Our health care team at St. Francis Vet Hospital all have one thing in common – they are passionate about pets! From our highly experienced vets, to our dedicated nurses/kennelman and welcoming reception staff, everyone at St Francis Veterinary Hospital works together to provide you and your pet with the best possible care.

Our team is dedicated to providing a service to our patients and clients of the highest possible standard. The team continually review their facilities, equipment and training in order to implement their policy of always striving to exceed the expectations of all who visit the hospital.

Our comprehensive patient record system allows us to care for your pet as a team, however you can request which vet you would like to see, and our friendly reception team will gladly assist you with booking your appointment.

Dr Simon Rigby

BVSc (Hons)

Dr. Simon Rigby graduated with distinction in Small Animal Medicine from the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty in 1999. During his final year, he was part of the clinic group awarded the prestigious Clinic Group of the Year.

Following graduation, Dr. Rigby registered with the Royal Veterinary College in the UK and spent four and a half years gaining valuable international experience at the Burghley Veterinary Centre. In December 2003, he returned to South Africa and joined St Francis Veterinary Hospital as an assistant veterinarian. He became a Junior Partner in 2006 and was promoted to Senior Partner in 2008.

During this time, he furthered his education by earning his BVSc (Hons) in Veterinary Science. He has also been an active contributor to the veterinary community, having served on the South African Veterinary Association committee from 2005 to 2011, and as a director of the Institute for Veterinary Practice Development (IVPD) from 2011 to 2015.

In 2007, Dr. Rigby was nominated for the Edenvale and Bedfordview Rotary Community Service Award, recognizing his dedication to the local community.

With a special interest in small animal medicine, Dr. Rigby is passionate about preventative care and geriatric health. He is married with two daughters and shares his home with 1 cat and two dogs. Outside of veterinary medicine, he enjoys playing a competitive round of golf whenever time allows.

Dr Leigh-Anne Ehmke

BVSc

Dr. Leigh-Anne Ehmke joined the St Francis Veterinary Hospital team in January 2019 and became a Junior Partner to Dr. Simon Rigby in March 2022. Originally from Sandton, she matriculated from St Mary’s School for Girls in Waverley with an impressive seven distinctions.

Before pursuing veterinary medicine, Dr. Ehmke completed a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Genetics from 2009 to 2011, graduating with distinction. In her final year, she was honoured with the Genetics Achievement Award, presented to the top-performing student in the department.

She earned her BVSc degree from Onderstepoort in 2016 and completed her compulsory community service year at the PDSA Hospital in Bridgetown, Cape Town. In 2018, she joined Bryanston Veterinary Hospital as an intern, where she refined her clinical skills in a high-paced referral environment.

Dr. Ehmke has a particular passion for surgery and plans to further her expertise in this field. Her calm demeanour, technical skill, and dedication to animal welfare make her a valued member of the St Francis team.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Ehmke is an avid sports enthusiast. She played for the Onderstepoort women’s soccer team and continues to enjoy tennis and league netball with friends. A proud Liverpool supporter, she jokes, “No one is perfect, but being a Liverpool fan is pretty close.”

She currently shares her home with her beloved cats Lilla and Ringo.

Dr Sanam Daya

BVSc

Dr. Sanam Daya became part of the St Francis Veterinary Hospital team in January 2019. Originally from Durban, she matriculated with full academic colours, demonstrating her strong academic foundation from an early age.

In 2017, Dr. Daya qualified as a veterinarian from the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science. She went on to complete her community service year at Kwaggafontein and Sybrandskraal Veterinary Clinics, where she gained invaluable experience in both primary animal healthcare and minor surgical procedures.

Her work involved treating a wide range of production and companion animals, as well as engaging with rural communities on topics such as animal handling, welfare, and farm management. These early experiences laid a strong foundation for her clinical approach and deepened her commitment to animal care.

Dr. Daya’s primary passion lies in small animal medicine. She is dedicated to continual professional growth and values the opportunity to learn from the experienced senior team at St Francis, whose high standards in patient care and clinical excellence she deeply admires.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Daya treasures quality time with her family and proudly embraces the title of “favourite aunty.” When she has downtime, you’ll find her enjoying a good book or experimenting in the kitchen.

She lives by the words of Laura Spencer:
“No matter how much experience you have, how many degrees you have, or how well known you have become – there is always something new to learn.”

Dr Tayla Marcel

BVSC

Dr. Tayla Marcel is a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian who joined the St Francis Vet team in 2024, bringing with her a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their families.

Dr. Tayla graduated from Onderstepoort in 2022 and completed her compulsory community service in Giyani, Limpopo. Working in a rural mixed-animal practice, she gained hands-on experience with both production and companion animals. This experience taught her not only valuable clinical skills but also the importance of adaptability and making the most of limited resources , a lesson she continues to carry into her work today.

Her passion lies in small animal medicine, with growing interests in both oncology and emergency care. Dr. Tayla is also deeply committed to animal welfare and lives by the motto:

“Be kind to all kinds.”

Known for her gentle approach and genuine empathy, Dr. Tayla takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs while also supporting the families who love them.

At home, she is the proud pet parent of two rescue cats , the dashing Christian Grey and the charming ginger Felix , as well as River, a beloved dog she adopted during her service year in Giyani. River’s name is a tribute to Rivala, the village where their paths crossed.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Tayla enjoys winter holidays and snowboarding trips with her sister, reading, and exploring Asian cuisine. Her favourite colour is grey , and just like her animals, it brings her calm and comfort.

We’re honoured to have Dr. Tayla as part of the St Francis Vet family, and we look forward to the care, kindness, and knowledge she brings to every consultation.

Dr Darrias Daniels

BVSc

Dr. Darrias Daniels graduated from Onderstepoort in 2019 and has since dedicated his career to the care of small animals and exotic species. With a strong interest in surgery and a growing passion for exotics, Dr. Daniels is committed to continuously expanding his knowledge to provide the highest standard of veterinary care.

Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Daniels prioritizes both the well-being of his patients and the needs of their families. He believes in clear, supportive communication to help pet owners make the best decisions for their beloved companions.

Inspired by a lifelong love for animals, Dr. Daniels grew up with pets who were his world, a connection that shaped his path into veterinary medicine. He now shares his home with three dogs and two cats, who remain his pride and joy and deepen his understanding of how important pets are to the families he serves.

Outside of work, Dr. Daniels enjoys spending time with his own animals, gaming, reading fantasy novels, watching anime, and riding his motorcycle. He also values mentorship and actively learns from more experienced colleagues to continue evolving as a clinician and deliver the best possible care.

Dr Mpho Masangu

BVSC

Dr Mpho Masangu matriculated in 2016 from Hoërskool Birchleigh, where she developed a strong passion for learning and consistently received academic recognition throughout her high school years. She went on to pursue her veterinary studies and proudly completed her BVSc degree in 2024.

Following graduation, Dr Mpho completed her Compulsory Community Service (CCS) at a primary animal health care centre in Tshilamba, Venda. Working in a resource-limited environment was both challenging and deeply rewarding, and it played a significant role in shaping her as a veterinarian. During this time, she strengthened her problem-solving abilities, resilience, and compassion, while remaining committed to delivering the best possible care.

She also placed great value on educating the local community about basic pet health and responsible animal ownership.

In January 2026, Dr Mpho joined St Francis Veterinary Practice, where she continues to grow clinically under the guidance of experienced veterinarians.

She is passionate about patient care and has a particular interest in small animal surgery, with hopes of further developing her skills and training in this field.

Outside the clinic, Dr Mpho is a proud pet mom to a rabbit named Hopper, whom she adopted at the beginning of her CCS year. Hopper is currently enjoying life in Venda while suitable housing arrangements are being made. In her free time, Dr Mpho enjoys attending music concerts, exploring food markets, hosting game nights, watching K-dramas, and reading  especially novels and self-development books. She also loves small DIY projects, drawing, and is always eager to try new hobbies.

Dr Mpho brings warmth, dedication, and a genuine love for animals to everything she does, and she looks forward to caring for your beloved pets.

Sr Climate Dlamini

Veterinary Nurse

Sr Climate Dlamini joined the St Francis Healthcare team in December 2021 and completed her Diploma of Veterinary Nursing with Onderstepoort in 2015. She started her veterinary nursing journey working at the animal anti cruelty league where she worked for four years and developed a strong interest in anaesthetics.

In 2017 she joined the Fourways Veterinary Hospital team where she was responsible for emergency and critical care patients assisting the veterinarians with any surgical and clinical procedures that were required.

Sr Climate enjoys writing as a hobby and was honoured to be a guest speaker for the Vet Expo Congress in 2020. Sr Climate quotes “In writing I find rehabilitation. Sr Climate is an energetic and enthusiastic person who enjoys a challenge because she believes there is always room for self-improvement both personally and professionally.

In January 2021 she joined the Onderstepoort Veterinary academic hospital in the emergency and critical care department. She was responsible for managing all critical patients in ICU and training of the current students on how to perform procedures.

Sr Climate loves her alone time and is happy to sit back and relax with a good book, her favourite colour is black, and her music taste depends on her mood, day of the week or environment as she finds music very therapeutic. Sr Climate is a nature lover and Victoria Falls is on her bucket list as a must see!