WOMEN'S MONTH NEWS- It is well known that heroes don't always wear capes. In fact, this hero wears an SPCA inspector's uniform. 

Mariaan Wentzel was a volunteer for the Lephalale SPCA in Limpopo before deciding she wanted to become an inspector. 

She is currently the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch's inspector manager. Wentzel has been an inspector for 15 years, and has been at the Mossel Bay branch for about a year now. 

As the inspector manager, Wentzel oversees the rest of the inspectorate. She also carries out routine inspections of properties on behalf of the SPCA, ensuring they are safe and suitable for animals to live there comfortably. 

Educating members of the public about the law and animal health, safety and care is one of her duties. 

Wentzel says she also has to compile dockets when it comes to animal cruelty cases. She said court cases are always a challenge. 

From an elephant relocation case to matters of bestiality, these cases can be extremely emotionally draining, but it is important that they are prosecuted and justice is served on behalf of the animals affected. 

Wentzel is a mother of three children, and a widow. Her children live with her mother in the Eastern Cape. 

Wentzel grew up a boeremeisie and attended the Morgenzon Landbou-akademie in Mpumalanga. 

She had initially been selected to go to the South African Army Women's College in George, but was not able to attend due to a severe injury.  She then worked with her parents until she joined the SPCA. 

Her message to the women of Mossel Bay: "Do not ever think you are worthless. Don't ever think you are not strong enough. Stand up for what you believe in and talk about it. Each woman is special, no matter your circumstances - and you deserve the best."

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