Facing a lifelong fear head-on to save a doggie’s life? Give this man all the gold stars!
Cape Town (13 October 2025) – Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspector Lwazi Ntungele has had a lifelong fear of being in the water. The idea of getting into a pool or river was especially scary because he had never learned how to swim.
But earlier this year, he and fellow inspector Lee Prins were offered free swimming lessons at Finz Aquatics. Slowly, lesson by lesson, Lwazi started to grow more confident. The training gave him skills and helped him build a belief that he could do it if the time ever came.
Swimming is a great skill for SPCA inspectors to have. Their work often takes them into unpredictable environments where water sources like rivers or dams might come as an obstacle in rescues.
When the call for a distressed dog later named Drifter came through, Lwazi’s time had come.
Drifter had become stranded on debris in fast-moving water. The current was strong and there was no time to hesitate. Lwazi knew what he had to do. Fear or not, he got into the water, calmly reached the terrified dog, and carried him to safety.
Drifter was shaken, but safe, thanks to a courageous inspector who said ‘stuff it, I’m going in!’
Later at the SPCA’s Animal Hospital, vets discovered Drifter was suffering from a painful condition called paraphimosis that needed immediate surgery. Thankfully, he was treated quickly and he’s now bouncing back in the way only dogs can. Barking for his meals, wagging his tail when people pass by, and working with the SPCA’s animal behaviourist to heal from trauma.
Soon, he’ll be ready to move into the adoption kennels, where he will hopefully find his forever family fast!
Isn’t it amazing how powerful courage can be?
Lwazi stood up to a lifelong fear, not for himself, but to save a life. That’s what animal welfare is built on in South Africa. Brave, caring people are willing to do whatever it takes for animals who need heroes.
“Drifter’s rescue reminds us that animal welfare is built on compassion, courage, and community. It’s in the courage of one man learning to swim, the generosity of those who are teaching him, and in the kindness of every person who makes our work possible,” shares the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
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