A vet who had been practising for 10 years was forced to flee his home country due to conflict tearing his home apart. Now, in South Africa, the determined vet wants nothing more than to continue doing his job and positively impact the lives of local animals. But he needs help:
Tshwane, South Africa (19 November 2024) — Ever since determined vet Musenge Jean Paul Kabongo was a youngster, he was drawn to animals.
Known more commonly as Jean Paul, the vet knew early on in life that he wanted to be a force of good in the lives of animals.
Naturally, he was called to study veterinary science. However, after 10 years in practice in the Democratic Republic of Congo, circumstances led Jean Paul to make an important decision—he had to move countries.
Conflict in the DRC was tearing his country apart. Jean Paul describes “peace as a distant dream” there.
“It’s challenging to continue working amidst the danger and instability. I long for a place where I can feel welcome, safe and pursue my dreams without fear. That’s why I fled the DRC and chose South Africa as my second home country, seeking refuge and a chance to rebuild my life,” he explains.
Although he came to South Africa as a qualified vet and was recognised by the South African Qualification Authority, another obstacle would prevent Jean Paul from getting back to the animals. Jean Paul needs recognition from the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), and to achieve this requires an expensive test.
Jean Paul found a job at a local SPCA, but quickly learnt that he couldn’t practice his skillset without the SAVC recognition.
Given South Africa’s brain drain when it comes to qualified vets—many vets have left the country to pursue better opportunities elsewhere in the world—those rooting for Jean Paul’s success know that he would not only be an asset to the SPCA but also to the country.
The test he needs to take is at a cost of R40,000 and will see him write at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in Onderstepoort. Though it’s no small amount, Jean Paul’s hopes are high that kindness and compassion will rise to the occasion. Unfortunately, his current earnings are slim and saving up for the amount simply wouldn’t be an option without putting his family in a tough spot.
“I want to make an impact – a positive impact on the lives of animals that I love so much and that I studied so hard to work with. It would be a great achievement, and a big happiness in my life to be able to achieve this dream – to practice as a vet in South Africa.”
Those who wish to support his dream can do so here. Please note, the exam date is set for October 2025.
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