MEET THE TEAM

Margate Vet Hospital
Bulwer Street Vet Hospital
Shelly Beach Vet Hospital
Hibberdene Vet Consulting Rooms
Admin Staff

Margate Vet Hospital

Dr. Leon Bruggemann

Senior Partner & Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Leon Bruggemann was raised on a dairy farm on the South Coast. He achieved his Veterinary Science degree at Onderstepoort in 1987 together with the prestigious Theiler award amongst others. Leon then went on to work as the state vet for the military in Windhoek before joining the practice in 1989. His main expertise lies in small animal medicine and surgery but has vast experience with all pets from horses right down to snakes and wildlife. Leon is a member of many veterinary interest groups and has served on the SPCA council and supported them for many years with sub economic work.

He is married to Heidi, who is a school teacher and together they have raised 3 beautiful and successful young ladies. The oldest of whom has followed in his footsteps and become a vet. Their 2 wire-haired Dachshunds, Bello and Biene, as well as a bunny “Fuzzy” and a budgie, complete the family.

In Leon’s spare time he enjoys bird photography, camping in nature reserves, reading and classical music.

Goals: To make a difference in the lives of our patients and their owners by genuine caring, strengthening the human-animal bond that makes our life so much more rewarding, to the glory of our mutual Creator.

More About Dr. Bruggemann

Dr. Kirsten van Stryp

Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Kirsten van Stryp was born and raised on the South Coast and achieved her dream of becoming a vet when she graduated from Onderstepoort in 2016. Kirsten spent the next year doing community service in Bizana where she became familiar with many species under difficult circumstances. Our practice was fortunate in 2017 when Kirsten decided to join us and make the South Coast her home. She has brought with her a kindness and empathy that is obvious to both her patients and colleagues. Kirsten’s calm demeanor and outstanding knowledge ensures her competency in all fields of Veterinary Science and has proved her to be a real asset to our practice.

When Kirsten is not busy treating sick animals, she enjoys spending time with her beloved horse Umbra and her two rescue Boerboels, Riley & Tanner.

More About Dr. Van Stryp

Sr. Michelle Bower

Veterinary Nurse

Sylvia Hoek

Reception | Mornings

Denice Pontuti

Reception | Afternoons

Nisha Moodley

Reception | Mornings

Judy Russell

Shop

Veronica Mpofana

Kennel Staff

Philip Schaffler

Reception | Locum

Brenda Mkhize

Cleaner

Bulwer Street Vet Hospital

Dr Claire Norton

Partner and Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Claire Norton joined the practice in 2004 and became a partner in 2008. Dr Norton has an infectious enthusiasm that permeates in all that she does within the practice. She is based primarily at the Bulwer Street Vet Clinic, but also consults on most weekdays at the Hibberdene Vet Clinic.

Dr Norton’s compassion towards all animals is well known and she has a particular interest in birds and surgery. Her approach to diagnosis and management of sick animals is very practical, while also keeping abreast with new ideas, knowledge and equipment that ensures the practice continues to give its patients not only good and caring nursing, but also the best veterinary solution we can offer.

Dr Norton is married to Mike Clark and together they have built up a macadamia farm where they live with their toddler, James, who gives them great joy.

When not on duty Dr Norton enjoys the outdoors, including camping and fishing. She shares her home with many dogs and a variety of feathered friends (Macaw, Cockatoo, African grey & 2 Conures)

More About Dr. Norton

Dr. Annéén Labuschagne

Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Annéén Labuschagne grew up on a farm in the North West province and knew from a young age that she wanted to become a vet. She graduated in 2020 and spent her community service year working at the Potchefstroom SAPS Mounted Academy. She loves horses and enjoyed working with them, although small animals are her passion.

Annéén is a bookaholic and on her off time she likes to read, play board games and hike in nature.

More About Dr. Labuschagne

Dr Sune Pretorius

Veterinary Surgeon

Sue Hesse

Reception | Afternoons

Michelle Hesse

Reception | Afternoon