Sandton SPCA appoints new general manager
SANDTON – Ralph Hohls, who began as a volunteer at the Sandton SPCA, has been appointed as the new general manager.
The Sandton SPCA has a appointed a new general manager who hopes to help the SPCA grow to new heights.
Ralph Hohls originally began volunteering with the SPCA about two years ago because of his love for animals and desire to give back. He initially helped out with the SPCA’s budgets and shortly afterwards became a member of the board.
Hohls worked with the SPCA’s board members to create a strategy going forward that focuses on three main pillars to protect, care and educate. Shortly after the now-former general manager, Jaco Pieterse left, Hohls thought that he had the potential to help take the SPCA forward and implement their strategy.
Hohls said that one of his goals at the SPCA is to build up a management team where each part are of the SPCA is managed by one person so that he can focus on more strategic work and bring in more funds to the SPCA. “We’ve got a really good team here, they’re really competent and really committed to their jobs.”
The inspectorate division of the SPCA falls under the ‘protect’ pillar. Hohls said that the inspectors are often unsung heroes as they go out into communities where animal owners have been reported and help ensure that animal cruelty cases are prosecuted.
Hohls highlighted that education is a big part of their job and he believes that educating the surrounding communities about how caring for their animals can benefit communities as a whole. Ideally, Hohls hopes that the SPCA can create an education centre, which will primarily focus on disadvantaged communities.
The SPCA’s main mandate is, of course, to care for animals. As a municipal pound, the SPCA takes in every animal that is brought to them. Hohls hopes to create more enclosures so that they can care for more animals. He said that the very sad reality of their job is that more animals are brought in to the SPCA than those who are adopted.
“There has been a general improved attitude toward adoption but sadly it still isn’t enough,” said Hohls.
He said that receiving funding is still their biggest challenge as many people are forced to cut back on their spending.
“There has been a massive drop in funding and a big part of my job will be to get out there and appeal to corporate South Africa.”
He added that while large funders are necessary for big projects, people who are able to donate a small amount every month still help the SPCA greatly. He also said that even donations of service and time are a great help to the SPCA.
Details: Sandton SPCA 011 444 7730.
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