Lowveld mourns loss of animal champion
MBOMBELA - With the recent passing of the well-loved SPCA Nelspruit stalwart Mathews Moyo, the Lowveld has lost a champion of animals who was endlessly kind to all those he met and worked with.
Moyo, who would have turned 54 on October 10, died last Tuesday, May 14, following a short illness. Well known to many in Mbombela and other parts of the Lowveld for his gentle nature and compassion towards animals, SPCA Nelspruit’s Lize Pienaar told Lowvelder Moyo was not just a colleague to those with whom he worked, but a great friend too.
Pienaar said while he had been part of the SPCA Nelspruit since 2018, he had worked for the SPCA Barberton for many years.
In a 2020 article by Lowvelder,
Moyo told the publication he had been a veterinary assistant before his work at the SPCA, and had been working with animals for 19 years at the time of publication in June that year.
Pienaar said his work with animals at the SPCA was not a job, but a calling. “He was absolutely unique. There is no one like him. We at the SPCA Nelspruit have many special memories of him, and his sense of humour is something we will never forget,” she said.
“He always knew what to do and how to do it. His conduct towards everyone was immaculate.”
Pienaar said he had a special way with both animals and people and could handle any task or call-out at work in a way that made it seem effortless. “He was just so amazing. And he would talk to the animals. He really had a special touch when it came to animals and people.”
The SPCA Nelspruit posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday
May 15 that Moyo had touched the lives of thousands of animals, and that their welfare always came first. “He was our mentor, our example and our dear friend. We will miss him forever. We salute you, Mathews. May you rest in eternal peace. With love from the committee, staff and the thousands of animals you touched with your kindness.”
The community took to the comments section on the post to share their condolences with the SPCA. Pippa Botha posted: “This is devastating news indeed. Mathews was a stalwart and a dedicated person. His patience amazed me time and time again. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Hamba kahle, Nkosi. Rest in peace.”
Renchia Marais-Naudé wrote: “I cannot describe the feelings I experience at this moment. It was the first post I saw on Facebook this morning. Mathews was a dear friend. Nothing was ever too much for him. I’ve never before met somebody with such a great compassion for animals. Go and rest high on that mountain, my friend!”
SPCA Phalaborwa commented on the post, too. “From SPCA Phalaborwa and committee, our sincere condolences to you, SPCA Nelspruit and everyone else saddened and touched by such a great loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. RIP, Animal Warrior Mathews. May your star shine bright from above.”
SPCA Swellendam posted: “Very sorry to hear the heartbreaking news. Deepest condolences to Mathews’s colleagues, family and the Nelspruit community’s animals for the tragic loss. RIP, Mathews.
Thank you for your service and compassion for the animals who relied on you for protection.”
Leigh-Anne
Auerswald wrote:
“I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. Thank you, Mathews, for your love and compassion you showed to all animals.”