Roscan Sanctum: A Place of Hope for People and Animals

Ten years ago, in a small home in Parow, something extraordinary began—almost by accident. What started with a few rescued animals quickly grew into something much greater. Rose and I (Duncan) found ourselves with nine dogs within the first year, and we felt an undeniable calling to respond to the growing need for a safe haven for both people and animals.

We made the life-changing decision to sell our home and move to a smallholding near Atlantis. As the need increased, so did our commitment. I left my job, and within a year, we had 33 dogs and welcomed our first two human guests: a mother and her teenage son who had lost their home.

Soon after, Rose also left her job, and together we supported ourselves through woodworking and farming. As demand outgrew our space, we sold the smallholding and bought 40 hectares of dry Karoo land—just dust at the time—but full of potential and promise. Much of our savings went into fencing, building a solar system, and making the house livable. It’s still a work in progress, but it has become a place of healing, love, and new beginnings.

Over the past eight years, Roscan Sanctum has provided shelter and support to 313 people—from children we've helped enrol in school to elderly individuals who have moved on to care homes. Many have left Roscan healed and ready to rejoin society as empowered, productive citizens. Some stories have been harder, of course. We've faced challenges, been let down, and endured loss. But the good has always outweighed the bad.

A Home, Not a Shelter

Roscan is not a kennel, and never will be. The 50 to 80 dogs currently with us live inside our home, as part of the family. They sleep on our couches, run freely, and some even share our bed—14 sleep in our room each night! Over the years, we've lovingly said goodbye to 107 beloved animals, helping them cross the rainbow bridge with dignity.

In total, more than 400 animals have called Roscan home. Most are elderly or disabled and would not survive in conventional shelters. While we have rehomed a few, most stay with us for life.

Surviving the Storms

Before COVID-19, we were almost entirely self-sufficient. Through woodworking, homemade jams and sauces, and running our lodge, we were able to meet our needs. But the pandemic changed everything. The lodge had to close for three years. During that time, we opened our doors to 19 more people who had been living on Cape Town's streets—including a mother with four small children. We all thought it would last a few weeks. It lasted three years.

Despite our own growing struggles, we provided food, shelter, medical care, and clothing to 37 people living with us. The costs mounted. Our savings and medical aids were exhausted. Maintenance work stopped. Development plans had to be abandoned.

Just as we were beginning to recover, I had a serious motor accident and shortly after, suffered a heart attack. We registered as an NPO—Roscan Sanctum 267-493 NPO—and are now awaiting PBO (Public Benefit Organisation) certification, which we hope will open doors to greater support and sustainability.

The Cost of Caring

The financial strain is enormous. Despite efforts to raise funds—including discounted lodge vouchers and public appeals—we are currently running at a monthly shortfall of R10,000 to R20,000. We rent both our vehicles at a cost of R11,350 per month, and some days, we have to ask for help to buy basics like bread and milk.

We’ve tried open days, hosted community meals, and run a campaign seeking just 300 people to donate R100 a month. At one point, we had 87 supporters, but recently many have fallen away. While we’re grateful for every single donor, it’s still far from enough to sustain the work.

Yet, despite the difficulties, we keep going. We've served over 400,000 meals to people and 748,000 meals to animals. We've paid R288,000 in vet bills and travelled 950,000 km to perform rescues, get residents to medical appointments, and collect supplies.

Be a Roscan Champion

Many people know and admire what we do. Articles have been written about us, we receive daily messages requesting help, and social media is filled with kind comments. But now, we’re at a crossroads.

We need just 300 Roscan Champions—people willing to commit to R100 per month—to help us stabilize and rebuild. That’s R30,000 a month, less than half of what it actually costs to run Roscan, but enough to get us moving forward again.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. We’re inviting you to become a part of something meaningful. Help us continue to serve those who have nowhere else to turn—both people and animals. Share our story. Tell your friends and family. Speak to your employer. Every little bit helps.

Our future is in your hands.

With love,
Roscan Sanctum

Roscan Sanctum NPO 267-493
Banking Details:
Standard Bank
Account Number: 10125915061
Current Account
Branch Code: 051001
SWIFT Code: SBZAZAJJ

PayPal available