A Virginia SPCA animal rescuer who feared losing his eyesight has received not one, but two life-changing boosts on his way to recovering his sight.

Last week, beloved animal whisperer Peter Kamwaza received the news that almost R70 000 – more than double the target – had been raised for him to undergo cataract surgery, as generous donors gave to him.

Now, Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elzabe Rockman, has pledged to help Kamwaza with a pro bono surgery at Bongani Regional Hospital.

Rockman became aware of the Virginia SPCA’s plea for assistance with covering the cost of Kamwaza’s eye procedure.

As a result, Virginia SPCA will be able to use the funds raised to assist other staff members with medical emergencies instead.

Peter Kamwaza, a Virginia SPCA animal rescuer, received life-changing cataract surgery pro bono after a Free State MEC pledged to help have his surgery done following a viral fundraising campaign.

Kamwaza had been struggling with deteriorating vision in his right eye for about three years.

At first, he managed by relying on his left eye and wearing glasses, but his condition steadily worsened until he could no longer see anything with his right eye.

He was previously referred to Bongani Regional Hospital for cataract surgery but was placed on a lengthy waiting list, which prompted Virginia SPCA to look for assistance in the private medical sector.

As of Wednesday, the fundraising campaign for Kamwaza’s surgery had raised more than R69 000, far exceeding its original R36 000 target.

“We were met with an overwhelming response,” said Thea Smit, Virginia SPCA committee chairperson, in a message informing donors about the MEC’s visit and pledge to assist Kamwaza.

‘Peter will see the world again’

She excitedly announced that Rockman’s pledge had enabled Virginia SPCA to use the funds raised to assist other staff with medical emergencies.

“Because Peter’s surgery was ultimately provided at no cost to Virginia SPCA, the funds so generously donated will remain available to assist Virginia SPCA staff with medical emergencies,” said Smit.

She also offered to pay back donations if any donor preferred a refund.

Kamwaza’s surgery was performed on Tuesday morning through the Bongani Regional Hospital at Mediclinic Welkom Hospital by Drs Neil van Wyk and Ettiene Marais.

Smit expressed deep gratitude for what they had done for Kamwaza, who had his eye examined by Van Wyk on Wednesday morning.

“Peter will see the world again,” said Smit.

Smit added:

He’ll be able to spot snakes, dogs, cats, monitors, caracals, and so many other creatures who will once again rely on his experience, his gentle hands – and now, his sight – to bring them home safely.

Following the campaign’s success, Kamwaza told News24 he was overwhelmed by the generosity of people he had never met.

“I’m very glad, and I’m very proud about that,” he said last week.

“I don’t know what I can say to the people, but God must bless them because they do a lot [for] my eyes. They must know I’m saying thank you from the [depths] of my heart.”

He said the surgery would allow him to continue caring for the animals that have become his life’s work.

“I love the animals,” he said.

“The animals… they [would have] missed me, but now they will not miss me because I’ll be available all the time.”

If you have a heartwarming story to tell, email feelgood@news24.com.