Lead SA Regional Hero of the Year announced

Lead SA is an initiative that encourages people to make a difference in communities and honours those who do inspirational work.

Ngesi, who works as an assistant vet for the Glen Austin Equine Clinic, was honoured for his work in Bizana in the Eastern Cape.

He said, “During one of my trips home to Bizana in the Eastern Cape, I noticed that the horses there have [been affected by] the African Horse Sickness epidemic. I spoke to my employers at the equine clinic to start a road clinic to vaccinate horses affected by the epidemic.”

He started working as a groom in KwaZulu-Natal in 1999, and in 2003 he began working for the Glen Austin Equine Clinic.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from the clinic and everyone who has been involved in the Bizana project,” he added.

Ngesi and Rissa Parker, a vet at Glen Austin Equine Clinic, partnered for the initiative, which has enabled 297 ponies to be vaccinated so far this year.

Rissa said, “Ngesi was nominated for recognition of his work by the Community Veterinary Clinics, which is part of the South African Veterinary Association. We are proud of him and the work he does for the Bizana project.”

Lead SA co-ordinator, Tshiamo Ndlovu said the work that Ngesi does is inspirational.

“Every year in August we celebrate the hero of the year from a group of entrants, and Ngesi was chosen as the regional winner… He does great work in the community of Bizana.”

To support the Bizana project email mandawe@mweb.co.za