TZANEEN – When Tzaneen Feral Cats lost its beloved founder and director, Sue Allan, in August 2025, the organisation’s future became uncertain. The loss left not only a gap in leadership but also in the hearts of those who knew her and the countless animals she cared for.

Picking up where Sue left off

Determined to continue her legacy, 36-year-old Timmie van Rooyen joined forces with fellow volunteers Angelique du Preez and Juanita Kayser in November 2025, taking on the enormous responsibility of caring for the town’s feral cat population.

Van Rooyen said it quickly became clear just how much of an impact Sue had made on the community.

“At almost every feeding spot in town, shop owners and employees still ask where the older lady who fed the cats is. It shows that she touched not only the lives of the feral cats but also the people around her. We can only hope to make the same difference she did.”

A mission rooted in care

Founded in 2017, Tzaneen Feral Cats focuses on feeding, sterilising and caring for feral and abandoned cats across the town.

With the support of veterinarian Dr Ina Visser, the organisation aims to hold monthly sterilisation days to control the growing feral cat population humanely.

The round-the-clock work of saving kittens

Van Rooyen said caring for newborn kittens is one of the most demanding parts of their work.

“It takes a special kind of person to wake up every two hours to feed orphaned kittens that can only drink tiny amounts. Many lose their mothers in road accidents,” she said.

She believes feral cats play an important role by controlling rodents and snakes, helping protect food supplies and limiting the spread of disease.

“Many were once loved pets that became lost or were abandoned. Seeing older cats scarred from years of fighting to survive is heartbreaking,” she said.

Teaching the next generation to care

“We need to teach our children that an animal’s life matters too. Caring for animals changes the way you see the world and reminds you that there are still people willing to help those who cannot speak for themselves,” she said.

She encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to follow Tzaneen Feral Cats on Facebook and join the organisation. “It’s never too late to start making a difference,” she said.

Golf day to tee off for a good cause

To support food, veterinary care and sterilisation costs, Tzaneen Feral Cats will host a fundraising golf day on August 21. Businesses and community members can still sponsor holes or enter four-ball teams. For more information, contact Timmie at 073 211 4487.

Van Rooyen thanked fellow volunteers, Hoedspruit Alley Cats, Phalaborwa Paws & Claws, Paws & Claws Duiwelskloof and Polokwane 911 Kitty for their ongoing support and advice.