Chis Kuch

Izimvo is honoured to introduce the spokesperson for the NSPCA, Christine Kuch.

The NSPCA with 51 years of service, is responsible for promoting the welfare of all animals in the Republic of South Africa. The NSPCA deals with national issues and has four nationally operational units, namely, Research Ethincs, Wildlfe, Farm Animals and Society Liaison.

The prevention of cruelty to animals: a simple but almost impossible mission statement.

Website: http://www.nspca.co.za
Email: nspca@nspca.co.za
Telephone: 011 907 3591
Location: Johannesburg

Chris was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: As Chris Kuch of the NSPCA who doesn’t think she’s eccentric. Headlined in a recent Beeld article as “katvrou”.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: A belly dancer. Favourite film is Newcastle United 5, Manchester United 0 – honest! I know every frame of this match, memorise who scored and in which minute. Also memorable because it was on a Sunday, a day when I was called out to a property where a dog had killed a child. These things stick in your mind and are never forgotten.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Belly dancing is excellent exercise but also means intense concentration on steps, body movement co-ordination to music, using veils etc – so the worries of the day fade away. Plus you get to wear fabulous costumes. I am also a badminton player and love swimming.

The NSPCA in South Africa

Q: Please could you briefly describe an average day as the spokesperson for the NSPCA?

A: Cell phone usually starts ringing with enquiries even before I’m out of bed. At work it’s a case of downloading e-mails, responding to public, media etc plus calls and “routine” work which includes media releases, fund raising. Whenever a media statement goes out, calls are received asking for additional details, further comments – and usually inside information for exclusives!

Q: What are the greatest challenges facing the NSPCA in South Africa today?

A: Funding without a doubt. We do not receive income from government. Everyone is feeling the pinch, corporates and individuals alike.

Q: If you were to give the public one piece of advice regarding pet ownership, what would it be?

A: Sterilise! (Be part of the solution)

Q: As well as been exposed to acts of cruelty, I’d imagine that you must witnessed incredible acts of generosity. Can you give us an example?

A: I am the kind of personality who witnesses something awful and metaphorically rolls up my sleeves with determination to tackle it.

When something good happens such as a donation, a well concluded court case of a truly happy ending I’m useless and burst into tears (of joy). I’ve even had strangers put their arms round me in shops saying “Don’t worry it may never happen” and my answer is to say “but it just did. You don’t understand how happy I am.”

Being in court to hear that Riccardo Ghiazza was found guilty of animal cruelty in the Tuli elephant case sticks in my mind as a significant event and notable achievement.

Q: Besides donations, are there any other ways members of the public can help their local SPCA?

A: Get a MY SCHOOL card to benefit the SPCA national fund. Contact me on pr@nspca.co.za for an application. They cost nothing but we get an average of 2% each time it is swiped at Woolworths or other specified outlets. Donate unwanted gifts, jumble, whatever for them to sell.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes. I was mugged in the park whilst walking my dog. We have to be pragmatic.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: Who knows what the future holds.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: Perceptions towards animals – and make it permanent.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: A game reserve that does not permit hunting, the Wanderers for a cricket match and Gold Reef City.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What is favorite venue in or around Johannesburg for a walk with your pet?

A: Melville Koppies west – the best kept secret and greatest treasure in Johannesburg. Dogs are permitted.

Panienka

General

Q: Which pets do you own?

A: A German shepherd named Sabre plus 6 cats: – Gremlin, Robert, Shearer, Elliot, Bella and Panienka. They all get on well, all come from SPCAs and all are sterilised. Panienka is in the photo, aged 6 months.

Q: Which animals would you recommend as a pet for people living with little or no gardens??

A: It depends on lifestyle and commitment. A small dog does not necessarily equate to a small property. It is not the size of the property so much as the needs of the dog which include quality interactive time with the owner, exercise etc.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: This is tempting as I have an honours degree in English but also enjoy “classics” such as the Adrian Mole series. Reading has to be enjoyed and prescribing anything is the surest way to put someone off. It put me off Jane Austen for 20 years being forced to read it and being told “it’s supposed to be funny.” Just read!

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

Q: At home! My pets depend on me.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: I think the tone and approach are often more important that the subject. If the style “grabs” you, the content becomes interesting. No matter how fascinating the subject, people can fall asleep or be turned right off if it isn’t presented in an appealing manner.

We’d like to thank Chris for taking the time to answer our questions. Support the work of the NSPCA and make a difference.