DENZEL Ncube’s journey began in a shocking way at the back of his parents' home.
He was found playing with a big snake at the age of two. And the snake did nothing to him as the two were joyfully playing together until the snake left.
His mother was shocked after witnessing such and thought it was a curse. But little did she know it was a blessing and an indication of what her son was destined for.
Twenty one years later, Denzel is now a reptile preservationist and a snake catcher whose aim is to protect these reptiles that are feared by many people.
Denzel said since his beautiful encounter with the snake while he was very young, that experience made him passionate about reptiles. He said growing up he saw nothing else to do but to expand his knowledge on these creatures as he was passionate about them.
"I was given this gift by God, and I have plenty of love for animals, especially reptiles. I help all species by rescuing them and then taking them back to the wild life," he said.
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The 23-year-old snake catcher from Vleifontein in Limpopo is convinced that he has a bright future ahead of him.
He is also dedicated to teaching the community about the risks and how to react to the snakes.
Denzel said his dream is to start an educational centre to teach the youth about the importance of snakes.
After his father died, his mother Winnie Mueda raised him and advised him to continue with his strange love of snakes.
Winnie said: “I thought my child was joking when he said he wanted to work with snakes. I’m fearful, but my son loves them.”
Denzel has successfully completed the African Reptiles and Venom courses in advanced Snake Handling two years ago.
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He also did a Snake ID, Snakebite Treatment and Venomous Snake Handling course through Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).
Denzel said: “Snakes are commonly associated with witchcraft in African culture, further complicating the already strained relationship between humans and reptiles."
He is pleading for financial assistance to turn his dream into reality.
"I managed to get two hectares of land where I want to build a centre which will benefit the whole community," he said.
