Funda Nenja

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Funda Nenja is a unique One Welfare NPO that uses a holistic approach to promote animal welfare and social change.

Funda Nenja roughly translates from isiZulu as ‘learning with a dog’. The aim is to develop respect and compassion for all living beings by using dog training as a vehicle. The project runs in the township of Mpophomeni, near Howick, in the KZN Midlands of South Africa. An average of 100 children and their dogs attend the weekly dog training sessions which happen on Friday afternoons at Sifisesihle Primary School in the township. Classes are given by volunteer instructors, all of whom have gone through the training program themselves. Regular workshops are held for the approximately 20 community volunteers in order to increase their knowledge of dog training and behaviour, as well as enhancing their teaching skills. All dogs on the program are fitted with a collar and a lead and are dewormed. The handlers are given training treats during classes and for training at home. The overall health and welfare of the animals is monitored for disease etc and dogs needing veterinary attention are given free veterinary care. Funda Nenja also sterilises dogs registered in the dog school programme free of charge. Children on the program learn about animal welfare and how to train their dogs while learning self-discipline, commitment and responsibility which encourages personal growth and self-worth. The well-being of children is cared for by the services of a Social Worker who engages with the children and intervenes if their families need support in areas such as counseling, accessing vital documents for social grants or referrals to other agencies. At each training session the learners are given a fruit juice and a piece of fruit.

13/10/2026

Our Friday afternoon pop-up veterinary clinic is the only one that is accessible to Mpophomeni and surrounding areas.

Many local residents don't have transport to get their companion animals to veterinary services in the nearby town of Howick, so our weekly primary veterinary clinic is always well supported. Last Friday 45 dogs were brought in by their guardians for various reasons.

Before being seen by Dr Lee, registration forms are filled in with the help of our team members who split the dogs into 2 queues - one for rabies vaccinations and the other for all other treatments.

This service to the community helps to improve the quality of life for both people and their dogs by preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.

12/10/2026

Last Friday was the beginning of the fourth term for our dog school.

We welcomed 12 new learners and dogs to the Funda Nenja family.

In the near future, each new member will receive home visits from our animal welfare staff and social worker, who will advise the families of the services we provide and offer support and guidance where necessary.

By educating the community, in addition to supporting them to be responsible dog guardians, together with our One Welfare approach which addresses the needs of both people and their companion animals, we can nurture social change for the betterment of all.

11/10/2026

Earlier this year we held a workshop in the Eastern Cape for those interested in learning more about the Funda Nenja approach to animal welfare.

One of the attendees was Jenny van Niekerk from the ELM (every life matters) project. We are thrilled to learn that ELM has now started their humane education program with the help of Gerda, their new manager.

Education is the key to change and our hope for a kinder world.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day.

At our weekly Funda Nenja dog school, we regularly witness the benefits that dogs provide for human mental health.

In poor semi-rural communities, where life can be challenging, and where access to social and mental health services is not readily available, dogs can substitute as counselors and give emotional support to people in need.

Our social worker is also available to provide psycho-social services to both individuals and families.

Our One Welfare holistic model sees us supporting both the dogs and people of Mpophomeni, with dogs being at the heart of all that we do.

09/10/2026

The age old proverb, "manners maketh man" means that a person's true worth is defined by their conduct, polite behaviour and how they treat others. It is also widely accepted that a person's character can also be judged by how they treat animals.

Alondwe Ngcobo is a fine young man who demonstrates that he not only has impeccable manners, but also cares deeply about animals, especially his beloved dog.

Alondwe and Rocky have been in our top class for some time. Recently when Rocky accidentally gashed his leg and needed veterinary attention, Funda Nenja and uMngeni SPCA came to the family's assistance.

Rocky was warmly welcomed by everyone at home on his return as he is regarded as a special member of the family.

We very much appreciate the sincere letter of thanks we received a while later from Alondwe and his grandmother.

08/10/2026

When we first started our outreach work in Mpophomeni 17 years ago, we dreamed of a kinder life for the local animals.

In many townships, allowing dogs and cats inside the house isn't the norm, but slowly, social change has happened in the community we serve.

Today, more and more companion animals are considered family members and are welcomed into people's homes and even onto their furniture.

When our Animal Welfare staff visited the home of Okuhle, who recently joined the dog school program, they found both Ragnar the family dog and W***y the cat, comfortably resting on the couches.

This heartwarming shift in attitude is the result of teaching, guiding, and supporting the community. Thanks to everyone who has supported our journey and helped change the lives of people and their animals for the better.

06/10/2026

Research has shown that there is a clear link between childhood abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, and violent and aggressive behaviour in later life.

Findings indicate that the foundations for violence and criminality are laid one to two decades before society feels the effects. Children who become violent people are most likely victims themselves.

One of the spin offs of the Funda Nenja dog school programme is that our young participants learn force-free dog training methods and the power of positive reinforcement.We also encourage a culture of respect, responsibility and empathy for all living things.

Youngsters attending our classes develop a warm and trusting relationship with their dogs who offer unconditional love in return to their young guardians. For some of our learners who come from very challenging backgrounds, this might be the only loving relationship they enjoy.

Funda Nenja believes that our initiative is fostering a future generation of non- violent adults who practice kindness and respect for both people and animals.

05/10/2026

We have celebrated World Animal Day in various ways over the years.

Address

Mpophomeni Sports Stadium
Mpophomeni
3290

Website

http://www.fundanenja.co.za/

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