Get to Know Dr. Zimaseka Pamela Basjan

My name is Zimaseka Pamela Basjan, and I am a recently graduated veterinarian from Kimberley, Northern Cape. My care and affection for animals began at the age of ten, with Brooke and Taylor (named after my grandmother’s favorite soapie actresses from The Bold and the Beautiful, which broadcast on SABC 1). These were two stray dogs that my late uncle brought home one day while returning from selling fruits and veggies in the local CBD. I adored these dogs, and I recall how heartbroken I was when one of them fell ill and I wanted to help but couldn’t.

So, for as long as I can remember, I’ve cared for animals, but growing up, I wasn’t exposed to veterinarians and animal health professionals, so my decision and dream of working in the veterinary field was solidified in Grade 10, when I shadowed a state veterinarian in my hometown through the Maths and Science Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization in which I was fortunate to have been involved. And I was like, “This is it! This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

I went on to study Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria, where I graduated in 2022. My career began in 2023 with community service in Kwamhlanga, Mpumalanga. I worked with small animals, cattle, and sheep, which was the most enjoyable and gratifying experience of my life. Unlike my fellow classmates, who had figured out what kind of vet they wanted to be, I had no set plans for my veterinary career, but I knew I was interested in welfare, small animal medicine, imaging, surgery, and pathology.

So, shortly after my CCS year, in the pursuit of discovering where I fit in, I chose to explore the private practice world, and so I moved to Cape Town in 2024, not only to discover where I fit in, but also to advance professionally, and so I applied for the new graduate programme at The Animal Hospital and Vetshop (TAH). And there I was, a consulting vet working the day and night shift and emergency critical care, surrounded by incredible seasoned vets and specialists who helped mold my approach to various medical cases.

And, because I was a night vet, I was frequently exposed to a great deal of “welfare cases,” which were clients who could not afford private practice fees for their animals. This sparked a strong desire to do more for these animals. In 2025, I joined The Emma Animal Rescue Society (TEARS), which is like returning back to my roots in animal welfare. It has been rewarding to assist people who love their animals, as well as to treat surrendered and stray animals, develop my surgical and medical skills, and learn new ones .It is a privilege to be a part of an organization that is a custodian of animal welfare and is proactive in combating overpopulation, reducing disease transmission, and improving animal welfare through veterinary services, rehoming, and rescuing animals.