He’s an absolute hero behind the wheel, for 37 years of love and commitment towards Pretoria’s most vulnerable animals.
Pretoria, South Africa (01 September 2025) – If you’ve ever spotted the Tshwane SPCA’s rescue van pulling up, chances are it was Aaron Tello Molamu at the wheel.
After 37 years of dedicated service, he has just been honoured with a Long Service Recognition Certificate. It’s a really well-deserved recognition after nearly four solid decades of rescuing, collecting, and caring for animals in need in Pretoria and surrounds. Now that’s love.
An SPCA driver isn’t just someone who knows the roads. They must have the ability to handle animals, both big and small, with the utmost care. They often work early mornings, late nights, and on weekends. They’re expected to safely collect scared pets or wildlife, transport them securely, and even spot signs of injury or illness.
During his long run at Tshwane’s SPCA, Aaron has been the guy who has answered calls at all hours to fetch strays, collect frightened animals from all kinds of scenarios, and make sure they reach safety.
Over the years, he’s brought in everything from abandoned dogs to stressed-out herons into the SPCA, where he dedicates his love and time, always with patience and any amount of effort needed.
“No matter how big or how small, every animal has mattered to him. Day after day, and often at any time — whether early morning or late at night — he has gone out of his way to collect animals in need and bring them safely into our care,” the Tshwane SPCA shared.
‘Driver’ may be his official title, but his work goes beyond that. He’s the reason hundreds of animals have found their way to safety and better lives.
Aaron’s colleagues say he’s part of the very fabric of the SPCA.
“His compassion, reliability, and unwavering commitment embody the true spirit of service.”
It’s not every day someone can say they’ve been on the job for nearly 40 years. Even rarer when that job means saving the lives of the super vulnerable. It’s the true definition of a hero.
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