A life-changing operation is scheduled for Monday (10/8) to give a Virginia SPCA field officer a chance to regain his sight and return to the work he loves. Kamwaza will undergo his cataract surgery at Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom.

The long-serving field officer has battled with vision problems caused by a cataract in his right eye, which had progressed to the point where he could see little more than light.

The SPCA recently appealed to the public for assistance after learning Kamwaza needed surgery but could not afford the costs without medical aid.

The response was immediate. Supporters raised R66,600, more than 180% above the original R36,000 fundraising target set by his colleagues. The funds will now allow him to undergo surgery on both eyes at Bongani Hospital, close to his home.

The fundraising will also cover his medication and eye drops during recovery, as well as transport to the hospital and follow-up appointments.

“I’m very glad and grateful to everyone who helped me,” said Kamwaza. “God bless them for giving me the opportunity to continue taking care of the animals for a long time.

“I’ve been working at the SPCA for a long time, and I love the animals so much. They are like my babies, and caring for them means everything to me. I was scared that I was going to lose my ability to work with the animals because I couldn’t see properly, and that was what frightened me the most.

“I thank you a lot, a lot. They must know that I’m saying thank you from deep down in my heart. Because of them, I can look forward to seeing everything again when they operate on my eyes.”

The organisation said Kamwaza had initially kept his deteriorating eyesight to himself because he feared becoming a burden and losing the ability to work with animals.

He recalled a moment in the clinic when a colleague asked him to help clip a rabbit’s nails because she was not wearing her glasses. Kamwaza explained he could not help because he could no longer see properly.

“Every donation, share, prayer, encouraging message and every offer of help became part of this miracle,” said the SPCA. “Because of your support, Peter will be able to look towards tomorrow with hope.”

 OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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