On Saturday, 18 July 2026, CapeGate Shopping Centre invites families, volunteers and animal lovers to Centre Court for the return of The Dogbox Project, a Mandela Day tradition that transforms painted kennels into safe, dry homes for dogs in need.
From 10am to 2pm, teams and individuals will gather to paint 67 kennels for local shelters, honouring Mandela Day’s call to give 67 minutes of service to others.
A Tradition of Care
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. While shelters often struggle with food and blankets, kennels remain the most costly and difficult resource to secure.
CapeGate and partner businesses sponsor the kennels, and on the day, members of the public paint them, turning a few hours of effort into shelter dogs’ protection against winter cold and summer heat.
67 Kennels for 67 Minutes
This year’s goal is simple: 67 teams painting 67 kennels. Businesses, schools, families and individuals are all welcome, whether by organising a team in advance or joining in on the day.
Zoë Enslin, Marketing Manager at CapeGate Shopping Centre, explains:
“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.”
Shelters Benefiting
Kennels painted on the day will be donated to six local shelters:
- Grace Animal Sanctuary
- Fisantekraal Animal Welfare
- Help a Paw
- Farm Paws
- Dead Animals Walking
- 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
More information: capegatecentre.co.za
