Written by Committee Member Chantall Kleynhans
Photographs supplied by The 9th Day Rescue, Rehabilitation & Rehoming Centre and CK Photography
The 9th Day Animal Rescue Centre was founded by Charmaine Pieterse in December 2014 – a dream born from a lifelong compassion for animals in need.
And her compassion extends far beyond dogs and cats.
Today, her farm in Hekpoort is home to rescued donkeys, horses, goats, chickens, and many other animals – all living proof of her belief that every creature has a right to life.
A love for them all
This philosophy forms the foundation of The 9th Day – a proudly pro-life rescue centre where every animal is given a chance, regardless of breed, age, health, or condition. Charmaine has always had a special love for senior dogs and mixed breeds – the scruffy, overlooked souls of every shape and size that so often get left behind.
Her journey into animal welfare began by donating supplies to the local SPCA. She later joined their committee and was eventually appointed Chairlady. While she gained valuable experience there, Charmaine felt called to follow her own vision, and so The 9th Day was born.
With 17 years of experience in animal welfare, including service at the SPCA, she’s developed a deep understanding of animal care and rescue work. She’s currently pursuing a diploma in animal behaviour and has previously served as an authorised Animal Welfare Inspector in Krugersdorp and Randfontein.
Following the devastating loss of her daughter, Nikita, in August 2024 – who was a driving force behind The 9th Day – Charmaine stepped down from active duty as an inspector to focus fully on the rescue centre and the animals in her care.
The ninth day
The shelter’s name comes from the belief that on the ninth day of Creation, God made a dog – a reminder of the unconditional love animals bring into our lives. While dogs and cats remain at the heart of the organisation, The 9th Day stands for compassion towards all animals.
The organisation focuses primarily on stray and abandoned animals – the neglected, injured, and forgotten souls wandering streets and fields searching for survival. These are the “pavement specials”, the misunderstood mongrels, the animals many believe are beyond saving.
But The 9th Day sees something different: beneath the mange, fear, or age lies a heart of gold waiting to love and be loved.
Hop on the horizon
Animals are rescued, provided with veterinary care, rehabilitated, and patiently taught to trust again. Every wagging tail, every healed wound, and every successful adoption reminds the team why this emotional work matters so deeply.
Although not area-bound, The 9th Day has experienced a significant increase in rescues due to the lack of a municipal pound in Krugersdorp. Today, the organisation cares for approximately 110 dogs in boarding kennels in Krugersdorp, as well as more than 80 animals on the Hekpoort farm, including rescued farm animals.
Each rescued animal is vaccinated, dewormed, sterilised, and microchipped before adoption – ensuring they’re safe and can always find their way home.
Currently, The 9th Day rents boarding kennels in Oatlands, Krugersdorp West, which places ongoing financial pressure on the organisation. However, hope is on the horizon.
Charmaine has secured a farm in Hekpoort, and the dream is clear: to build a permanent sanctuary where rescued animals can heal, run freely, and wait for forever homes without the fear of losing their safe space due to financial constraints.
The vision exists. The land exists. The passion is unwavering.
What remains is community support to turn this dream into reality.
The organisation is deeply grateful to the dedicated veterinarians and staff at Rand-en-Dal Vet, whose ongoing care and support have played a vital role in saving countless lives.
The 9th Day is run entirely by volunteers – ordinary people from different walks of life united by an extraordinary purpose. Supported by committee members, volunteers, rescuers, donors, and animal lovers near and far, the organisation continues to grow through community compassion.
Together, they rescue the forgotten, heal the broken, and love the unloved.
Together, we are The 9th Day family.
You can help!
Banking Details:
The 9th Day
First National Bank
Account Number: 62571016825
Branch Code: 250655
Type: Cheque
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ (International Transfers)
Reference: Your contact number or email address
or
PayPal: info@the9thday.co.za
For more information, contact:
Founder and owner: Charmaine Pieterse on 060 406 5263 or email to charmaine@the9thday.co.za
Committee Member: Chantall Kleynhans on 082 095 5511 or email to chantall@the9thday.co.za
Committee Member: Johnny Du Preez on 068 614 6346 or email to johnny@the9thday.co.za
General emails to info@the9thday.co.za
Follow The 9th Day on Facebook, Instagram (the9thday) & TikTok (the9thday).
