Since 2015, The Feral Carer NPC in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, has been dedicated to the care and protection of community cats, with Farzana Ismail, an early middle-aged woman, the organisation’s founder and director, at the helm. Farzana’s journey into rescue work began nearly a decade ago with an unexpected encounter. In her words:
“In 2015, while invigilating at the Vaal University of Technology, a cat casually entered the examination venue. At the time, I had no knowledge of the established cat colony on campus. That evening, I left in tears, feeling completely helpless after witnessing a vulnerable cat seeking refuge amidst the chaos created by students. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment to their well-being.”
Image above: Ichika, a feline who was previously part of the campus colony
Today, Farzana’s unwavering dedication ensures the health and safety of 13 feral cat colonies – nearly 400 cats in total – and the resident cats housed in her sanctuary. Her work extends beyond simply providing food and water. “This question is intensely emotive and subjective,” Farzana explains, “as only those who have witnessed my engagement with the colony cats or any cat, comprehend that my connection extends beyond the mere provision of food and water. I engage in meaningful interactions, form bonds, and ultimately, the cats recognise that for a brief portion of their day, they are of paramount importance to someone who champions their wellbeing.”
The Challenges of Sustaining Care
Despite her dedication, The Feral Carer NPC is facing immense financial pressure. Monthly food costs alone amount to R18,000, while veterinary care for resident and community cats continues to escalate. Many of the resident cats require specialised dietary care due to chronic health conditions, including kidney disease, FIV, urinary tract issues, and mouth diseases.
Among them is Chester, who suffers from kidney disease and requires chronic medication and a specialised kidney diet. Then there’s Ichika, a former campus cat rescued in 2021, who battles severe gingivitis and stomatitis, necessitating ongoing veterinary care. Cats like Pablo, Tommy Boy, and Chiquita also rely on continuous medical attention and high-quality diets.
Image above: Chiquita, a campus colony rescue
“Sustainability is vital for the successful management of 13 community cat colonies and the resident cats,” Farzana stresses. “However, with unsterilised, abandoned cats infiltrating colony grounds, the challenge of maintaining consistent sterilisation becomes more daunting. Emergency interventions are often needed when kittens are born, which adds to the already mounting expenses.”
Farzana’s work doesn’t end with the cats. As a lecturer, she balances her professional responsibilities, personal studies, and teaching schedule while ensuring the wellbeing of the cats. She describes it as a multifaceted balancing act, one that demands careful time management and unwavering commitment.
The Long-Term Vision
Farzana dreams of expanding her efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of her rescue work. Her vision includes launching a mobile sterilisation unit to improve sterilisation rates and acquiring a smallholding property to establish a sanctuary for cats removed from colonies. This would provide a safe space where their needs could be comprehensively met.
“The TNR process requires sustained enthusiasm and commitment to achieve its effectiveness,” she explains. “While I do my best, financial constraints are a constant challenge. Without sustained community support, I cannot continue these essential efforts.”
A Call for Help
Farzana’s plea is simple but heartfelt – she needs your help to continue providing for the cats under her care. “The escalating costs of food and veterinary care are becoming unmanageable, and I need sustained support to persevere.”
Image above: Chester along with his brother Atlas were rescued from the campus colony
By supporting The Feral Carer NPC’s BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, which has raised R1,400 of its R150,000 goal thanks to the generosity of three incredible donors, you’re doing more than helping cats survive – you’re giving them a chance to thrive and live free from suffering.
To stay updated on Farzana’s journey and the incredible impact she’s making, follow The Feral Carer NPC on Facebook, where she shares daily stories of life with the community cats. Your support is not only appreciated – it’s essential to ensure that the love and care for these cats never wavers.
Mosa Mphore knows firsthand the life-changing impact of organ donation. At just 22 years old, Mosa’s life was interrupted by a devastating diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure. Facing advanced kidney disease, he spent two years on dialysis, fighting daily for his survival. In 2013, everything changed when Mosa received the precious gift of a kidney transplant – a donation that saved his life and set him on a new path. Now, Mosa is on a mission to inspire others to give the same gift by becoming organ donors.
“When I got that call, I knew my life was about to change,” Mosa recalls. “But it also gave me a purpose: to share my story and educate people on how organ donation gives others a second chance at life.”
Today, Mosa is the founder of the Open-Eye Foundation, an organization devoted to educating South Africans about the power of organ donation. Through his foundation, Mosa works tirelessly to break down misconceptions about organ donation and encourage others to register as donors. His mission is simple yet profound: to save lives by increasing organ donor registrations and creating a culture of compassion and generosity.
To amplify his message, Mosa has organized the Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour, a 3-day cycling journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Scheduled for November 22 to November 24, this inspiring event invites cyclists to pedal across provinces, raising awareness about organ donation and the countless lives it can save. Mosa sees this tour as a way to symbolize the journey that many patients endure as they wait on transplant lists, hoping for their second chance.
“We want to break down the misconceptions and cultural barriers surrounding organ donation,” Mosa explains. “The simple act of saying ‘yes’ to becoming a donor can transform lives. We’re pedalling for second chances and renewed lives.”
The event not only seeks to inspire South Africans to consider organ donation, but it also aims to raise funds that will support transplant centres and assist patients undergoing challenging treatment. By participating, each rider becomes part of a nationwide movement that advocates for those waiting on life-saving transplants.
Image above: Participants taking part in the cycle tour
Funds from the Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour will be used to support renal and liver failure patients in public hospitals who often face difficult treatment journeys without adequate resources. From providing transportation for dialysis to offering food hampers, comfort items, and counseling, this support makes an enormous difference for patients and their families. The foundation also plans to launch its Transplant Assist Program (T.A.P.), connecting patients with potential living donors and providing essential guidance through the transplant process.
Event Details:
Date: November 22 – November 24, 2024
Route: From Johannesburg to Cape Town
Purpose: To inspire organ donor registrations and raise funds to support patients awaiting transplants
How You Can Join the Movement
Support the Cycle Tour – Your donations on the Mosa’s BackaBuddy campaign help provide crucial resources for patients facing organ failure.
Register as an Organ Donor – A simple “yes” could give someone else a second chance at life.
Participate in the Ride – Join the journey and ride for a cause that has the power to transform lives.
“When you give your consent to organ donation, you’re giving someone else a second chance at life,” Mosa shares.
Join him and the Open-Eye Foundation this November, and be part of a movement that’s changing lives, one pedal stroke at a time.
For more information or to make a donation, visit the Open-Eye Foundation’s website or follow them on social media for updates.
Verifying your BackaBuddy campaign builds trust with your donors and ensures smooth payouts. This guide explains the importance of verification and the simple steps to complete it.
Steps to Verify Your Campaign:
Log into your profile and go to “My Campaigns.”
Select your campaign and navigate to “Manage Campaign.”
Click on “Verification” and submit the required documents.
Verify your campaign early to avoid delays in receiving donations.
Increase your campaign’s success by adding team members! This guide explains how to add collaborators to your campaign, making it easier to reach your fundraising goals together.
Steps to Add Team Members:
Log in and go to “My Campaigns.”
Select your campaign, click “Manage Campaign,” and navigate to “Team Members.”
Add up to two team members to assist with your campaign.
Watch Our Step-by-Step Guide on YouTube
Contact Us:
For any questions, reach out to your campaign manager for personalised assistance, alternatively contact us, HERE.
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Learn how to activate the Donate button on your BackaBuddy campaign, ensuring it’s ready to receive donations from supporters. A quick and simple step, activating the Donate button allows you to start fundraising effectively.
Steps to Activate the Donate Button:
Log in to your profile and access your campaign.
Click on “Manage Campaign.”
Scroll down and hit “Launch” to activate the Donate button.
Make sure your campaign details are complete and appealing before activating your Donate button—first impressions are powerful.
Image above: Ichika, a feline who was previously part of the campus colony
Image above: Chiquita, a campus colony rescue
Image above: Chester along with his brother Atlas were rescued from the campus colony
