SPCA celebrates 106 year of care on October 16

Yappy birthday to you.

1 hour ago

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Black man wearing an SPCA shirt shakes hands with a black woman wearing an SPCA inspector's jacket — Newly qualified Benoni SPCA inspector Moniccah Masemola is brimming with excitement in her new role and is congratulated by general manager Thomas Mohlake. Photo: Jani de Beer

No balloons or grand celebrations; instead, the Benoni SPCA will usher in its 106th year with wagging tails and happy meows on October 16.

As advocates of animal welfare and anti-cruelty, the society will continue focusing on creating a safe environment for the furry creatures in its care, while further cementing its footprint throughout the community.

“You do not reach such a milestone overnight,” said the organisation’s general manager, Thomas Mohlake.

“This accolade is dedicated to the community whose unrelenting support and contributions continue to enable us to show up and to be the voices for the voiceless.

“For more than ten decades, Benoni has answered our calls for assistance and supported us through challenging times. For that we are incredibly grateful.”

Donning her inspector’s jacket with pride, newly qualified SPCA inspector and animal lover Moniccah Masemola said she is honoured to start a new chapter in her career as the organisation celebrates 106 years of service.

“Advocating for animals, stepping up when they need human intervention most, is a lifelong dream,” said the self-professed dog-person.

“I am honouring my calling and strive to make a tangible difference daily.

“My priority is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

“A career-crowning achievement would be to successfully prosecute an animal cruelty case, as this will send a strong message that I’m not here to play cat-and-mouse games with animal abusers.”

Despite challenges and a rising number of animals in need of assistance, Thomas said adoptions have skyrocketed.

“Before we have an opportunity to share our furry friends’ faces with the Benoni City Times, they have been successfully homed,” he said with a smile.

“That is a testament to our residents’ ongoing commitment to the society.”

To celebrate the society’s milestone birthday, operations manager Beverley Morkel urged the community to support its daily operations through donations.

“Creature comforts and practical boarding continue to be a top priority. Renovations to our kennels are ongoing, and donations towards creating safe and comfortable housing for our animals are always welcome,” she said.

“We are currently in the market for durable 500mm plastic crates to create purr-fect beds for our feline residents.”

You can continue to support the SPCA in the following ways:

• Benoni Northerns Night Race sponsored Jan L Jordaan Attorneys – Staff and volunteers of the Benoni SPCA will be embarking on a tail-wagging walk on October 21. Sponsor a representative for R100. Payments can be made to Benoni SPCA FNB account: 54475778429. Send proof of payment to ops@spcabenoni.co.za

• Lend a helping paw – The society needs volunteers to assist with basic tasks and animal care at its Klein Street facility. Adult supervision is required for any helpers younger than 16. Email ops@spcabenoni.co.za for more information.

• Their charity shop – Are you Spring cleaning? Donate unwanted, quality pre-loved items, like clothing, books and homeware, to the shop. It remains the welfare organisation’s main income-generating stream. You can also pick up bargain items while helping cover its operating costs.

• Food for thought – Other than being a haven for pups and kitties, the SPCA is also home to farm animals, including a pot-belly pig. Donations of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as dog and cat food, are welcome.

For more information, keep an eye on their Facebook page, SPCA Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa; call 011 894 2814 or visit them at 3 Klein Street, Lakefield.