The Germiston SPCA is in good hands.
Senior inspector Burt Coetzee recently took over as manager and is hoping to lead the society to greater heights.
The Wychwood resident brings a wealth of experience and understanding to the job.
Born in Upington, in the Northern Cape, Coetzee matriculated from high school in Oudtshoorn and then went off to do his MSDS (basic military skills development).
However, he soon discovered the military was not for him and returned to work at the Oudtshoorn SPCA, where he served from 2009 to 2011.
During his time there he trained as an inspector and, in October, 2011, took the long drive up to Gauteng where he became an inspector for the NSPCA (National Council of SPCAs).
Coetzee served in the Farm Animal Unit and, although he was based in Alberton, he travelled the country conducting inspections, working on cruelty cases, as well as training staff at SPCA branches and attending to animals during natural disasters.
“I have always had a passion for animals and when I started at the SPCA I didn’t really know exactly what was in store for me,” he said.
“However, the more involved you get and the more compassion you feel for the animals, the more important your job becomes to you.
“I even feel guilty if I take leave, as I think about all the animals that may need my help while I am not there.”
Coetzee recently qualified as a senior inspector and is hoping his skills will aid in uplifting the Germiston SPCA back to a high operational standard.
“I decided to take up the managerial position as I became the father to a baby girl, Janeen, in May,” Coetzee said.
“Working for the NSPCA as I did took me away from home for lengthy periods and I feel it is better to be at home for my child and partner, Meg Wilson.”
Meg, incidentally, also works for the NSPCA as a liaison officer.
Coetzee told the GCN that he plans to improve everything at the Germiston SPCA.
“My main focus will be on cruelty and the prevention of cruelty to animals in the area,” he said.
“We get a lot of cruelty complaints.”
Another key focus will continue to be the outreach and sterilisation projects.
On Mandela Day, the SPCA staff will visit Katlehong, where they will be going door-to-door handing out blankets and collars and promoting the sterilisation of animals.
“We always try to educate people about the best way to care for their animals,” Coetzee said.
He is looking forward to bringing up his child as an avid animal-lover, as he believes this will help her develop compassion for others.
“If you love and respect animals you will be kinder to people,” he said.
Other SPCA articles:
Animals receive welcome donation
SPCA kennels are undergoing a revamp
