About 20 children from House of Joy, an orphanage home in Joza, spent some time on Monday at the SPCA learning more about loving and caring for domestic animals. The event was held as part of the International Mandela Day when citizens were encouraged to spend at least 67 minutes making a difference in other people’s lives.

Children were taken to animal enclosures where they watched, touched and even played with the animals. In the dogs’ enclosure children saw different kinds of dogs and learnt how to take good care of them. They then went to the cats’ side where they were welcomed by different sizes of cats and were given brushes to brush them. After that they were taken to the kraal to meet the bigger animals like donkeys and goats.

Shaleen Bonsor, trainee inspector at SPCA, said the event was an opportunity for the children to learn more about all kinds of domestic animals and how to take care of them. “We wanted these children to go out and have a good time with the animals,” said Bonsor.

 “We are teaching children how to handle animals, and also about cruelty to animals,” said Monwabisi Dingana, SPCA inspector. Dingana left immediately after speaking to Grocott's Mail as he was in a hurry to attend to a dog that was hit by a car in Joza.

House of Joy manager Margaret Ngcangca was also excited about the SPCA visit. “I’m very happy to be here, it feels like this is done for me because I am enjoying every minute of it,” said Ngcangca. “These children could not wait to come here and I am happy to see them happy.” She also thanked the community for the love that they are showing to the orphaned children.

One of the children, 18 year-old Ntombozuko Plaatjie, was beaming with smiles as she held one of the cats close to her chest. “I've enjoyed being here and this is the first time I’m surrounded by lots of domestic animals,” said Plaatjie. “I have also learnt a lot about different animals that are kept here.” She also said that her favorite animal is a dog.