This Mandela Day, community members, businesses, animal lovers and Midrand SPCA supporters will voluntarily spend 67 minutes behind bars to raise funds and awareness for animals who depend on the organisation’s lifesaving work.
Taking place on Saturday, 18 July 2026, from 10:30am to 11:37am at Midrand SPCA, the 67 Minutes Behind Bars for Animals campaign brings together local Champions who have committed to raising funds in support of animals affected by cruelty, neglect, abandonment and suffering.
Inspired by the spirit of Mandela Day and the call to make a difference through service, the campaign aims to raise R250,000 to support Midrand SPCA’s daily animal-welfare work, including cruelty investigations, rescues, education, care and responsible pet ownership initiatives.
The campaign has already raised more than R66,000 across 18 champion campaigns, with several Champions already meeting or exceeding their fundraising targets.
67 Minutes Behind Bars
Mandela Day is built on the idea that every person can give 67 minutes of service to make a difference.
For Midrand SPCA, those 67 minutes carry a powerful message. By spending time behind bars, participants are standing in solidarity with animals who arrive at the SPCA after experiencing neglect, cruelty, abandonment or distress.
While the 67 minutes are symbolic, the impact of the funds raised will be real.
Every donation helps Midrand SPCA continue the work it does every day to protect vulnerable animals and give them a chance at safety, care and dignity.
Champions For Animals
The campaign brings together local business owners, community leaders, animal advocates, sports teams, Midrand SPCA Inspectors, families and supporters, all united by one goal: helping Midrand SPCA continue protecting animals, preventing cruelty and saving lives.
These Champions for Animals are helping turn Mandela Day into a practical act of service. Their commitment reminds the public that animal welfare is not only the responsibility of inspectors and shelters. It is a community effort.
By supporting a champion campaign, donors are helping Midrand SPCA respond to animals in need and continue protecting those who rely on its services.
The Daily Work Behind The Campaign
Every day, Midrand SPCA responds to reports of animal cruelty, neglect and suffering.
Its inspectors investigate complaints, rescue animals in distress, educate pet owners and work to ensure that animals receive the care and protection they deserve. The organisation also supports animal adoptions, provides shelter and helps promote responsible pet ownership in Midrand and surrounding areas.
Midrand SPCA receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on the support of the community to continue its work.
This work is constant, often urgent and deeply practical. It requires fuel, veterinary care, food, shelter operations, inspectorate resources, education and ongoing community support.
The 67 Minutes Behind Bars campaign helps keep that work going.
A Mandela Day Call To Action
Members of the public are invited to attend the event, meet the Champions, hear their stories and support the campaign.
The event will take place at:
Midrand SPCA
Saturday, 18 July 2026
10:30am – 11:37am
Midrand SPCA is asking the public to support its participants and help the campaign reach its R250,000 goal.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps protect animals from cruelty and gives Midrand SPCA the resources it needs to respond where animals are vulnerable, neglected or in distress.
For supporters, this is a meaningful Mandela Day opportunity: 67 minutes behind bars, local champions for animals, and one shared cause.
To support the Midrand SPCA 67 Minutes Behind Bars Campaign 2026, visit the BackaBuddy campaign page:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/organization/midrand-spca~2
