MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Johann van Niekerk B.Sc. B.V.Sc.

Johan took over Roodekruin Veterinary Clinic in 1998. He has taken it from a small veterinary clinic to the well-known, established practice that it is today. Providing the community with a family of vets that they may come to love.

Dr. Conrad Kruse B.Sc. B.V.Sc.

Conrad started working at Roodekruin Veterinary Clinic in 2012. His main interest within the clinic is surgery and further studies in that department will be his main focus for the future. His aim is to give clients better surgical advice and service from the clinic while at the same time maintaining satisfaction and peace of mind, knowing that their pets are in the hands of a true animal lover. He can come across as being very serious but is a fun-loving and light-hearted individual. After hours emergencies are mainly done by Conrad.

Outside the clinic his main hobbies include golf, touring Southern Africa, birdwatching, camping and spending time in the gym with his wife. He believes in a balanced life; work first but sport/recreation are definitely needed to reduce the daily stresses of dealing with debilitated animals.

Dr. Casper van Heerden B.Sc. B.V.Sc.

Casper is proud to be part of the Roodekruin Team, and aims to keep our clients’ pets strong and healthy for as long as possible.

He sees it pertinent to inform clients about what is the best for their pets, what to feed and what to do to keep their pets part of the household and family structure as long as possible.

Client service and satisfaction as well as feedback to pet owners are of utmost importance to Casper. In his spare time, Casper enjoys spending time with his fiancé and family. Enjoying the outdoors is also something he appreciates. Casper is busy completing his MSc in Animal/Human/ Ecosystem Health at the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria.

Dr. Jarno Muller-Deibicht B.Sc. B.V.Sc.

Jarno is one of the new additions to the Roodekruin family. He is a straightforward and patient person with a tendency to be slightly pedantic. Seven years of study has not dampened his desire to constantly keep learning and strive to ensure he is familiar with the latest advances in veterinary medicine.

He has four dogs who celebrate his arrival home from work with such joy and energy that even the worst days end well. He loves sport and strives to keep a healthy mind, body and soul. His sense of humour prevents him from taking himself too seriously and ensures that he is always good company around any braai fire.

We could not be more pleased to have him join us and look forward to many successful years together.

Reception Staff

Eileen Kelbrick

Eileen started at Roodekruin as a receptionist and after nearly seven years she has now been promoted to Practice Manager.

Before she started at Roodekruin, Eileen completed a four year international Diploma in Health & Skincare and Hairdressing. When her studies came to an end, she realized that her passion lies with animals and that she wanted to pursue a career where she would be able to interact and work with them on a daily basis.

Her interests include animal care, art, sketching, painting, running, Crossfit and travelling. A new interest grabbed her attention recently; bird watching. She has always had this special love for birds, being a compassionate supporter in rehabilitating wild birds and hand-rearing them.

Marlize Walters

Marlize started working at Roodekruin Vet in May 2010. Ever since she was little girl, she had an extreme passion and love for animals. She grew up in a home where she had the opportunity to have any kind of animal that she wanted.

She took a chance in desperation of seeking a new job and come across an available position for reception and admin with us.

The thing that she loves most about her working environment is that we are more friends than we are colleagues. She has recently gotten married and enjoys time with her Yorkie, Odi. In her spare time she loves reading, watching movies, spending quality time with her husband and friends. She has also recently taken up running, which she is enjoying immensely.

Kate Kruse

Kate started working at Roodekruin in early 2014. Married to Conrad, the work situation is ideal as they are able to see each other often; in an environment that requires a lot of commitment and time away from home.

Kate pursued her passion for photography after completing her studies as an interior decorator. Now working as a photographer, she specializes in maternity and Boudoir shoots, as well as animals - especially horses.

Her spare time is filled with horses, having started horse riding at the age of seven. Competing in Dressage has kept her grounded, committed and motivated. She also loves to spend time in the gym and travelling. Travels with Conrad are usually to bird destinations in remote areas of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Thian Koorsten

Thian has been an animal lover since he was a youngster; having a special interest in terrier breeds such as Pit Bulls, Staffies and Jack Russels.

He worked in the construction and IT industry for a few years. When the opportunity arose in February 2015 to work at Roodekruin, he immediately applied and was thrilled to be able to spend time in a work environment that he loves.

When he is not at work he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend as well as his trusted friend Cezer, a long haired Wire-hair Jack Russel - his loyal companion.

Danielle Duvenhage

Danielle is new to the working world as she has recently graduated with her science degree in Molecular and Cell biology.

She has always been an animal fanatic and working at Roodekruin is definitely the ideal job for her. She is very passionate about animal welfare and is a foster-mommy to many different pets during the search for a good home for them.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, friends and family as well as her beloved pets. She loves being outdoors, especially in the bush, however a frequent walk around the local park with her dogs does suffice.

Riaan our Ambulance driver

Riaan has become an invaluable part of the Roodekruin team. He is our trusted ambulance driver, always willing to collect and deliver beloved pets back home.

He is an avid animal lover, having his own Rottweilers and sees them as part of his family. According to him; "there is not a better looking Rotti than his dogs!"

We have come to rely on him for everything, from general maintenance around the practice to the important job of running our ambulance service.

Hospital assistants

John Mlotshwa

John has been a member of our team for 11 years. He is the leader of our kennel men, showing dedication and commitment in everything he does. He ensures that all runs smoothly in the hospital, providing guidance and stability from his knowledge obtained over the years.

John is originally from Zimbabwe and has previously worked for a construction company as a grade three Gang Boss. His hobbies include watching soccer and cricket.

He is a born again man and shows great leadership; always striving to set an example to those around him. He loves his job working with animals!

Ben (Bernard) Mpofu

Ben is married with two children. He has been working with dogs for more than five years and regards them as the closest friend that a human can have.

Ben has a vast knowledge of wildlife and nature. He worked as a nature guide in the Victoria Falls area for eight years and finds it easy to work with people.

Ben is always interested in the wildlife that finds its way through Roodekruins doors, especially the birds and reptiles.

Michael Mabena

Michael grew up in Bulawayo in a rural area herding cattle. From the early age of 10 he developed his passion for nature; enjoying different animals, trees and living organisms. Later he went on to work as a tour guide at the Hwange National Park. He went on to become a learner guard, establishing his passion for animals and their health and protection.

Michael joined us in 2013 and enjoys his work as an assistant and animal handler. He is also in charge of the hospital orders; furthering his knowledge of the medication and equipment used. He has become a vital part of the team.

William Masina

William is the jokester among the men. He is always smiling and laughing about something. He is dedicated to the welfare and health of our patients. His priority is their health and happiness, and he enjoys the responsibility of his tasks. He loves working with his colleagues and learning new skills from the qualified personnel. He is always eager to come to work and feels that the environment has helped him stay motivated in life. He is dedicated, hardworking and reliable.

Khulani Ncube

“Koo” has been a part of the team since October 2013. He sees himself as a dedicated and disciplined individual. Originally from Zimbabwe, he started working with animals in Botswana where he discovered his love for them. He describes himself as being “the best with the animals”, and the dogs can’t help but agree!

He is able to handle the animals in a manner which calms them down and can set the owners at ease. Khulani is easy to work with and always has a smile on his face; a joy to be around.

Cosmos Ncube

Cosmos is the newest member to our team. He is a soft spoken gentleman who enjoys working with the animals. With no previous experience, he has learnt very quickly and is eager to learn new skills and improve where he can.

Under the guidance of the other men he has shown himself to be hard working, punctual and always willing to do his best. He is fascinated with tiny kittens and puppies.

Cosmos enjoys soccer in his free time and sees himself as "a very good footballer".

Brenda Ncube

Brenda has been with us for five years now. Brenda loves everyone that she works with. She enjoys it when Eileen tries to speak Zulu; correcting and teaching her has brought many laughs.

Brenda enjoys prayer mornings every Tuesday and Thursday with the pastor, and tries to attend as often as she can. She enjoys reading her Bible in her spare time.

Precious Mabena

Precious has been with us for 6 years. She loves spending time with her colleagues as well as interacting with the animals. She prefers dogs; however we have caught her out playing with the "vet cats" Cola and Sprite.

When she is not at work, she enjoys laughing and spending time with her friends. She has two children, a daughter and a son. She always has a smile on her face! Her prayer time is very important to her and she ensures that it is part of her daily routine.