A mother’s love, a dog school and a child’s journey that has been shaped in the best way. When Sbonelo’s mother encouraged him to join Funda Nenja to escape negative influences after his father passed, he found a place to grow into a positive role model for the next generation.
Mpophomeni, South Africa (24 August 2025) – After her husband passed away, a mother’s concern for her son’s safety led her to enrol him at Funda Nenja, a dog school dedicated to teaching children in Mpophomeni how to be responsible pet owners.
At just ten years old at the time, Sbonelo Ngubane joined the programme with his dog, Socksie, and quickly demonstrated a commitment that would shape his life.
A short while after enrolling, young Sbonelo told the Funda Nenja team that Socksie had been given her name because “she had brown socks on her legs”. His mother gave the dog the name ‘Socks’, but he instead chose to call her Socksie because it is a better name.
Sbonelo went on to share that his mother loved Funda Nenja and urged him to join its workshops and classes to spend time with the dogs and the good children, away from trouble and the bad influence of those who roamed the streets.
Sbonelo’s love for his furry companion made an impression on the team.
Fast forward several years, Sbonelo has become a loyal member and grown up to be a responsible, gentle and kind young man, who is inspiring the next generation to care for their pets as one of Funda Nenja’s respected class instructors. In his role, he passes on the knowledge he has acquired over the years to children.
“His diligence and valued commitment to Funda Nenja have earned him our recognition and appreciation,” Funda Nenja said.
Sbonelo’s journey is a heartwarming illustration of the impact that a supportive environment can have on a young life, turning a moment of concern into a path of purpose and positive influence.
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