Alberton’s NSPCA welcomes Esté Kotzé as new CEO

After more than four decades of leadership in animal welfare, Marcelle Meredith, the executive director of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), stepped down on June 30.

Headquartered in Alberton, the NSPCA has long served as SA’s frontline defence against animal cruelty.

Meredith’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era defined by advocacy, landmark legal battles, and work in the trenches on behalf of animals across SA.

“It has always been about the animals,” Meredith said. “Leadership at the NSPCA has never been about positions. It has been about doing yourself what you expect your team to do in the trenches.”

Taking the reins from July 1 was Esté Kotzé, who joined the organisation in 2007 and has served as the deputy CEO since 2011.

Her appointment follows a carefully planned succession strategy that began in 2019.

“It’s an honour and a great responsibility,” Kotzé told the Alberton Record.

“Marcelle has been the voice and backbone of animal welfare in SA for decades, and her impact is immeasurable. I worked closely with her and saw first-hand the strength, sacrifice and resilience it takes to lead an organisation like the NSPCA. I don’t aim to replace her. No one could, but I do intend to carry her legacy forward with integrity, compassion and continuity.”

Rooted in Alberton, impacting the nation

Appointed CEO in 1992, Meredith helped elevate the NSPCA to a statutory body through the SPCA Act 169 of 1993.

From its base in Alberton, the organisation has grown in size and stature, extending its reach across SA and beyond.

“I have always had a passion for farm animals, who, sadly suffer behind closed doors in some of the worst ways imaginable,” said Meredith.

“As a result, I was responsible for starting the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit, whose core function is to ensure farm animals are treated humanely and with compassion, and to improve their welfare and quality of life.”

She also reflected on one of the most defining and difficult battles in her career – the fight for the Tuli elephants.

“We managed to save five of those elephants after a lengthy and emotionally straining legal battle. The fate of the other 25 elephants still haunts me today.”

Leading with purpose

As she steps into the role, Kotzé’s leadership priorities are clear.

“Our frontline inspectors need consistent resources and support. Protecting our independence and public trust is critical.

“Without it, the animals lose their voice. We must also future-proof the organisation, including building strong internal systems and engaging younger generations in animal protection.”

She added, “Marcelle built the NSPCA on compassion, ethics and action. I fully subscribe to those same principles.

“Where I bring my style is in quieter, behind-the-scenes work, empowering teams, refining systems and investing in leadership across the organisation. I do not believe in leadership by volume. I believe in purpose, presence, and accountability.”

For Kotzé, the challenges ahead are real, but not undefeatable.

“Our biggest challenges are systemic – funding in a tough economy and combating apathy in a world overwhelmed by competing crises. But I’m not discouraged. We’ve faced worse and come through stronger because our cause is just, and our people are deeply committed.”

A united leadership team

Grace de Lange, who was appointed chief operations officer in 2023, has worked closely with Marcelle and Kotzé.

“I’m ensuring continuity and stability by overseeing the operations units, including the Farm Animal Protection, Wildlife Protection and Special Projects units so that the day-to-day work of the NSPCA continues to run smoothly,” said De Lange.

She added, “Esté brings clear vision, integrity and a deeply rooted commitment to animal welfare. Her ability to engage with staff and external stakeholders with empathy and strategic insight makes her an exceptional leader. I complement her by focusing on operational execution, aligning teams and supporting implementation, and ensuring that we remain focused on our mission.”

Life beyond the title

As she enters retirement, Meredith remains committed to animal welfare, even if she steps away from the daily demands of leadership.

“My life is animal welfare, and that will never change. I will continue to do everything I can to protect animals from cruelty and abuse. But I will also take time to do things I love, such as spending time in the Kruger National Park and getting in some much-needed beach time. While I might be retiring from my job, I will never retire from fighting for animals.”

Asked why she believes Kotzé was the right successor, Meredith responded, “Esté has been a part of the NSPCA for 18 years and has worked closely with me much of that time. She has a deep understanding of the organisation and a passion for animal welfare. Her knowledge, experience and skills, combined with her compassion for animals, are an invaluable and formidable combination.”

A message to South Africans

Kotzé offered a heartfelt message to those who care about animals in SA.

“Your voice matters. The welfare of animals in SA is not just the responsibility of one organisation. It is a shared moral duty. Whether you donate, report cruelty, volunteer or simply raise kind children, you are part of the solution. Thank you for standing with us.”