At 14, Henry Lungu from KwaNonqaba in Mossel Bay already knows he wants to become an SPCA inspector – a dream he has pursued since the age of eight, reports the Mossel Bay Advertiser.

Driven by a love for animals and six years of volunteering at the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch, he devotes every Saturday to caring for pets.

Henry lives with his mother, Charity, three siblings, two dogs, Simba and Tyson, and their cat, Lucy, in January Street, KwaNonqaba. His volunteering journey began after a walk with his mother.

“I was eight. My mum and I were walking past the SPCA and she asked me what the place was. I told her it was the SPCA and she said I should volunteer there,” said Henry.

For the past six years, he has volunteered at the SPCA every Saturday, come rain or shine.

Community dedication earns recognition

“No matter the season, he is here on Saturdays,” said Mossel Bay branch manager Ilse Pieters.

“He helps clean the dogs’ kennels and helps in the cattery. He sometimes brings a few friends with him to help. He’ll bring people to us if their animals are sick or need a flea dip, which he helps with. He goes back home and educates people within his community on how to take care of pets. He will also report any cases of animal cruelty to us,” she said.

In recognition of his dedication, Pieters presented Henry with an SPCA-branded shirt on August 8. He put it on immediately and wore it with pride for the rest of the day.

“I did not know I was going to get this shirt. I am very proud to wear it,” said Henry. “I really love all animals. I also help the pig farmers in KwaNonqaba. I just want to help any animal where I can.”

Focusing on the future

Asked about his hobbies, Henry said his main focus remains helping animals.

“I plan to work for the SPCA as an inspector when I finish school,” he said.

For Henry, his love of animals is something that comes naturally. He said it comes from his family and that he does not have a favourite animal because he loves them all.

His mother, Charity, said she is proud of her son’s dedication to his volunteer work.

For six years, Henry has given up his Saturdays to help animals in need, turning a childhood passion into a clear career goal.

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