Every rand needed for an SPCA Field Assistant’s vision-saving surgery was raised in record time, by over 100 incredible supporters. South Africa, you are incredible.
Free State, South Africa (28 July 2026) – Last year, we shared the story of how massively the team at Virginia SPCA were impacted by the loss of their very first yard dog, Teddy, who had been with them for fifteen years. He was part of the family, a constant shadow who had become a beloved member of the team.
When he crossed the rainbow bridge in January, the staff at the SPCA were shattered. Field Assistant Peter Kamwaza was especially affected by the loss. He and Teddy were inseparable. The image below captures the pair in their final moments together. South Africans were deeply moved by their bond and by the love and care Peter had shown Teddy.
When we shared that story, we promised we’d always fly the flag for animal welfare heroes like Peter.
Yesterday, the Virginia SPCA shared an update about him on Facebook. The gentle man who has dedicated so much of his life to helping animals is now facing severe vision problems caused by a cataract in his right eye.
“It progressed rapidly and has now left him able to see little more than light in that eye. We are heartbroken for him,” his team shared.
Without medical aid, the surgery that could save Peter’s vision came with a cost far beyond his reach. His team did not hesitate to step in, knowing that losing his sight would not only put his work at risk but also threaten his independence and quality of life.
They enrolled Peter at Bongani State Hospital, where he was placed on a waiting list. To this day, that call still hasn’t come.
“We are still waiting for that call, but we know they too are doing their best.”
Knowing that getting Peter the help he needs is a race against time, the team consulted further specialists and found a surgeon who could perform the procedure at a reduced fee as early as August. Even with the reduced fee, the cost was still far too high for Peter or his animal welfare team to carry alone. So they turned to their supporters, appealing this time not for help to save an animal, but to help a hero who shows up for them every single day.
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“Peter is an invaluable member of Team Virginia SPCA. There is hardly an animal – wild or domestic – that he cannot safely bring to rescue. He simply does not know how to say ‘no’. Day or night, rain or shine, Peter is there whenever an animal needs him,” they wrote.
The appeal was shared on the SPCA’s Facebook page yesterday (Monday), along with a link to an online crowdfund where supporters could donate towards the R36,000 needed for Peter’s vision-saving surgery.
Remarkably, in less than a day, more than 100 donors chipped in and the fundraiser surpassed its original goal. By Tuesday morning, just over R44,000 has been raised!
It is incredibly moving to see so many people rally behind Peter, a man who has chosen to spend years bringing comfort, care and love to animals that cannot speak for themselves. Now, thanks to that same compassion being returned, he can receive the vision-saving medical care he needs, knowing South Africa is looking out for him.
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