Edenvale SPCA’s animal hero
“I believe Women’s Month is a time for women to be proud of who they are.”
August, Women’s Month, pays tribute and celebrates the achievements of South African women.
2021 marks 65 years since the 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings when more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings on August 9 in protest against the extension of pass laws to women.
During August, the NEWS hopes to celebrate women in our community and share their stories with readers.
The NEWS recently met with trainee inspector of Edenvale SPCA Chelsea Erasmus to learn more about her involvement in the society and her passion for helping animals.
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Chelsea, a mother of two, has worked with the SPCA for six years. She originally started at Kempton Park SPCA, where her mother works. Chelsea worked at Kempton SPCA for two years, assisting in the charity shop and then working in the front office before joining the Edenvale branch.
“In 2017 I took a break from the society to spend time with my daughter, who was four months old at the time.”
The following year Chelsea decided to re-join the SPCA and applied for a position at Edenvale SPCA. Here, she worked under former inspector Jade Nel and inspector Hope Mokalapa.
On July 30 Chelsea enrolled in training with the SPCA, taking the next step in becoming an inspector.
Chelsea explained that working at the SPCA is rewarding.
“Every day is different. You help those in need, resolve complaints and see animals go home when they are adopted,” she highlighted.
Chelsea said she has always had a love for animals.
“It has always been in my nature to care for animals. I will always try to help all animals, from the smallest to the biggest creature,” said Chelsea.
She said growing up she was surrounded by animals; her favourite breed of dog is a Rottweiler.
“I have a big soft spot for Rottweilers. My family always had one.”
Chelsea’s commitment to helping animals stems from them not being able to speak for or help themselves.
Although Chelsea enjoys assisting all animals, she prefers working with animals brought to the SPCA who need extra care, love and attention.
“At first, some animals are petrified when they are brought to the SPCA, but when you see them improve as they are helped, it is the most rewarding experience.”
When Chelsea is not working at the SPCA, she spends time with her two children and pets.
She explained family and spending time with her children is important to her.
When asked what Women’s Month means to her, Chelsea said it is a month for women to celebrate who they are.
“Women are supposed to be themselves every day. They should not change to suit another person, which happens a lot.
“I believe Women’s Month is a time for women to be proud of who they are.”
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