Generosity shines as SPCA auction nets R300k plus

Date: 06 November 2025 By: Anton van Zyl

The local community once again showed its compassion and appreciation for the work done by the local SPCA during the annual charity auction. Well over R300,000 was raised – money that will help fund the SPCA’s work.

With dark clouds threatening to spoil the atmosphere at Vijgeboomsdrift, Friday night’s function had to be moved at short notice. This proved no deterrent to the spirit of generosity and enjoyment, and Ben van der Merwe graciously made his venue at Rondebosch available free of charge. The new venue was quickly transformed from a shed into a stunning hall with a farm-style charm.

Guests for the evening included Boer Soek ’n Vrou celebrity Evert van Deventer, while the music was provided by locally raised artists Jacques Mouton and Jean Hepburn.

“Running the SPCA is like running a business — one that doesn’t yield profits, but demands our hearts, time, and energy every single day,” said Alicia Thomas when welcoming the guests. She is one of the committee members of the Louis Trichardt branch of the SPCA and widely known for her passion to protect animals.

To set the mood for the night, Thomas recapped the work the SPCA has done, not only over the past year but over several decades. The local branch relies heavily on the contributions of a few volunteers. Every year is a battle for survival and to generate enough funds to continue its work.

“Every year, we face the same uncertainty — how will we make it through another year? But somehow, we do,” she said.

She explained that the local branch takes in between 70 and 100 animals every month, each one needing care, food, medical attention and love. The average monthly cost of caring for the animals and running the SPCA’s programmes is between R120,000 and R130,000. The organisation receives no subsidies from the government or the local municipality.

“Many people think we only help dogs and cats, but the truth is — if it breathes and feels, we will help. From the tiniest kitten to livestock and wildlife, every life matters to us,” she said.

Her words — or perhaps the reputation of the Louis Trichardt SPCA — clearly had the desired effect as local businesspeople opened their purses generously. Guests bid on a number of items donated to the SPCA, including luxury holiday packages, mystery vouchers and hand-crafted furniture.

Although the final tally was not announced, the bidding totalled well over R300,000.

“There will always be another family, another dog, another cat, another animal in desperate need of our help. There is no finish line in this work — only the next life to save. Thank you for your ongoing support,” said Thomas.

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Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.