Noluvu Ludidi
Finally passing his inspector’s exam, Jeffrey Mathabela is now a qualified SPCA inspector at the SPCA
Vredenburg branch.
This heartwarming moment was captured on video as Inspector
Jameson October had the honour of pinning the inspector insignia onto Mathabela’s lapels. This milestone was made possible through his dedication and hard work.
Mathabela’s journey with the SPCA began in April 2021 at a very difficult time in his life.
“After being retrenched I faced the heartbreaking reality that I could no longer afford to care for my beloved dog, Lady. I wanted only the best for her, so I made the incredibly tough decision to surrender her to the SPCA, knowing they would ensure she was well taken care of.
“To my surprise, just a few days later, I received a call from the SPCA inviting me for an interview for a kennel-hand position. Later, my manager told me what stood out to her was the excellent condition of Lady when I surrendered her. Sadly, many of the animals surrendered to the SPCA arrive in very poor shape, but despite my financial struggles Lady was healthy and well cared for. That left an impression on her, and I was offered the opportunity to join the team.”
It was not long after he started working at the SPCA when he received the news that Lady had been adopted by a loving family. It brought Mathabela so much happiness and relief to know she had found a good home. From that moment he never looked back. According to Mathabela passing the inspector’s exam was a significant achievement in both his life and care.
“It marked the beginning of a deeper commitment to helping animals in distress and making a lasting impact in the community. My goal, moving forward, is to continue rescuing and protecting as many animals as possible, while also educating people on how to properly care for their pets.”
Mathabela will be serving all the communities within the Saldanha Bay municipal area. His manager Louise van Zyl said Swartland and West Coast SPCA are extremely proud of Mathabela as the journey to becoming an SPCA inspector is not an easy one. “He persevered through the challenges with dedication and determination, never losing sight of his goal. From the very beginning he told me he wanted to become an inspector, and he made it. His passion for animal welfare has been evident from day 1, and the way he works with animals truly sets him apart. Seeing him achieve this milestone is a testament to his hard work, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Mathabela added that looking back he could have never imagined that surrendering his dog would lead him to a career where he could make a difference in the lives of so many animals.
“It was a difficult beginning, but it shaped my path and fueled my passion for animal welfare.”
