Our mission
SAWS Animal Welfare is entirely self-funded, relying on SAWS Supporters fundraising initiatives and generous donations to fulfil its mission to:
- Protect and advocate for domestic animal welfare – promote adherence to Eswatini’s animal protection laws by raising awareness, encouraging compliance and advocating for stronger legislation and ethical treatment of domestic animals.
- Rescue, rehabilitate and rehome – provide urgent care, transport, shelter and responsible rehoming for domestic animals in need. Manage and maintain our Shelters to support this aim.
- Support Lost and Found efforts – maintain an active database for lost and found domestic animals.
- Educate and inspire change – Shift perceptions and promote responsible pet ownership and domestic animal welfare through community engagement, school programs and public awareness campaigns.
- Access to Veterinary Care - to promote animal welfare by raising awareness in underserved communities about the importance of veterinary care and how to access it, through outreach and educational programs.
- Collaborate for stronger impact – work with local authorities, Veterinarians and community stakeholders to address domestic animal welfare concerns to improve conditions for domestic animals.
Our History
SAWS Animal Welfare traces its origins back to the 1960s, when concerned residents of Mbabane, led by Geoff Sacke and Belle Cowan, began rescuing stray dogs from the streets. These early efforts led to the formation of the Swaziland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), which later evolved into the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), and ultimately the Swaziland Animal Welfare Society.
In 2024, following the country’s official name change to Eswatini in 2018, the organisation adopted the trading name SAWS Animal Welfare. This change allowed SAWS to retain its well-known acronym while reflecting a renewed and modern commitment to animal welfare in Eswatini.
Meet our Leadership
SAWS Animal Welfare is guided by a committed volunteer Board of Directors, elected by our members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). To ensure both continuity and fresh perspectives, the longest-serving board member steps down each year and may stand for re-election.
Our Board operates with a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency and ethical governance. More than a traditional governing body, it is a hands-on, working board. Members actively contribute their time, skills and professional expertise to support operations, strengthen organisational capacity and ensure that resources are used effectively to maximise impact.
Board of Directors:
- Chairperson: Fiona Millin
- Finance: Denise Fine
- HR, Legal & Compliance: Musa Khumalo
- Marketing & Communications: Anna McGinn
- Fundraising: William Lorentz & Wilma Mason
- Mbabane Shelter: Kim Nisbet
- Manzini Shelter: Andrea Jolly
- Outreach & Education: Vanessa Jackson
This leadership is supported by a dedicated team of full-time shelter staff, who work tirelessly to deliver our programmes and uphold high standards of animal welfare and veterinary care. Together, our team is committed to creating sustainable, long-term change for animals and the communities we serve across Eswatini.