Zakhona graduates from Animal Health Academy

TOTI SPCA employee, Zakhona Mzelemu (28) is now a proud refresher course graduate of the MSD Malelane Animal Health Academy.

The animal enthusiast adds her latest achievement to the list of many others, as she believes there’s never a time when you’ve learnt enough.

The SPCA receptionist has gone beyond the call, busying herself with both PRO and clinic work, demolishing the language barrier at the Saturday Edu-Paw programme and also writes a weekly animal-care column for the South Coast Sun. Zakhona grew up on a farm in Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape. After matriculating in 2006 she began her studies towards a degree in animal health. Since graduating, Zakhona has made a concerted effort to keep expanding her knowledge of animal care, taking courses or refreshers at least once a year.

“You have to keep up with the system. There’s constantly new medicine, technology and procedures that you have to keep learning about in order to do your work most effectively,” explained Zakhona.

To date, her qualifications have been equally theory and practical weighted, entailing knowledge of all animals, their health and environments. She has many a time found herself both in the laboratory and the open fields.

“I see myself as a ‘value adder’. I want to know as much as possible to be able to add as much value to my workplace as I can,” explained Za, as she is affectionately known.

At the tender age of two-years-old, Za’s grandfather instilled a love of animals – cattle in particular – in her.

“Girls were generally not allowed around the kraal where cattle were kept. I always found it strange the way my granddad pushed me to get involved,” explained Za.

Time lapsed and Za became able to detect if an animal was ill or about to give birth. Being found in situations where rural livestock owners were constantly losing their animals to outbreaks and disease, Zakhona knew she wanted to learn enough to help them. On completion of her degree, she returned to her hometown, offering an educational programme for local livestock owners. The animal lover believes that you should follow your passion for something and the degree follows after.

“I had a drive within me, I wanted to make a difference. If it weren’t for my passion, my degree would mean nothing,” said Za.

“I know of too many people with a black and white degree, but no love for what it entails. They didn’t have the right intentions in mind when choosing their field, they’re unfulfilled now and can’t understand why.”

Zakhona enjoys reading, writing and has a growing love for animals, cattle in particular. She is passionate and it shines through her work. Her efforts at the local SPCA go far from unnoticed.