Tozie Zokufa is a respected Animal Welfare Consultant and Food Safety Expert with over 20 years of experience in veterinary public health, abattoir hygiene auditing, and hygiene management systems. His career spans both government and private sectors, where he has consistently advocated for improved animal welfare standards and food safety practices.
Professional Background
Tozie began his career in the meat production industry, working as a Meat Inspector and Veterinary Public Health Practitioner for the government and private sector for over a decade. His experience includes working with the International Meat Quality Assurance Services (IMQAS), the national department of agriculture, and the Western Cape provincial department of agriculture.
For the past decade, Tozie has been involved with international animal welfare organizations, providing consultation and serving as a keynote speaker to various organizations locally and abroad. His expertise has taken him to numerous countries including Belgium (European Union Parliament), Croatia, UK, USA, Morocco, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, and Namibia, where he has addressed community organizations about farm animal welfare and sustainable food systems.
Leadership Roles
Tozie currently serves as:
- President of the Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organisations (CAAWO)
- Executive Director in South Africa of A Greener World
- Board member of Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)
- Member of the African Union's Africa Platform for Animal Welfare
- Member of the International Coalition for Animal Welfare (ICFAW)
Previously, he has held positions as:
- Chairman of the Pan African Animal Welfare Alliance (PAAWA)
- Animal Welfare Consultant for Humane Society International (2013-2017)
- Animal Welfare Consultant for Compassion in World Farming (2009-2013)
- Leader of the Animal Welfare Portfolio for the South African Veterinary Council (2016-2019)
Education
Tozie holds a National Diploma in Environmental Health from Nelson Mandela Metro University (1996-2000) and has completed numerous professional courses including:
- Leadership in Animal Welfare
- Hygiene Management System and HACCP
- Strategic Advocacy for Animal Welfare
- Food Safety - Internal & Supplier Audit
- ISO 22000 - Implementing & Maintaining
Vision and Mission
As stated in his role as President of CAAWO, Tozie's vision is "A continent that respects all animals providing them with care and compassion in policy and practice." His mission is "To unite animal welfare organizations across the continent building leadership and capacity for collective advocacy."
Through his extensive work and advocacy, Tozie continues to make significant contributions to animal welfare and food safety practices across Africa and beyond.