From a concerned Nature Conservation graduate who stumbled upon a Swamphen and an animal welfare advocate who drove 60km to get it help, this waterbird’s rescue highlights the remarkable selflessness of our local heroes who will do anything to help an animal in need.
Temba, South Africa (29 August 2025) – A ripple effect of kindness was ignited when Kgothatso Masilela, a dedicated Nature Conservation graduate, discovered a Swamphen that was in rather bad shape in Temba, near Hammanskraal.
Recognising that this beautiful waterbird needed urgent help, Kgothatso swooped in like a superhero, keeping the little feathered friend safe from not-so-kind passersby, while she plotted her rescue tactics. She sent an SOS message to the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre’s (SAWRC) Judy.
“Judy, realising she was over an hour and a half away, waved her networking wand and summoned Saint Number Two: The one and only Tebogo Maredi from Soshanguve animal shelter and Educentre NPC.” SAWRC said.
Now, Tebogo is the kind of guy who will drop anything at the mention of an animal in distress and would drive through a blizzard on roller skates to save a critter in need.
“With zero hesitation, he set off on a 60km round trip, probably singing merrily along the way!”
According to the rehabilitation centre, upon arrival, Tebogo made sure the little Swamphen was snug as a bug in a carrier, gently moving her from the fancy temporary nest created by Kgothatso.
After exchanging a few words, Tebogo took off again, making his way to Karien Schmidt and Estee from SpottyBird Wildlife Rehabilitation NPC.
“With this duo stepping in, the Swamphen’s future suddenly looked a little more promising!”
While the bird’s prognosis is yet to be confirmed, it is safe to say this little waterbird is in some superb hands.
It is the kind of collaboration and dedication that inspires and restores faith in our community’s willingness to help one another in times of urgency.
And though the rescue was nothing short of incredible, it has put a dent in the Soshanguve Animal Shelter’s already tight fuel budget, and their dog food supplies are critically low.
“If you can help, even the smallest donation can bring a tidal wave of change!
“Let’s refill their gas tank, restock their kennels, and give these incredible heroes the support they truly deserve to keep saving all kinds of lives… feathered, furry, and everything in between!”
Heroes like these shouldn’t have to run on empty. Donations can be made via Snapscan or to the banking details below:
THE DIRECTOR SOSHANGUVE ANIMAL SHELTER
Standard Bank: 10155394906
Branch: CENTRAL CITY
Branch Code: 051001
Account type: CURRENT SWIFT
code: SBZAZAJJ
Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
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