In February 2024, the African Union took a powerful stand against the cruel practice of slaughtering donkeys for their skins by implementing a landmark 15-year continental moratorium. This decision was a beacon of hope for animal rights advocates across Africa and a step towards ending a practice that causes immense suffering to these gentle creatures. However, this hope was short-lived for South Africa.

Despite being an active member of the African Union, South Africa chose to sidestep the outright prohibition by adopting a 'controlled export model'. This model permits the legal slaughter of up to 10,500 donkeys annually, effectively allowing this cruelty to continue within its borders despite the AU's moratorium. Such a decision undermines the collective efforts to protect donkeys and disregards the spirit of the AU's resolution.

The plight of donkeys, often subjected to appalling conditions and brutal slaughter methods, is not just a local issue but a global concern. Their skins are in high demand for producing 'ejiao', a traditional Chinese medicine. The growing market for ejiao not only endangers donkey populations but also threatens the livelihoods of small communities dependent on donkeys for agriculture and transportation.

It is time for South Africa to align with the AU's call for compassion and justice. By incorporating the AU's ban into national legislation, South Africa can become a leader in animal welfare and set an example for other nations to follow.

"We demand that John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture in South Africa, follows the example set by the African Union in taking decisive action to protect our donkeys," Jonno Sherwin, Founder and CEO, Karoo Donkey Sanctuary SA.

Please join us in calling for a humane and sensible policy that respects the African Union's landmark decision and ensures a brighter future for donkeys in South Africa. Sign this petition to demand change and end the needless suffering of these gentle creatures.