“You have to be a very special type of person to work in the Animal Welfare Sector and we are extremely fortunate to have some of the best in the profession working for us,” says the Animal Welfare Society. “One of our rising stars is Trainee Inspector Sivuyile (Sivu) Kilwa, who hails from Umtata in the Eastern Cape.”
Sivu and Lawrence, the Animal Care Centre Manager, are best friends. They went to the same school and both have always shared a sincere love for animals from a young age.
Sivu’s dream to work with animals finally came true in November 2018 when he was offered a position in the Animal Welfares Animal Care Centre.
His drive and determination saw an ambitious Sivu quickly making his way through the ranks first to Hospital Orderly and then onto Trainee Inspector.
Sivu describes the first day that he arrived at work in his Inspectors uniform as one of the ‘proudest moments’ of his life, and vividly remembers the first animal that he was dispatched to save.
His name roughly translated means happiness, and he can be very proud of the amount of happiness that he has spread during his tenure as a Trainee Inspector under the watchful eye of his mentor, Senior Inspector Mark Levendal, who describes his partner as the best anyone could ever hope for.
Sivu has found his calling in life. He is the sole bread-winner in his family and despite surviving two armed hijackings in the line of duty – and more recently the tragic passing of his prematurely born baby, the fatal shooting of his brother and the sudden passing of his sister – he continues to show remarkable commitment and resilience.
When you look at the video clip of Sivu and Kuhle it is obvious that she recognises him as her hero – as do all of us.
Sivu, we all share your pain and loss and extend our sincere condolences to you and your loved ones at this time of bereavement.
Picture/video: Supplied