Welcome to the final edition of the ANIMAL RIGHTS AFRICA NEWS for 2009.

With animal abusers only too willing to paint a negative and distorted picture of ‘animal rights’, it is vitally important that we ensure that the wider public comprehend our message of truth and hope. It is essential to tell people what we are for, as well as what we are against! ANIMAL RIGHTS AFRICA actively works for and promotes Inclusive Justice - this is not only in our founding document but grounds and underscores everything we do. ANIMAL RIGHTS AFRICA strongly condemns any form of exploitation, oppression injustice and discrimination such as racism, sexism and speciesism.

ANIMAL RIGHTS AFRICA could not do the work it does were it not for the donations it receives from supporters. Please visit our website to see how you can contribute and for more information - from factory farming to culling, from trophy hunting to animal experiments – and you'll find out how you can help animals. 

Enjoy this edition
Warm wishes
The ANIMAL RIGHTS AFRICA Team

The Department of Environmental Affairs has published Draft Minimum Standards for the Management of Captive Elephants.

Please send your comments and submissions by 27th December 2009 to: Olga Kumalo, fax: 012 - 320 7026 and email:  okumalo@deat.gov.za.

To view the proposed policy: http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=113411

Taking welfare, inherent value, and our understandings of animals into account forces us to acknowledge that animal circuses lack moral justification. They infringe on the welfare of animals, they do not take into account basic moral considerations, and they present a misleading understanding of animals. Legislation ought to reflect these considerations, and animal circuses ought to be banned. Current legislation in South Africa fails to protect wild animals in circuses. Please urge Government to ban the use of wild species in circuses. Write to: Minister of Environmental Affairs: Ms Buyelwa Patience Sonjica, Fax +27 12 336 7817 or email Ntombi Mthembu (the Minister’s PA) mthembun@dwaf.gov.za



Have you visited an animal circus? Have you seen animal welfare conditions that concerned you? Then let us know! Many people do not realise that a few circuses still use animals, and even then people may visit the circus thinking that the animals are probably well cared for. If you have seen things in an animal circus that concern you, please let us know. Please send your complaint to: info@animalrightsafrica.org or ARA PO Box 3018 Honeydew 2040, or ring us on 011 472 2380.

Did you know that overwhelmingly, most African hunting trophies come from South Africa and overseas hunters describe the country as a ‘hunting wonderland’ and that it is fast becoming one of the most popular trophy hunting destinations in the world.

Picture courtesy Picturenet. Photographer Joao Silva

Opinion Piece: Michele Pickover

Since the Ukweshwama ritual it has come under the public spotlight there has been a hostile backlash by those who purport to talk on behalf of all Zulus.  What is of concern is that this response is by default contradictory and paradoxical, promoting cultural homogeneity, imposing a unitary interpretation on traditions and the concept of culture itself. This will inevitably suppress and deny the rights of other groups and individuals in South Africa.

The strategy devised to deal with the so-called “noise” of these perceived “cultural enemies” is to smear them. As if discussion around cultural practices is taboo and untouchable  and cannot be questioned or contested, as if the values of tradition and modernity cannot be put to the test to scrutinise who they serve; for what purpose and to which ends. Critics are branded as racist, as ignorant, as having a lack of respect for Zulu culture, of promoting Western hegemony and of not engaging with other forms of animal exploitation and suffering.  Not only is this inaccurate and untrue but alarmingly, but this knee-jerk response flies in the face of our constitutional democracy.

Societies are always changing and can never be static. Culture is capable of significant adaptation as circumstances change. It is dynamic, evolving, flexible and fluid by nature. Traditions are social constructions and therefore contested. Not all traditions are worthy of admiration and respect. Tradition should never be an excuse for cruelty and surely harmful practices should not be condoned just because they are cultural practices?  Cannibalism, infanticide, female circumcision, slavery, the suppression of women, exploitation of children, bullfighting, bear baiting, fox hunting, foot binding and sati are among so-called “cultural traditions” practiced by some groups - the loss of which should not be mourned.

Cultures necessarily change as contexts change, accruing and losing features over time. Indeed, the only cultures that do not change are those that are dead. Evidence has also shown that cultural identity does not have to depend upon practices that harm sentient beings. While traditional and religious practices and beliefs should be respected, this must not lead to the disregard for the interests of animals in our care. Harmful aspects of some cultural practices need to be modified. This can be done while at the same time maintaining cultural identity.  As aspects of our old cultures change, adapt, maybe disappear, we have the opportunity to create something new – drawing on the, cosmopolitan nature of modern South Africa to create something that is a unique mixture of both.

Humans are not unique in their possession of complex emotions like love, loneliness, and shame; of sophisticated behaviours and communities and globally and locally there is an increasing questioning of the ‘human exceptionalism” paradigm. We need to awaken our sensibilities and capacity for compassion, mercy and empathy toward other animals killed by the billions annually in our name (over 60 billion land-based animals are killed as food every year). Animals have a life before they turn into food, trophies, sacrifices, etc. Animals have agency and they are “subjects of their own life”.  Indeed, they have their own cultures and traditions – which also adapt to changing circumstances or environments.

Compassion for (all) living beings is a trans-cultural and meta-historical idea, shared by many different peoples, around the world, including Africans and South Africans. It represents a dissolving of the bounds of personal interest and incorporates the understanding that all life is interconnected and deserving of our respect. Our humanity and humility is at stake. There needs to be a swing to a culture of compassion and on-going conversations and unpacking of what depersonalises and devalues both humans and animals alike and makes oppression possible.

There is an inextricable link between our treatment and slaughter of animals and our treatment and slaughter of other human beings. Concern for humans and concern for other animals are not as divergent as some would think and these concerns do not take place in a social or economic vacuum or outside of political ideology.  What we need is inclusive justice, where the interests of animals and humans are considered.

Most of the suffering and death inflicted upon other animals is not a consequence of isolated cases of cruel actions, but of social attitudes rarely questioned. To try to argue that animals do not suffer pain or that it does not matter if they do is not only unfathomable and deeply flawed but simply unconscionable. So, what this debate is really about is suffering and about acknowledging suffering. And because animals have no voice does not mean we should exploit them – whether for traditional reasons or for the culture of profit.

We need to rethink what it means to be human on Earth. We need to be sensitive to vulnerability – this means a special concern for the helpless, for other animals, the poor, the young, the undefended, the marginalised and concern for future generations.  Through notions of justice, democracy, reconciliation, inclusiveness and Ubuntu we can heal ourselves and unite and intermingle in a web of commonality. There is plenty of room for engaging in dialogue with all cultures on the issue of animal exploitation. If we can listen to each other with respect and openness, our cultural needs can be met in other, less destructive and cruel ways.

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For ARA Press Release on the Ukweshwama issue:

http://www.animalrightsafrica.org/PR_22Nov09_ARA_UKWESHWAMA_Ritual.php
http://www.animalrightsafrica.org/PR_25Nov09_ARA_UKWESHWAMA_CourtAction.php
http://www.animalrightsafrica.org/PR_02Dec09_ARA_UKWESHWAMA_AboutTheBull.php
http://www.animalrightsafrica.org/PR_04Dec09_ARA_ThinkOfTheBull.php

For other articles in the press on the ukweshwama issue:

Ritual: bull takes 20 min to die: http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/3bb64e765525451ea44d4ba09786a672/07-12-2009-12-04/Ritual_bull_takes_20_min_to_die

Sometimes culture is a load of bull: http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/bernardallen/2009/12/02/sometimes-culture-is-a-load-of-bull/

Forward Comrades to a more glorious past :  http://www.timeslive.co.za/opinion/columnists/article221277.ece

Caught in cycle of paranoia and powerlessness :  http://www.businessday.co.za/Articles/Content.aspx?id=89235

Justice Malala: culture no excuse for cruelty : http://www.timeslive.co.za/opinion/columnists/article222462.ece

Spilling the Blood of Bulls to Preserve Zulu Tradition : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/world/africa/09safrica.html?_r=1&ref=world

Ukweshwama: what is all this bull?  http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/sentletsediakanyo/2009/12/04/ukweshwama-what-is-all-this-bull/

Click on the news article that interest you

Meat creates half of all greenhouse gases : http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/meat-creates-half-of-all-greenhouse-gases-1812909.html

Of Pachyderms and Paratroopers
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ga-bradshaw/of-pachyderms-and-paratro_b_349107.html

South African caught at airport with crocodiles in luggage : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/6204087/South-African-caught-at-airport-with-crocodiles-in-luggage.html

Big jump in illegal ivory seizures - Nigeria, DRC & Thailand are hotspots
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/ivory-sales009.html#cr

An end to Japanese whaling?
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/japanese-whaling931.html#cr

Huge seizures of 1169 kgs of elephant ivory in Kenya and Ethiopia : http://www.france24.com/en/node/4937168

The dog unit was part of the team that discovered the ivory.

Photo credit KWS.

This month’s review is on the Nature’s Gate range of products. Whilst this reviewer sampled the body care products (liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner), Nature’s Gate does have a range of other products, including sun blocks, baby lotions and protection creams, amongst others.

In terms of the ‘experience’ of using the products, the shampoo (in this case the Hemp Nourishing for dry frizzy hair) certainly did the job, and more than appropriately, it lathered well and my hair (a natural curly tangle with a mind of its own) responded well and felt clean. Also used by a straight-haired fussier friend, the report was equally positive, her hair felt good and clean as ever after using the shampoo.

The next product on the chopping block, was the ‘organics’, fruit blend conditioner, with its snazzy new bottle colouring and presentation. With a skepticism about the use of ‘organics’ branding, we forged ahead and gave it a chance. The conditioner worked well, and the in-shower fragrance was lovely. There was a post-conditioner criticism, that my friend’s hair felt a bit dry after using a  hairdryer, but this seemed to be short-lived, and the next day her hair felt untangly and clean.

Finally, the Tea Tree moisturizing hand soap – at the risk of repetition, I have to say, it did clean and in fact left a sense of moisturizing on my hands after using it.

In the negative, yes, Nature’s-Gate is from overseas, so it has a lot of energy usage travelling miles attached to it getting here, but that is not our only concern, primarily, it is cruelty free, and its ingredients and final product are not tested on animals, and this is really significant and important and makes it feel a lot better when using it. Also, it compares very well in price to our local brands. The Nature’s Gate 354 ml conditioner and the liquid hand soap (532ml) cost less than R40.

Nature’s Gate products can be bought at Dischem stores countrywide as well as Wellness Warehouse (which has an online store www.wellnesswarehouse.com).   Nature’s Gate’s website is http://www.natures-gate.com/.  Remember too, once you have finished the product, recycle the bottle. Until next time, happy karma free body care to you all.

Product Reviewed by Natalie Dembo

Going vegan is one of the most positive steps you can take. Celebrities, nutritionists and millions of others have gone vegan, recognising it’s kinder to their health, the planet and, of course, animals. Just about every food made from dairy products or eggs has a cruelty-free alternative, and with those products easily available in high Going vegan means opening up your kitchen to a more exciting eating experience, experimenting with world cuisines that aren't centred on meat. Vegan food is delicious, nutritious and so much easier to make than you'd imagine.

Christmas Savoury Strudel
•    3 tbsp olive oil
•    2 onions peeled and chopped
•    2-3 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
•    2 x 400g (14oz) cans tomatoes
•    1 tsp dried basil
•    90ml (3fl oz) red wine
•    225g (8oz) button mushrooms sliced
•    sea salt & fresh ground black pepper
•    275g (10oz) filo pastry
•    100g (4oz) olive oil - for brushing pastry
•    90g (3½ oz) roasted cashew nuts, roughly chopped (alternatively use pecan or pine nuts)

1.    Heat the 3 tbsp of oil in a large saucepan, add the onions, cover and cook for about 10 mins until tender but not browned. Add the garlic, tomatoes with their liquid, basil and wine. Simmer gently uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid has disappeared and mixture is quite thick - about 20 mins. Add the mushrooms and cook for a further 15 mins or until all liquid has boiled away. Mixture must be quite dry. Season and allow to cool.
2.    When cool assemble the strudel with defrosted filo. Use filo approx 12" x 8" which can go in the average oven tray/sheet. Set oven at mark 200c/400f/Gas 6 if cooking straight away.
3.    Brush tray with olive oil, put the first layer of filo on the tray and brush with oil, sprinkle a third of the nuts on; lay on top another sheet of filo brushed with oil and sprinkled with nuts. Repeat a third time. Add a fourth layer of filo, brush with oil and put on tomato/mushroom mixture and spread out. Roll the whole thing up like a swiss roll.
4.    Bake for approx 30 mins until golden brown.
5.    Serve with port wine sauce and your favourite Christmas veggies.

Red Wine Sauce
•    1 onion, sliced
•    1 clove of garlic, minced
•    10 button mushrooms, quartered
•    1 tsp dried basil
•    1/4 pint vegetarian stock (when you make it up, also mix in 1 tsp flour)
•    splash of vegan Worcester sauce
•    1 tbsp tomato puree
•    3/4 pint red wine
•    2 tbsp olive oil
•    black pepper to season

1.    Fry the garlic and onion until soft.
2.    Add the mushrooms and continue to fry for about a minute.
3.    Mix in all the other ingredients, stir well, bring to the boil and leave to simmer for about one hour. The longer you leave it the more flavoursome it becomes.

Forthcoming Legal Rights for Great Apes in Spain?

In 2008 a committee of Spain's national legislature became the first to vote for a resolution to extend limited rights to non-human primates. The parliamentary Environment Committee recommended giving chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans the right not to be used in medical experiments or in circuses, and recommended making it make it illegal to kill apes. This will hopefully signal the beginning of a new shift across the world towards legal rights for animals of other species.

India bans the keeping of elephants in zoos

The Central Zoo Authority, on behalf of the Government of India, has issued orders to ban the keeping of elephants in zoos.

The Indian government has become the first in the world to end the keeping of elephants in zoos, recognising that such conditions are incapable of meeting the needs of the species.

Under the directive from the Central Zoo Authority, all elephants kept in zoos will be moved to sanctuaries, national parks and reserves, changing the future for around 150 elephants.

Animal Rights Africa welcomed the move and joined with other animal protection and conservation organisations, and leading elephant experts, to call on governments of other countries to follow this lead.

The statement backed by Animal Rights Africa is:

It has been confirmed that the Central Zoo Authority, the Government agency responsible for India's zoos, has recognised that zoos cannot provide a suitable environment for elephants and has taken the momentous step to order, through a CZA Directive, the relocation of all elephants in zoos in India to sanctuaries, national parks and reserves. The decision of the CZA reflects the growing concern expressed by many citizens, animal welfare groups and elephant experts* about the inadequacy of the zoo environment for elephants.

The Directive will have a significant and potentially positive impact on up to 150 elephants currently in Indian zoos.

Provided that certain safeguards and animal welfare measures can be guaranteed, we* welcome the decision of the CZA. Further, we call on the Indian Government to extend the decision to include elephants in circuses, which are also unable to provide a suitable environment for such complex, social and wide-ranging animals, and call upon governments in other countries to follow India’s example and end confinement of elephants in zoos and circuses.

Importantly, the CZA also confirms that there is little or no benefit to the in situ conservation of wild elephants derived from keeping elephants in zoos and the like.

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ANIMAL RIGHTS AFRICA receives no government funding. We cannot do the investigations, briefings, research, lobbying and campaigning without your help. To send a donation, please go to www.animalrightsafrica.org/donations.php

You can also support Animal Rights Africa is by taking along clothing, books, bric-a-brac to

When donating please mention that the proceeds are to go to Animal Rights Africa.

You will find them on the corner of Main Road and Fourth Avenue, Melville (above Mays

Pharmacy). You can reach them on 482-6094.