After an incredible 43 years of service at the Ballito Veterinary Hospital, 64-year-old Samson Ndlovu is hanging up his uniform and stepping into retirement.

Samson, a proud Ballito resident, found his lifelong passion for animals during his first job on a farm outside Pietermaritzburg.

There, he worked with racehorses, including the legendary Politician, a champion in South African horse racing history.

“I was the one grooming Politician from the time he was just a pony. That’s where my passion for animals really took root. When my employer, Dr Bruce Jones, decided to move to Ballito and opened the Ballito Veterinary Hospital, he asked me to join him and that’s how my journey in Ballito began,” said Samson.

The practice later changed hands but Samson remained a steady presence.

Over the years, Samson has witnessed countless peculiar animal rescues, as all manner of feathered and hoofed beasts arrived to be treated by the vets. But one memory stands out above the rest, which was a jaw-dropping operation at Crocodile Creek years ago.

“Two crocodiles had fought and one of them broke its jaw. We had to do a special operation right there on site, and it was even televised. It was such an extraordinary experience to be part of.”
This would not be the last time he would be called upon to prepare a crocodile for surgery.

Now, Samson is looking forward to spending quality time with his family. However, he admits it won’t be easy saying goodbye to the workplace he called home for over four decades.

He is still going to be coming in to help on the busy Mondays and Wednesdays.

“The people I have worked with made every day worth waking up for. We have so much respect for each other and worked together as a true team. It was a pleasure to work alongside such amazing people,” he said.

Samson also expressed his gratitude to the North Coast community.

“It was always an honour to help keep our furry, feathered and scaly friends healthy. I will miss the joy of being part of that.”

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