Cape Town – CapeGate Shopping Centre opens Centre Court to families, volunteers and animal lovers for the return of The Dogbox Project, a Mandela Day tradition that turns painted kennels into warm, dry homes for dogs that need them.
The Dogbox Project began in 2012 as a single Mandela Day gesture and has grown into an annual event because the need has never gone away.
Local shelters are often short of blankets and food, but kennels remain the biggest cost and the hardest item for many shelters to afford on their own.
CapeGate and its partner businesses sponsor the kennels, and on the day, members of the public paint them, turning a few hours into shelter dogs can use through winter cold and summer heat.
This year’s aim is 67 teams painting 67 kennels, in keeping with Mandela Day’s call to give of your time to help others.
Businesses, schools, families and individuals are all welcome, whether by rounding up a team in advance or simply joining in on the day, Saturday 18 July, from 10am to 2pm.
Zoë Enslin, Marketing Manager at CapeGate Shopping Centre, said: “Every Mandela Day, our centre fills with people who simply want to help, and that is what makes The Dogbox Project so special.
“Whether you bring a team or come on your own, an hour of your time can give a dog somewhere safe and dry to sleep.”
Kennels painted on the day will go to six shelters: Grace Animal Sanctuary, Fisantekraal Animal Welfare, Help a Paw, Farm Paws, Dead Animals Walking and Hantam Animal Rescue.
EVENT DETAILS
What: The Dogbox Project kennel build, in honour of Mandela Day
When: Saturday 18 July 2026, 10am to 2pm
Where: Centre Court, CapeGate Shopping Centre
Cost: Free and open to the public
Organised by: The Dogbox Project
Sponsored by: CapeGate Shopping Centre
