The Virginia SPCA’s Field Assistant, Peter Kamwaza, undergoes his vision-saving surgery free of charge, thanks to a heroic team of medical professionals who’ve said, ‘This is on us.’
Free State, South Africa (13 August 2026) – Weeks ago, the SPCA where he has worked for years put out a public plea to help him. After being a source of safety, comfort and care for the many animals at the SPCA, Field Assistant Peter had started to lose his vision due to a cataract in his right eye. Not only did this affect his ability to work with animals, but it also threatened his livelihood. Without his eyesight, Peter would not be able to continue working.
His colleagues and co-workers did not want to see that happen. The call for help was put out to the SPCA’s supporters online, and a BackaBuddy campaign was then created to raise R36,000 for the vision-saving surgery Peter required.
In less than a day, the full amount was raised to cover Peter’s surgery, but the support did not stop there. At the time of writing, more than 200 donors have raised just shy of R70,000, almost doubling the funds needed to cover medical expenses.
The SPCA was totally bowled over by the support, and so was Peter, who, in a video update shared by his workplace, gave the most wholesome thank you for all the love and support.
“So many people, without hesitation, opened their hearts and poured little sprinkles of love into helping Peter regain his eyesight,” the SPCA wrote. “We were astonished. The amount raised was nothing short of a miracle. A village mobilised. A village cared. A village made it possible.
“But the miracles didn’t end there…”
Even after all the funds had been raised, kindness had taken over in full force. This week, the Virginia SPCA shared wonderful news: Peter’s vision-saving surgery would be covered at no cost at all to the SPCA!
“A few weeks after our plea for assistance, we were visited by MEC Ms Elzabe Rockman, who pledged to help have Peter’s surgery done through Bongani Regional Hospital at Mediclinic Day Hospital — at no cost to Virginia SPCA. We were honoured and are so grateful for this personal visit.”
“Not long afterwards, the calls came. Sister Williams from Bongani Regional Hospital. Marissa Pawson from Mediclinic Day Hospital. The doctors agreed. Mediclinic agreed. Bongani approved. And suddenly, it was all systems go for Peter’s eye procedure.”
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South Africa, We Have SO Much Good News to Share With You!Dr Neil van Wyk and Dr Ettiene Marais agreed to take on Peter’s procedure pro bono. An extraordinary team of medical professionals came together to help a man who has spent 18 years helping animals. Because of them, he’ll regain his eyesight and help countless more.
The SPCA thanked everyone involved in making this blessing happen.
“There are simply too few words to describe the enormous feeling of support you poured into Peter, our team and our Society.”
Now, the funds raised to help Peter could go on to help other SPCA staff with medical emergencies, and some of it could even help the hundreds of vulnerable animals the team steps in to assist every year.
“Because Peter’s surgery was ultimately provided at no cost to Virginia SPCA, the funds so generously donated will remain available to assist Virginia SPCA staff with medical emergencies. And, if our donors are comfortable with it, a little of that kindness may also find its way to some of our beloved furry guests who need us.”
The SPCA added that should any donors prefer to have their contributions refunded, they would gladly assist. Many commenters who donated responded, saying that if their support could go on to help somebody else – two legs or four – they would be happy for the Virginia SPCA to keep the funds. Because kindness has a way of snowballing.
“Tomorrow morning, after 8am, Dr Neil van Wyk will examine Peter’s eye. And then Peter will see his world again,” the SPCA shared. “He’ll be able to spot the snakes, dogs, cats, monitors, caracals and so many other creatures who will once again rely on his experience, his gentle hands — and now, his sight — to bring them safely home.”
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