often spark the biggest shifts. ... See MoreSee Less

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Gasping for Justice: The Silent Suffering of Pigs in South African Gas Chambers

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Across South Africa, thousands of pigs are killed each week in carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas chambers — a method used in the supply chains of several major food r...

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Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa) and Omni Wellness Media

3 days ago

Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)
𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙻𝙸𝙵𝙴 𝙸𝙽 𝙰 𝚃𝙸𝙼𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙳𝙸𝚅𝙸𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽: 𝙱𝚆𝙲’𝚂 𝚁𝙴𝙵𝙻𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 𝙾𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙱𝙰𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙽 𝚂𝙰𝙽𝙲𝚃𝚄𝙰𝚁𝚈 𝙳𝙴𝙱𝙰𝚃𝙴Cape Town’s baboons have once again pulled a raw nerve in the City of Cape Town's conscience. In the past months we have watched troops pushed to the edge, individuals removed, and beloved baboons like Earl quietly disappear from the landscape.Earl, the dispersing male who wandered through Plumstead, Kenwyn and Lansdowne, became a symbol of this tension. After being trapped and returned to his natal range, he failed to integrate with a northern troop and lingered around Constantia for months. The Joint Task Team eventually confirmed that Earl, coded TK67, had been euthanised after their deliberation. For many people this was not just the death of one baboon, it was another painful reminder that when systems fail, the animals pay with their lives.Against this backdrop the new Baboon Action Plan and the proposed sanctuary for the Seaforth and Waterfall troops have landed in a space already heavy with grief, anger and mistrust.BWC’s own committee and supporters, like much of the wider baboon community, are divided. That division is real, and it is understandable. We want to say from the outset: there is nothing shameful about that.𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙If you care about the baboons, it is impossible to approach this plan with a neat, single emotion.People who oppose the sanctuary do so because they fear it will become a slow extinction plan, or a precedent for removing “problem” baboons instead of changing harmful human behaviour. They are worried about fences, fire risks, the lack of baseline data, vasectomies and the long history of inadequate public participation. Many have stood in the trenches for years, witnessing shooting, maiming and quiet removals. Their distrust is not imaginary, it has been earned the hard way.People who support the sanctuary do so because they look at the immediate alternatives on the table and see a brutal truth: for the Seaforth and Waterfall troops the realistic choices right now are a contained sanctuary, or culling. They see urban baboons who have spent most of their lives raiding dustbins, dodging cars, dogs and paintball guns, and they ask whether a secure, well designed sanctuary might offer, at the very least, safety and peace.Both positions are rooted in love for baboons and in exhaustion with broken systems. Both are responses to twenty-plus years in which authorities have failed to implement basic mitigation: proper waste management, baboon proof bins, corridors, enforcement of by-laws, and honest engagement with communities.BWC will not pretend that this is simple. It is not.Being divided is a sign that people are thinking deeply and feeling deeply. It means we are paying attention.𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣Beauty Without Cruelty is an animal rights organisation, not a specialist baboon management body. We do not run troops, draft management protocols or implement field operations. For that, we rely on those who have devoted decades of their lives to the daily realities of baboon welfare.For many years we have been guided on "Baboon Matters" (pun intended) by Jenni Trethowan and the Baboon Matters team. Jenni brings more than thirty years of hands-on experience with Cape Peninsula baboons. She has walked the mountains, watched troops fragment, negotiated with officials, stood at the front line when dispersing males were targeted and when mothers lost infants. When an expert with this level of experience says “this is not ideal, but it is the best workable option on the table right now,” we take that seriously.Trusting expertise is not abdicating responsibility. It is acknowledging that no single organisation can be expert in every species, every ecosystem and every technical plan. Responsible advocacy sometimes means saying: we will stand beside those who hold specialised knowledge, and we will support them while continuing to raise broader ethical concerns.𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮: 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝From what has been shared, the proposed sanctuary for the Seaforth and Waterfall troops is not a cage in the popular sense. It is a contained area of land, walked and assessed by those we trust, where the baboons would have space, seclusion, a planned diet and environmental enrichment. It is not the large, free roaming landscape many of us dreamt of in earlier years. But for these specific urban troops, who are already living within a very human-dominated environment, it may be a safer life than the one they currently endure.We are acutely aware of the threat that hangs over this proposal. We have been given to understand that if legal challenges derail the sanctuary, that option can simply be taken off the table. Will every baboon then be killed outright? Perhaps not. But enough have already been killed for us to know that this is not a risk taken lightly.Faced with a choice between a plan that may offer a contained but secure life, and the very real possibility of further lethal removals, BWC chooses life.This does not mean we give the Joint Task Team a blank cheque. It does not mean we are suddenly comfortable with opaque decision making, the lack of an up-to-date population census, or the continuation of killings under outdated guidelines. It does mean that, for these two troops, we are willing to support a compromise that keeps them alive while working to change the larger system.We refuse to make the perfect the enemy of the good when the cost of that purity may be measured in dead baboons.𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛, 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙮It is important to name what sits underneath the anger in this debate: grief.Grief for baboons like Earl, who wander through suburbs carrying the invisible burden of fragmented troops and shrinking habitat. Grief for infants who never reach adulthood, for long established hierarchies broken apart, for troops forced onto a knife edge by human expansion and human indifference.Grief also for trust that has been eroded over many years. People have marched, written submissions, attended meetings, and still watched decisions rolled out without adequate data or transparent processes. When a new plan appears at year end, accompanied by press releases before community meetings have even finished, that history cannot simply be brushed aside.BWC recognises this grief. We share it. Accepting the sanctuary as an interim, pragmatic step does not cancel that pain. It simply recognises that the baboons do not have the luxury of waiting for a flawless process before their lives are decided.𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙒𝘾 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧Supporting the sanctuary option for the Seaforth and Waterfall troops, on the basis of expert guidance, goes hand in hand with a clear set of expectations and values.𝘽𝙒𝘾 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧:• A current, independently verified census of baboons on the Peninsula, and transparent sharing of that data.• An immediate end to killing “problem” baboons while core mitigation strategies remain unimplemented.• Stronger accountability for human behaviour, including proper waste management, baboon proof bins, enforcement of by-laws and prosecution of those who injure or kill baboons unlawfully.• Ongoing monitoring, reporting and public communication about the sanctuary, including welfare checks, enrichment programmes, funding models and any health interventions.• A formal, detailed sanctuary plan that sets out the full design, operational model, welfare standards and long term management approach, to ensure that the field walkthrough aligns with a clear and transparent written proposal.• Future options, including possible safe release sites or expanded space, to be kept on the table rather than designing the sanctuary as a quiet, inevitable extinction.We will also continue to affirm that activists and community members who oppose the sanctuary are not our enemies. These are people who have marched beside us on other days, who have stood in the rain outside laboratories and abattoirs. Disagreement in strategy does not erase solidarity in principle.𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧The baboons of the Cape Peninsula do not need us to agree on every tactic. They need us to keep showing up, to keep asking difficult questions, to keep pushing for systems that respect their right to exist.Beauty Without Cruelty’s position is therefore this:We acknowledge that the sanctuary is not ideal. We acknowledge the deep, justified mistrust many people feel. We accept that good people, with good hearts, will differ sharply on this issue.At the same time, guided by those with long experience in baboon welfare, we believe that for the Seaforth and Waterfall troops the sanctuary currently offers the best realistic chance of a life free from daily persecution, gunfire, dogs and cars. Between a contained life and a likely increase in lethal removals, we choose to support the option that keeps them alive.We do so with open eyes, with continued vigilance, and with a commitment to hold authorities to the highest possible standards. Our loyalty is not to any committee or plan. Our loyalty is to the baboons.If this moment invites anything of us as a city, it is humility. Humility to admit that our species created this crisis through expansion, waste and neglect. Humility to listen to those with expertise. Humility to accept compromise when the alternative may be irreversible harm.Most of all, it calls us to remember that our task, as humans with power, is not to control every other being on this peninsula, but to learn at last how to live alongside them.For the baboons, we intend to keep doing exactly that. Please take a moment to really look at the photographs below and connect with them as deeply as you did with the article. An article may offer a few hundred words, but a picture, as the saying goes, is worth a thousand. These photographs by Bonita Franklin (Baboon Watch WC) capture what words often cannot. The CT3 troop stands splintered across the suburbs, a portrait of a family no longer able to move as one. The youngsters navigate streets and backyards where they should never have had to grow up. The CT1 male, weary yet resolute, carries the strain of a life shaped by constant human pressure. These images remind us who sits at the heart of this struggle, and who we are fighting for. ... See MoreSee Less

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Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)

7 days ago

Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)
🌿 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓: @Iwori Beauty 🌿At 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚, we believe haircare should heal, not harm. That’s why we’re highlighting Iwori , a SA‑born brand that mixes African‑native ingredients with ethical values and real results.💚 Why Iwori Beauty makes our Humane Guide:✨ 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 & ethically made — Iwori never tests on animals and keeps their formulas vegan‑friendly and free from harsh, harmful chemicals. ✨ Deeply nourishing & strengthening — Their Mongongo Scalp & Hair Oil blends nutrient‑rich Mongongo oil with casting, argan, jojoba, coconut and shea oils. The result: scalp relief, cuticle repair, stronger strands, and moisturised, healthy hair. ✨ Made for natural hair textures — Whether you rock curls, coils, braids or natural hair, this oil supports growth, reduces breakage, and keeps hair soft and manageable. ✨ Conscious & community‑rooted — Iwori stands with plant-powered beauty and sustainable sourcing, uplift­ing the spirit of local beauty done with love. Because at BWC, we know real beauty respects all life, from our scalps to the planet. Iwori Beauty proves you don’t have to sacrifice ethics for results.🛍️ Discover their Mongongo Scalp & Hair Oil + full range: iworibeauty.com🔎 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 cruelty‑free (humanely manufactured) brands you can support.#𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 #IworiBeauty #𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 #EthicalHairCare #SupportLocal #BeautyWithoutCruelty #NaturalHairCare ... See MoreSee Less

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Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa) and NSPCA - National Council of SPCAs

2 weeks ago

Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)
𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘁𝘆 – 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗔 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮.Today, Radio 786 hosted our Executive Officer, Chad Cupido, to unpack the historic Eastern Cape High Court ruling that restores the NSPCA - National Council of SPCAs full power to board live-export vessels and 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.For years, inspectors could see cruelty but were banned from taking photos or videos.𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸.This victory means:• 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽• 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀• 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴• 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄As Chad emphasised on air, true compassion is not just a feeling — it has to show up in legislation, oversight and action.𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀.𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.Thank you to Radio 786 on 100.4fm for platforming this important discussion.Thank you to the NSPCA for standing firm.𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 Stop Live Export SA and partners, whose leadership and persistence continue to drive the national call for a complete end to live animal export.𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. ... See MoreSee Less

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Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)

2 weeks ago

Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)
𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘆’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳 — 𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻After months of public concern, petitions, and unwavering advocacy from citizens, welfare groups, and conservationists, Wendy the baboon’s collar has finally been removed. This confirmation came quietly from Steenbras Nature Reserve, part of the City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Department. While it remains unclear whether CapeNature or the City’s State Veterinary team performed the procedure, what matters most is that Wendy is free at last.𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲This outcome was not achieved by one person or one organisation. It was the result of a community that refused to look away.People wrote letters.People shared posts.People kept asking questions.People kept showing up.From Bonita Francklin of Baboon Watch WC, whose tireless commitment kept Wendy’s story alive, to organisations such as Beauty Without Cruelty, Baboon Matters, Baboons Of The South and many independent rescuers and advocates – this was a collective act of devotion.In Bonita’s words:“𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗴𝗼.”𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻During her efforts to monitor the troop, Bonita visited Clarence Drive more than eleven times. Collectively with Samantha from Baboon Watch WC, over sixteen trips. Each visit carried hope, yet Wendy remained elusive.Without the collar, Wendy was difficult to identify. She had blended back into her troop, her individuality restored. Bonita kept searching for three mothers with infants – expecting to see Wendy among them. Instead, she found two, with the third turning out to be a very old female, not a new mother.Only on her most recent visit did Wendy step into the light in a way that made recognition possible. A faint scar on her nose matched Bonita’s earliest observations from long ago. In that moment she knew: this was Wendy, finally freed from the device that had defined her story for years.𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆This victory was driven by public engagement. Beauty Without Cruelty’s Women’s Day post, published here: www.facebook.com/share/p/1DW7cxWAA9/, reached tens of thousands of people and connected Wendy’s story to the broader theme of the struggle for dignity faced by all females, human and non-human. The post went on to be shared widely across the country and abroad, carrying Wendy’s story into homes, communities, and conversations that might never otherwise have encountered it.Other groups amplified the call, and community pages made sure Wendy’s story never disappeared. Every share, every message, and every voice added weight to the demand for her freedom.Wendy became more than a baboon with a collar. She became a symbol of our collective responsibility.𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱Although we cannot publicly share the correspondence received due to protocol, we acknowledge and respect the official teams who contributed to the final outcome.We also honour the many people who helped carry this cause:𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗖𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘁𝘆𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆Owl Rescue Centre𝗟𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗺𝗶 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲Rescuers and rehabilitation teamsIndependent monitors and observersCitizens who wrote, shared, and refused to forgetEach message, each email, each shared post played a part in keeping Wendy’s story alive.𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲Wendy’s freedom is a reminder that care matters, voices matter, and persistence matters. It shows what can be achieved when people unite for the wellbeing of a being who cannot speak for herself.Her collar is gone. Her dignity is restored. Her story will continue to inspire those who believe in coexistence, compassion, and justice for all living beings.Photos: Bonita Francklin of Baboon Watch WC ... See MoreSee Less

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Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)

3 weeks ago

Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 — 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀.𝗕𝗪𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗵𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻, 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗘𝘅, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗼-𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿“𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀.” — 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝗶 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗵𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻South Africa has reached a disturbing turning point.In one week, John Steenhuisen publicly praised hunting as “conservation,” and Minister Dion George — one of the few leaders committed to confronting the cruelty of captive-wildlife industries — has been removed from office.He has now been replaced by an individual who has publicly defended canned hunting.This is not coincidence.This is ideology.And it is dangerous.Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa (BWC) refuses to stand by while cruelty is rebranded as conservation and political power is handed to those who profit from suffering.Trophy hunters are not conservationists. They are legalised serial killers.And the wildlife ranchers who breed animals for these killings are not “managing nature” — they are breeding victims for profit.𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗘𝘅 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 At HuntEx 2025, John Steenhuisen made several deeply troubling claims:“Hunting is conservation.”“Some of the biggest conservationists in our country are hunters.”“Harnessing the economic benefit [of wildlife ranching] is going to be massively important.”A full video of his remarks — available publicly here:www.facebook.com/reel/1191358535769459shows him delivering these statements proudly and directly. There is no misinterpretation, no missing context, no ambiguity. He stood at a hunting expo surrounded by wildlife breeders and trophy-hunting promoters, aligning himself openly with an industry built on confinement, killing, and suffering.These claims are not only misleading — they are a distortion of science, ethics, and ecological truth.Hunting does not conserve wildlife. It commodifies it.It creates an industry built on the breeding, confinement, and killing of sentient beings for pleasure and profit.Canned hunting, fenced killing, and wildlife ranching are not conservation.They are commercial extraction systems engineered to monetise animal suffering.These statements ignore:● ecological collapse caused by fencing and fragmentation● genetic pollution from selective breeding● psychological torture endured by animals raised for execution● global condemnation of South Africa’s canned-hunting industryTo call this “conservation” is not only scientifically baseless — it is morally bankrupt. 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼-𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿: 𝗔 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱Minister Dion George’s removal is a profound moral and environmental loss.During his tenure he:● advanced the process toward ending captive-lion breeding● strengthened transparency between government and civil society● supported marine and penguin protections● prioritised evidence-based, ethical policyHis successor has openly aligned himself with the canned-hunting lobby — an industry rooted in cruelty, greed, and ecological dishonesty.As Toni said:“𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀.”A minister who supports captive breeding and canned killing cannot lead a nation’s environmental future.𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹-𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗹: 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲BWC does not use this comparison lightly.Serial predatory behaviour — whether in individuals or industries — follows the same psychological pattern:● domination● repetition● desensitisation● emotional detachment from sufferingThe hunting industry mimics these traits:● animals are bred as commodities● their deaths are scheduled, paid for, and ritualised● the victims are powerlessWhen leaders glorify this behaviour, they normalise violence and elevate domination as virtue.Violence is not conservation.Killing is not stewardship.Profit is not protection.𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀The connection between serial killers and trophy hunters is recognised in psychology and criminology. Although the contexts differ, the behavioural mechanisms show disturbing similarities.𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆Serial killers collect trophies to relive the act and sustain dominance.Trophy hunters exhibit the same pattern:● mounted heads● skins● skulls● staged photosThese items commemorate domination over the victim.𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 “𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵”Both serial killers and trophy hunters engage in:● tracking● selecting a target● anticipating behaviour● planning the killThis mirrors the “appetitive phase” of predation — the psychological build-up before the act.𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗴𝗼Both behaviours are linked by a need for control and ego elevation.This is not survival.It is domination.𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆Psychopathy is characterised by:● callousness● lack of empathy● need for control● enjoyment of dominationThese traits appear in serial predators and in those who kill animals for entertainment.As Toni emphasises:“Trophy hunting for ‘fun’ is nothing more than violence for ego-gratification. The mechanisms are identical to serial predation — power, planning, domination, and trophy-taking. The only difference is that society excuses one and criminalises the other.”𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀A critical truth must be stated clearly:Wildlife breeders — the operators who mass-produce animals for killing — are not conservationists.They are suppliers in a blood-soaked value chain.As Toni says:“The people who breed these animals for profit are not conservationists. They breed victims.”We are discussing trophy hunting, not subsistence hunting.Trophy hunting exists to satisfy insecurity, ego, and a need for dominance.As Toni puts it:“Trophy hunting is for those with tiny insecurities and big problems.”Supporting this industry is the grotesque trade in:● lion bones● rhino horn● ivoryall marketed as “traditional medicine,” despite having no therapeutic or scientific value.Cultural tradition does not justify cruelty.No heritage legitimises exploitation.Trophy hunting and wildlife breeding are industries of cruelty — not conservation.𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗪𝗖 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝟭. A Parliamentary inquiry into conflicts of interest in wildlife-policy leadership.𝟮. Immediate termination of political participation in hunting-promotion events.𝟯. Restoration of ethical leadership at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment.𝟰. Relaunch of BWC’s direct-action email system, enabling the public to send individual letters directly to decision-makers.𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀This moment tests the character of our nation.Do we choose:● lions bred to die in cages● leaders aligned with bloodsport industries● children taught that killing equals power● ministries handed to cruelty’s defendersOr do we choose compassion, ethics, and truth?The answer will define us.𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀BWC will not be silenced.We will expose cruelty disguised as conservation.We will confront harmful ideology wherever it appears.We will defend the voiceless with unwavering resolve.As Toni reminds us:“𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀.”And in her final words:“We will be writing to the leadership of the Democratic Alliance to remind them that they were the first political party in South Africa to publicly acknowledge animal sentience — and yet they are now backtracking on it by allowing animals to suffer horrifically in these industries. The hypocrisy is extraordinary. There are far better, ethical ways to grow the economy, create jobs, and lead this country forward without institutionalising cruelty.”She continues:“It is no different to shouting about women’s rights and equality, and then stripping women of their bodily autonomy. You cannot claim moral leadership while violating the most basic principles of compassion and justice.” ... See MoreSee Less

Hunting. Conservation. Our Future. Hear from Agri Minister John Steenhuisen, at HuntEx, on why hunting matters, for wildlife, communities, and generations to come. Get your tickets online or at the gate #huntex25

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