Dokter served as a driver for the Boksburg SPCA since the late ’80s. He was one of the facility’s most compassionate animal lovers.
Johannesburg, South Africa (21 October 2025) – For 37 years, Dokter Maruleng Mphela served the most vulnerable souls. A driver for the local SPCA, he was responsible for collecting, delivering and saving thousands of animals in the Boksburg area.
Sadly, Dokter passed away on Monday.
After the SPCA shared the news of his passing on social media, comments from members of the community streamed in, remembering Dok, as he was affectionately known, as the warm, compassionate person that he was.
Dok has done many good things he will be remembered for.
He was the man you could rely on if any animal was in distress. Cat, dog or horse, Dok would race to assist. One commenter fondly remembered his willingness to help. He would open the SPCA on a Sunday afternoon if it meant bringing in a stray that needed care. He would be the gentle pair of hands that brought frightened animals to safety. He was also the bearer of big smiles and warm hugs, adored by his colleagues in animal welfare.
For over three decades, he showed up. In his line of work, there are difficult days. Many of them.
Drivers are often the first to arrive at distressing scenes, alongside inspectors. They’re the first to meet the abandoned, injured, or abused animals who need help. They see animals in terrible conditions, and staying calm and professional in heartbreaking situations is not easy. But Dok always kept the well-being of animals at the forefront.
Throughout it all, he was there. His passion for animals and commitment to hard work set him apart. Dok first joined the SPCA in 1988, still in his early 20s. Just two years ago, he received his 35-year-long service award for a lifetime of meaningful work.
“You were a young man of 20 when we first met, we were impressed at your interview. You were a fine young man who worked hard, you became passionate about all animals. You have been loyal and you are a great loss not only to your wife, children and grandchildren but also the animals,” shares a colleague.
Sometimes, the world loses its best people. Dok was one of them. Our condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues. If animals could talk, Boksburg’s neediest would thank him for a lifetime of showing up.
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