A Lifelong Fear That Once Held Him Back
Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspector Lwazi Ntungele had always been afraid of water. He had never learned to swim, and the thought of stepping into a pool or river filled him with anxiety.
Earlier this year, everything began to change. Lwazi and fellow inspector Lee Prins were offered free swimming lessons at Finz Aquatics. Lesson by lesson, Lwazi slowly gained confidence. The training didn’t just teach him technique, it taught him that he could face the water if the moment ever came.
Why Swimming Matters for SPCA Inspectors
SPCA inspectors often encounter unpredictable rescue environments: rivers, dams, flooded areas, and unstable terrain. Being able to swim can mean the difference between life and death, not only for the animals they’re rescuing but for the inspectors themselves.
And soon, Lwazi would put those new skills to the ultimate test.
A Dog in Danger and No Time to Waste
A distress call came through: a dog later named Drifter had been swept into fast-moving water and was stranded on debris. The current was powerful. The situation was dangerous. There was no time for second-guessing.
Lwazi didn’t hesitate.
Fear or no fear, he stepped into the water, moved steadily toward the terrified dog, and safely carried Drifter back to shore.
Drifter was shaken, but alive, thanks to an inspector who looked danger in the face and said, “Stuff it, I’m going in!”
A Painful Medical Condition Discovered Just in Time
At the SPCA Animal Hospital, vets discovered Drifter was suffering from paraphimosis, a painful condition requiring urgent surgery. Thankfully, he was treated quickly and is now making an enthusiastic recovery, barking for food, wagging his tail, and working with an animal behaviourist to heal from trauma.
Soon, Drifter will be ready for the adoption kennels, where he’ll hopefully find a loving forever family.
Courage That Changes Lives
Isn’t it remarkable what courage can do?
Lwazi didn’t face the water for himself, he did it to save a life. That’s the heart of animal welfare in South Africa: brave, compassionate people willing to push past fear for animals who desperately need heroes.
A Message From the SPCA
“Drifter’s rescue reminds us that animal welfare is built on compassion, courage, and community. It’s in the courage of one man learning to swim, the generosity of those who taught him, and in the kindness of every person who makes our work possible”, shares the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.