If the city’s political promises have left you feeling a little sheepish, perhaps it is time to give a goat a chance.

Meet Hazel and Greta, the goats at the centre of the Johannesburg SPCA’s very own mayoral election. Their manifestos feature everything from biscuit-filled potholes to bunny chow for every kennel – but their real mission is to encourage the community to support vulnerable animals.

According to JSPCA general manager Jolene Beyleveld, Hazel is the sensible candidate, campaigning under the slogan ‘She gets things done. Now now’. Her promises include no load-shedding in the kennels, water on tap every day and potholes filled with biscuits.

Read more: Life gets sweeter for animals at the SPCA

Greta, meanwhile, is the cheeky contender, whose slogan is ‘Vote Greta. It will be a jol’. Her campaign promises free bunny chow for every kennel, a vuvuzela for every dog and a Friday-night groove.

Although the candidates have very different approaches, Beyleveld said both had plenty of character and had already become favourites among staff. “Of course, this is all in good fun. The real purpose of the election is to raise awareness about the work we do and encourage the public to support the animals in our care,” she said.

Behind the campaign is a heartbreaking story While the campaign promises are designed to raise a laugh, Hazel and Greta’s own beginnings reveal why animal welfare matters.

Beyleveld said Hazel was just hours old when she was found inside a plastic bag, with her umbilical cord still attached. The tiny kid needed round-the-clock care and bottle-feeding to survive. Fortunately, Hazel took to bottle-feeding well and has been growing under the organisation’s care.

Greta’s story is equally distressing. According to Beyleveld, she was found inside a dustbin with her legs bound and her mouth tied shut. The SAPS brought her to the organisation’s Booysens premises so she could be placed somewhere safe and receive the care she needed. “Their stories are a reminder that animals depend on us to protect them, and that even the smallest and most vulnerable deserves a chance at life,” said Beyleveld.

Their experiences also reflect the wider work carried out by the organisation, which cares for animals arriving in a range of circumstances, including abandonment, neglect and injury. Beyleveld explained that every animal requires food, clean water, shelter, bedding, cleaning supplies, veterinary treatment, medication and daily care – all of which comes at a cost. The organisation has served Johannesburg since 1902 and relies heavily on public donations to continue its work.

Your vote can make a real difference

The organisation introduced its goat mayoral race during the city’s municipal election period as a light-hearted way to get people talking about animal welfare. Beyleveld stressed that the campaign has no connection to any political party or candidate. Instead, it uses the friendly rivalry between Hazel and Greta to raise awareness and much-needed funds, and unlike an ordinary election, this one gives supporters another way to help their chosen candidate get ahead.

Also read: Randburg SPCA makes shocking discovery

Members of the public can vote by liking or loving Hazel or Greta’s campaign posts on the organisation’s official Facebook page. “Every like or love on a candidate’s social media post counts as one vote, and every rand donated counts as an additional vote,” Beyleveld explained. Voting closes on November 2, with the winner due to be announced on November 3.
Donations can be made by scanning the SnapScan or Zapper QR codes on the campaign posters, or by EFT. Even a small contribution can help provide food, bedding, medication or veterinary treatment. “There is no donation too small to make a difference,” Beyleveld said.

For residents who cannot contribute financially, Beyleveld said there are other meaningful ways to support the organisation. People can donate suitable food and essential supplies, volunteer when opportunities are available, share the organisation’s social media posts or consider adopting an animal in need of a home. Responsible pet ownership is also important, she said, including providing appropriate food, shelter, veterinary care, sterilisation and attention. “Most importantly, remember that animal welfare is a community responsibility. Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and compassion, and every person who helps protect an animal contributes to a better community,” said Beyleveld.

The organisation serves a broad geographical area, including Johannesburg South, approximately half of the Johannesburg CBD, Melville, Westbury, Sophiatown, a large part of Soweto, Lenasia and Orange Farm, as well as communities in between. Residents within its area of responsibility are encouraged to contact the organisation when an animal needs assistance.

Those following the race can also look out for Jozi Woof News, where organisation receptionist Mapule Mfafu will report on the campaign, share updates and offer a closer look at the animals and people behind the organisation’s work.

So, Jozi, are you Team Hazel or Team Greta? Hazel’s pitch is all about getting the basics right and making sure nobody goes without. “Jozi, if you want a mayor who gets things done, vote Hazel,” her campaign message reads. “I believe in the basics, doing things properly and making sure nobody goes without. Remember, I get things done. Now now.”

Greta is promising something a little more lively. “Howzit Jozi. Tired of the same promises? Vote Greta. I am bringing bunny chow for every kennel, a vuvuzela for every dog and a Friday-night groove for everyone. Life is too short not to have a little fun.” Her closing appeal? “Vote Greta – it will be a jol.”

Whether residents prefer Hazel’s practical promises or Greta’s party-ready manifesto, Beyleveld hopes they will use the campaign as an opportunity to get involved in animal welfare. After all, neither goat can fix the city’s potholes or keep the lights on, but the community can help the organisation continue giving vulnerable animals a second chance.

Choose your candidate, cast your vote, share the campaign or donate what you can. In this election, the biggest winners could be the animals who need our help. To find out more about the campaign or the organisation’s work, email pr@jhbspca.co.za.

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