Verified Cage-Free Campaign launches in Cape Town, paving the way for a more compassionate future

The launch of the Verified Cage-Free Campaign marks a significant milestone in the fight for animal welfare and the promotion of ethical food sourcing in South Africa. The campaign, which calls on businesses to commit to sourcing only cage-free liquid, shell, and ingredient eggs, was officially launched at a powerful event held in Cape Town on February 8th, 2025. The event brought together animal rights activists, egg farmers, and compassionate consumers to discuss how we can create a more just and humane world for animals, while also ensuring healthier hens, producing healthier eggs, and helping prevent zoonotic diseases through more ethical farming practices.

Zwelisha Shobede, SAFCEI’s Cage-Free Coordinator, highlighted the significance of this movement: “Faiths teach us to care for all of creation, and that includes the animals in our food system.” But it is also about human thriving, says Shobede, “the campaign aims to also help small-scale farmers and other free range and organic producers to access their market and compete effectively with the battery egg producers. This will sustain livelihoods and wellbeing.”

The launch event was filled with meaningful conversations and powerful collaborations. Animal rights activists, including Chad Cupido, Executive Officer of Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC), were present to help challenge existing systems and work together to create a more compassionate world for all animals. Also in attendance was Helena Schussel, a member of Stop Live Export SA, who is dedicated to fighting for the rights of animals worldwide. The group discussed the urgent need to transition away from cruel and outdated factory farming practices, especially in the egg industry, where hens are confined to tiny cages for the entirety of their lives.

"We are asking businesses to join the movement towards a cage-free future by signing up for the Verified Cage-Free Campaign. By committing to sourcing only cage-free eggs, they can ensure that they are supporting ethical practices and improving the lives of countless hens. We will support each business every step of the way, from signing up to making the transition to cage-free sourcing as smooth and impactful as possible," said Janneke Blake, Lead Advocate for the Verified Cage-Free Campaign.

Several well-known businesses like Famous Brands, Nando’s, and The Vineyard Hotel are leading the way in South Africa, by having made cage-free commitments already, they are ensuring that all the eggs they serve come from cage-free farms, setting a powerful example for other businesses to follow. Under the Verified Cage-Free Campaign, a growing number of South African brands and independent businesses are also joining the cage-free movement, including Butter All Day Breakfast Café, Spirit Cafe, Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition, and Spoon Bakery & Eatery.

One of the highlights of the launch event was the presence of Kuku the hen, who stole the hearts of everyone in the room. Kuku, who has lived with her human companion, John, for five years, sat peacefully on his lap throughout the event, offering a tangible reminder of the individual animals behind the larger issue. After the speeches, Kuku enjoyed a hearty lentil shepherd's pie and received plenty of strokes from fascinated guests, further emphasising the message that chickens, like all animals, are capable of companionship and deserve to live free from cruelty.

Consumers are encouraged to support businesses that have made the Verified Cage-Free commitment and ask their favourite restaurants and retailers to take the pledge.

Businesses can sign up to go Verified Cage-Free today at: www.cagefreesouthafrica.org