New SPCA inspector up to the challenge

The Benoni SPCA recently welcomed inspector Tebogo Maswanganye to the team.

Maswanganye joined the society in July and brings with him four years of experience as inspector at the Bloemfontein SPCA.

Born in Hammanskraal, he explained he grew up around animals. When he got his first dog, he realised they are loyal and protective companions.

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He would go as far as to say dogs are more human when it comes to showing affection.

“I was 10 years old when I visited a zoo. That is where my interest in animals grew and I knew that I wanted to look after them.”

After he completed his studies at the University of South Africa with a diploma in nature conservation, Maswanganye applied for a learnership at the Pretoria Zoo and worked in the reptile park and birds section for six years.

When he left the zoo, he grabbed the opportunity to work as an animal guide at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida for 16 months, educating people on the different animals on the premises.

He continued educating people on animals at a resort in Dubai and took up a post as duty manager tour guide at Black Mountain Leisure & Conference Hotel in Bloemfontein. In May 2017 he applied for the inspector position at the Bloemfontein SPCA.

“I have learned that animal cruelty is everywhere. Working in Bloemfontein had taught me a lot, as I dealt with cattle farms and mostly big animals. In Benoni, we work more with complaints involving domestic animals.

“I am still adjusting to the feel of the area, but I want to raise awareness and create better animal parents who will advocate for the animals who cannot speak.”

He added that there is no excuse for animal cruelty and he will not be kind to any sort of deliberate animal abuse.

“Such actions will be noted and prosecution will be done without fear or favour.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is not being able to act immediately as there are protocols we need to follow, but residents are encouraged to contact the Benoni SPCA and report all sorts of animal cruelty.”

The Benoni SPCA may be contacted on 011 894 2814 or the emergency number on 073 511 2261.

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