Tributes have poured in following the recent passing of a well-loved and well-known Nelspruit SPCA stalwart, Mathews Moyo.
Nelspruit SPCA posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday May 15 that Moyo had died following a short illness, and that the organisation is mourning the loss of an animal warrior.
“He was such a gentle soul with endless love and compassion for animals. He understood that when we have to go, we have to go, regardless of the time of day or night,” read the post.
“He always did what needed to be done, no matter what. His unique sense of humour lightened up our days and made the most horrible situations bearable. He was always polite, no matter the situation, and he always knew what to do in any situation.”
ALSO READ: SPCA Nelspruit urgently needs donations of pet food from community
“He touched the lives of thousands of animals, and their welfare always came first. He was our mentor, our example and our dear friend.”
In a 2020 article by Lowvelder, Moyo told the publication he had been a veterinary assistant before his work at the SPCA, and had been working with animals for 19 years at the time of publication in June that year.
The Nelspruit SPCA’s post said the organisation cannot imagine itself without Moyo, and that he can never be replaced.
“We will miss him forever. We salute you, Mathews. May you rest in eternal peace. With love from the committee, staff and the thousands of animals you touched with your kindness.”
The community took to the comments on the post to share their condolences with the SPCA. Pippa Botha posted: “This is devastating news indeed. Mathews was a stalwart and a dedicated person. His patience amazed me time and time again. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Hamba kahle, Nkosi. Rest in peace.”
ALSO READ: Communio Church’s outreach programme supports the needy in Mbombela
Renchia Marais-Naude wrote: “I cannot describe the feelings I experience at this moment. It was the first post I saw on Facebook this morning. Mathews was a dear friend. Nothing was ever too much for him. I’ve never before met somebody with such a great compassion for animals. Go rest high on that mountain, my friend!”
The Phalaborwa SPCA commented on the post, too.
“From Phalaborwa SPCA and committee, our sincere condolences to you, Nelspruit SPCA, and everyone else saddened and touched by such a great loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. RIP, Animal Warrior Mathews. May your star shine bright from above.”
The Swellendam SPCA posted: “Very sorry to hear the heartbreaking news. Deepest condolences to Mathews’s colleagues, family and the Nelspruit community’s animals for the tragic loss. RIP, Mathews. Thank you for your service and compassion for the animals who relied on you for protection.”
Leigh-Anne Auerswald wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. Thank you, Mathews, for your love and compassion you showed to all animals.”
