About us

About Us

Unique Welfare was founded by Wilmarie Janse van Rensburg. Wilmarie has over 25 years’ experience in Business Development, Education, Animal Welfare and the foundations of Animal Law. Wilmarie is committed to making a difference in the lives of the vulnerable (our  animals, youth, women and the environment).

The UNIQUE WELFARE Company Vision is simple but effective;

Educate throughout every possible opportunity and prosecute where necessary. Build good relationships and earn the trust and support of all stakeholders who work with us and for those who can’t work with us physically, but can work through us by donating financially and making their desires known to us.

Our UW Academy is focused on providing the best standard of training in the form of Animal Inspector Training, Field Officer Training, Ethical Animal Welfare Training and CSI Training for corporates on how the importance of protecting the environment. (Click here to find out more)

Our UW Support is focused on providing lifelong support and ongoing training to all our students who qualify through us to ensure that we have a good, relevant and standardised quality of Animal Welfare Ambassadors out in the field. (Click here to find out more)

Our UW Future is how we ask your help to assist us in a sustainable way for us to continue to grow and make a difference to help animals now and in the future. We request your consideration to add us as a beneficiary in your Will. (Click here to find out more)

Our UW Team is growing daily and consist of incredible people who have dedicated their lives through their shelters and people who decided that working only is not good enough for them anymore. After work and on weekends, they help animals and work with the shelters to make a difference. (See our team below)

“Change starts with each and everyone one of us. It would be arrogant to think you don’t contribute to cruelty in some way and ignorant to think you can’t make a difference. Knowledge is power. Study with and through us”

“In Short Summary we enable people and organisations to take responsible and lawful steps to making a positive difference to lives of the voiceless”

How can you benefit from supporting our non profit company? Funding from your organisation will help us achieve our vision but can also be a great benefit to your organisation;

It can promote loyalty and improved brand recognition that may result in increased market share, sales and shareholders. These donations can also assist your organisation with meeting Governmental Requirements in terms of Skills Development, Job Creation, B-BBEE compliance and other Social Responsibilities.

Our Corporate Governance

Some call her Superwoman! This title given by the media is fitting for what Wilmarie has done throughout her personal and professional life during the last 25 years. Wilmarie is known for being the 1st in South Africa with ventures that change lives for the better.

SA’s 1st Female Superbike racer (Regional & International) – SA’s 1st Female motorcycle record holder (Phakisa & Zwartkops Raceway) – SA’s 1st President for Women in Motorsport for in South Africa – SA’s 1st Female motorcycle & car training specialist – business owner & trainer – SA’s 1st ladies only stunt company – SheDARE Wilmarie was nominated as one of the Shoprite checkers Women of the Year for sport & business in 2007 & 2008. Wilmarie also played a key role in assisting Absa Barclay with developing skills for the youth and helping with start-up businesses. Wilmarie’s passion for a challenge, and unconditional love for Animals motivated her to assist SPCA Tshwane as Chairperson. During this time Wilmarie realised that there were a lot of problems when it comes to Animal Welfare and that she was simply not willing to look away and wait for someone else to ‘fix’ it. Considering her passion for the youth, experience in business/skills development and love for animals…it was not difficult for Wilmarie to find a great solution for increased animal welfare practices. Wilmarie is dedicated to helping the vulnerable and preventing Animal Cruelty through Unique Welfare policies and services.

With over 35 years’ experience in business management and sales, Connie Zietsman is excited to share what she’s learned over the years with the Be Unique Unlimited Team. Connie has built up two successful businesses with her experience and amiable character. 

She is extremely trustworthy, encourages the weak hearted and always cares for animals and others. Connie is an excellent team player and believes in teaching the importance of integrity, loyalty and trust in business. Connie also believes in continuously learning new things and challenging yourself to grow. Connie Zietsman is without a doubt an invaluable asset for the team and we are excited to share in her wealth of knowledge and experience.

Marie-Louise comes from a highly successful business background in the achievement of profitable business growth through the creation and execution of successful sales and marketing strategies.

She is extremely experienced in working in the skills development industry with a primary focus on building and managing effective client relations. Marie-Louise also worked for many years in a managerial capacity in the tourism industry as well as in a human capital position in a local government department. She possesses excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to develop and maintain mutually beneficial internal and external relationships. Marie-Louise enjoys being part of, as well as managing, motivating and training, a successful and productive team, and thrives in highly pressurised and challenging working environments. Be Unique Is honoured to have her as a role model and leader for the Team.

Kevin initially comes from a motorsport background and spend the last 10 years learning about protecting wildlife. Kevin is also a qualified and experience firearm instructor. He has a love for animals and training people about about protecting animals for a better future.

With over 33 years of working as an Animal Inspector with NSPCA and SPCA combined, Carlos is one of the most experienced animal inspectors in the country. His love for animals and people is well known and respected. Carlos is dedicated to helping welfare organisations and Unique Welfare Animal Inspectors to understand and implement what they’ve learned with us in order to help animals across the country.

Lara has wide experience and background in the IT industry, specialising in compliance, policies, and procedures. With a strong focus on animal welfare, she is committed to securing justice for animals and works diligently to assist in preparing for prosecutions, ensuring accountability, justice and eradicating cruelty wherever possible.