25/07/2026
A Special Word from Dr Kevin Stevens as he announces his retirement.
“After 34 years, I am happy to announce my recent retirement from Ballito Veterinary Hospital.
I am equally delighted to announce that Dr Christy Brown and Dr Phillip van Aswegen have joined Dr Louis Gouws as co-owners of Ballito Veterinary Hospital. I wish them every success as they lead the practice to even greater heights.
My sincere thanks go to Louis for our many years of partnership. Together we grew Ballito Veterinary Clinic into the thriving, successful veterinary hospital it is today.
It has been a wonderful journey and a privilege to work alongside Christy and Phillip over the past few years as well.
We have an exceptional team of veterinarians, including Drs Abie Vlok, Johan and Lelani Janse van Vuuren.
I am also pleased to say that I will continue to work on a regular locum basis. I can confidently say that they are all highly capable veterinarians who are deeply committed to you and your pets. With many years of combined veterinary experience and unique skill sets, together with our state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive range of services, we are proud of everything Ballito Veterinary Hospital has become.
A very special thank you to all our clients for your loyalty and support over the years. You have made it possible for Ballito Veterinary Hospital to become what it is today.
A little history...
I purchased Ballito Veterinary Clinic from Dr Bruce Jones on 29 June 1992—a day made even more memorable because it was also the day my second son was born!
From the very beginning, I was incredibly fortunate to have Samson Ndlovu by my side. Samson became my right-hand man, trusted confidant and an integral part of Ballito Vet until his retirement last year. Thank you, Samson, for being such a wonderful ambassador for the practice and an indispensable part of my journey over so many years.
The early days were demanding. We covered the full spectrum of mixed veterinary practice across a radius of almost 100 kilometres, stretching northwards and inland. We were available 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Over the years I also operated practices in Stanger, Durban North and Salt Rock, together with pet food distribution agencies, a veterinary shop and two commercial properties. It goes without saying that my late wife, Breta, and my three sons, Dustin, Bradley and Joshua, deserved medals for coping with me through those incredibly demanding years. Their love, patience and support meant everything.
It was a tremendous relief when Louis Gouws joined Ballito Vet as my partner in 1998. Louis's extensive veterinary knowledge and surgical expertise added enormous value to the practice and greatly eased the workload.
To the many staff members who have been part of Ballito Veterinary Hospital over the years, thank you for playing such an important role in our success story. A special mention goes to Comfort Msomi, Nathi Mazabuku and Pat Baker. All have spent over twenty years working with us at Ballito Vet!
So, where to next?
I have always been passionate about serving the community and have been privileged to be involved in numerous organisations over the years. These include Round Table, co-founding Ballito Animal Shelter and Dolphin Coast SPCA, serving on the South African Veterinary Association Federal and Executive Councils, the National Veterinary Clinicians Group, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the African Small Companion Animal Network.
The time has now come to step back from many of these commitments and simply enjoy this next chapter of life. Ilook forward to spending more quality time with my partner Gilly and pursuing our dreams together. We have lots of plans to travel but know that we need to slow down the pace a little. We live in the most beautiful spot and intend to take full advantage of appreciating Ballito more. More time with family, the grandkids and our Switch. And of course, not forgetting my Canebrakers cycling family, too.
Most of all, I hope to catch up with family and friends over a good cup of coffee—or, even better, a few beers.
To everyone who has been part of this incredible 34-year journey—my family, partners, colleagues, staff, clients and friends—thank you. It has been an immense privilege to care for your animals and to be part of this wonderful community. I feel truly grateful for the career I have had and look forward to continuing to see many familiar faces as a locum at Ballito Veterinary Hospital.
Here's to the next adventure!”
