Peter Kamwaza is expected to undergo a second procedure on his remaining eye soon. He underwent cataract surgery on one eye on Monday (10/8) through Bongani Regional Hospital at the Mediclinic Day Hospital.

The Virginia SPCA says the operation will further improve his vision and give him a better chance of returning fully to the animal rescue work he has dedicated 18 years to.

The intervention came after the Virginia SPCA appealed to the community for assistance with Kamwaza’s cataract surgery, with supporters raising R66,600, significantly more than the original R36,000 target.

The funds were raised in response to concerns that his deteriorating eyesight could prevent him from continuing his work as a field officer.

However, the organisation later received a lifeline when Free State MEC Elzabe Rockman pledged to assist in having Kamwaza’s procedure done through Bongani Regional Hospital and Mediclinic Day Hospital at no cost to the Virginia SPCA.

The intervention brought together medical professionals and healthcare teams who helped ensure that the long-serving animal rescuer could receive the treatment he needed.

“A village mobilised, a village cared, and a village made it possible,” said Virginia SPCA. “We are humbled, immensely grateful, and in awe. Sometimes it really does take a village to create a miracle. Today, ours did.

“How extraordinary is it that so many professionals came together to help a man who has spent 18 years helping save countless animal lives regain his eyesight so that he can continue doing the work he loves and lives for.”

With the surgery no longer requiring the funds raised by the community, the organisation said the money would remain available to assist staff with medical emergencies, while some could also support animals in need, subject to donors’ approval.

‘I love the animals so much, they are like my babies’

Kamwaza previously described his fear of losing his ability to work with animals as one of the most difficult aspects of his deteriorating eyesight.

“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.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs

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