By signing the 'Verified Cage-Free' commitment, businesses make a transparent, public pledge to phase out battery-cage eggs from their supply chains. This campaign also seeks to educate consumers about sustainable and ethical food choices and encourage them to support businesses that align with their values, says the institute. 

Zwelisha Shobede, SAFCEI's Cage-Free Coordinator, says, "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 well-being."

"Consumers want to make ethical choices, and businesses want to meet that demand," says Janneke Blake, Lead Advocate for the 'Verified Cage-Free' campaign. "This campaign gives them a clear way to do that — helping consumers identify responsible businesses while celebrating those making the transition."

The cage-free movement has already gained momentum, with well-known South African brands like Nando's, Famous Brands, The Vineyard Hotel, The President Hotel and City Lodge Hotel Group having made cage-free commitments. Internationally, companies such as Spur Corporation, McDonald's and Nestlé have already committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs, setting a strong precedent for others to follow, says SAFCEI. 

Under the 'Verified Cage-Free' campaign, a growing number of South African brands and independent businesses are also joining the cage-free movement, including Bootlegger Coffee Company, Butter All Day Breakfast Café, Spirit Cafe and Vondi's Holistic Pet Nutrition, adds the institute. 

Encouraging More Businesses to Commit

SAFCEI says that the campaign is actively calling on restaurants, retailers and food producers to sign the 'Verified Cage-Free' commitment and publicly declare their transition to cage-free sourcing. Businesses that join receive support in making the shift, ensuring the transition is both achievable and impactful.

Why Cage-Free?

Hens kept in battery cages spend their entire lives in cramped, unnatural conditions, unable to spread their wings or engage in basic behaviours. Research shows that cage-free systems improve hen welfare and produce healthier eggs, while also reducing risks associated with intensive factory farming, says the institute. 

SAFCEI Executive Director, Francesca de Gasparis, says, "This campaign is not just about the welfare of hens, our aim is for all South Africans to have access to, and to eat healthy, nutritional food that is free from harm. We are inviting businesses to get behind this campaign to show that South Africa can be 100% cage-free, whilst still ensuring every person can afford healthy and nutritious food."

Chad Cupido, Executive Officer of Beauty Without Cruelty, emphasises the urgency of the transition. Cupido says, "The science is clear — cage-free is better for animals, people and the planet. The question isn't whether businesses should transition; it's how fast they can do it."

A Symbol of Change

One of the most powerful reminders of the campaign's message came in the form of Kuku the hen, a rescued chicken who sat on her companion John's lap during the gathering. Her presence reinforced the reality that behind every egg is a living being. "She reminded us all — chickens aren't commodities. They deserve dignity," says Blake.

How to Get Involved

SAFCEI concludes that consumers are encouraged to support businesses that have made the 'Verified Cage-Free' commitment and ask their favourite restaurants and retailers to make the pledge.

For more information, visit www.cagefreesouthafrica.org. You can also follow SAFCEI on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor