The Alberton SPCA has received a share of a large-scale pet food donation from Walmart Africa, bringing much-needed relief to the shelter.

A total of 9.3 tons of cat and dog food, equivalent to a full truckload, was donated through the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) and distributed across 17 SPCAs in Gauteng.

The NSPCA described the donation as a significant boost for animal welfare organisations.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Walmart Africa for their incredibly generous donation of 12 pallets of dog and cat food to the SPCA. This food has already been shared across 17 SPCAs from Gauteng and will go straight to the animals who need it most. It takes real pressure off our teams and makes a daily difference in ways that are hard to put into words,” the organisation said.

The NSPCA added that the initiative also created a rare opportunity for collaboration among shelters. “What we didn’t expect was how this brought everyone together. SPCAs from different areas got a chance to connect, chat and spend time together around something genuinely positive. That doesn’t happen often enough.

“We’re really grateful for the support and for the relationship behind it,” the organisation said.

Short-term relief for Alberton

The donation was shared equally among 17 SPCAs, including Alberton, providing the local shelter with about a week’s supply of food.

According to Alberton SPCA chairperson Vonjia Bauchop, the support has made an immediate difference.

“This donation gives us a week’s grace to not have to purchase the food we require. We are very grateful as every bit helps,” she said.

Despite the relief, the shelter continues to face daily challenges in caring for animals. Bauchop said feeding remains one of the biggest concerns, particularly for young animals.

“We are always in need of puppy and kitten dry food as the babies eat three times a day,” she said. The shelter also requires environmental enrichment items to keep animals stimulated while they wait for adoption.

Increase in abandoned animals

Alberton SPCA manager Charmaine Joubert said there has been a noticeable increase in abandoned and surrendered animals. “There is an increase in stray animals and many more are being surrendered as people are either leaving the country or moving into smaller, non-pet-friendly spaces,” she said.

She added that unsterilised pets are contributing to the growing number of puppies and kittens being brought in. “People are not sterilising their animals and cannot afford to keep the offspring, or simply do not want them. We do not turn any animals away,” Joubert said.

Community support is still needed

While the donation has provided temporary relief, the SPCA stressed that ongoing community support remains critical.

The organisation is appealing for donations of gently used goods for its charity shop, which helps fund operational costs such as veterinary care, staff salaries and fuel. It is also in need of volunteers, maintenance support and supplies such as paint and hardware.

Residents are encouraged to follow the SPCA’s social media pages to stay updated on urgent needs and animals available for adoption. “We are always looking for loving homes for the animals in our care,” Bauchop said.

As the number of vulnerable animals continues to grow, the Alberton SPCA says continued partnerships and community involvement are essential to sustaining its work.

Should you be able to assist with donations or as a volunteer, contact Alberton SPCA on 011 907 1568 for more information.