VN July 2020

Vetnuus | Julie 2020 2 We can look back with pride on a century of significant achievements and progress by the Faculty, the Association and the profession. It is interesting to note how some basic fundamentals are constant, while there have been huge strides in technological advancement. Information technology has certainly assisted with communication and learning during this pandemic. In June we commemorated Youth Day, remembering the struggleofstudentstotransformanunfaireducationsystem. This Covid-19 pandemic, with the closure of schools and universities, has once again highlighted inequalities in education. With all lectures/classes in a virtual classroom, those learners who did not have access to laptops, tablets, WiFi and/or data were at a severe disadvantage. Fortunately the university was eventually able to secure laptops and data for many students who were not fortunate enough to have their own. Thankfully the Minister of Higher Education has now decided to allowthefinal year students to return toOnderstepoort.With the long break away from Onderstepoort, it still appears that some of the sixth years will be somewhat behind with their practical training. The Dean, Prof Vinny Naidoo, has confirmed that it may therefore be necessary for some of the sixth years to complete a longer internship – longer than the usual electives – at a private practice. This may be a win-win situation for the students, vet practices and the faculty as the almost-graduated students should prove quite useful in that period as they will have a chance to really learn how the practice functions in their extended practical. These are our future vets, so please assist in preventing them from falling too far behind. SAVA is looking at how we can reward members who take on students for extended practical experience during this time. These sixth years are next year`s CCS vets, so we hope to assist them further with the SAVA/SAVC mentorship programme which has received increased funding for the next two years. We on the SAVA Board of Directors are sad to bid farewell to Past President Dr Charlotte Nkuna, who completed her termof office at the end of June. Charlotte was thrust into the position of SAVA President-Elect at short notice but handled it admirably. Her leadership of the Association and her wisdom are inspirational. She handled sometimes challengingmeetings with great aplomb. I was extremely fortunate to serve as her understudy. As Charlotte steps down we are happy to welcome Dr Ziyanda Majokweni onto the SAVA Board. Ziyanda is President of the Black Veterinary Forum (BVF) and Chairperson of the National Animal Health Forum (NAHF). Ziyanda has already made a considerable contribution to the functioningof the SAVABoDas shehas beenparticipating inour discussions since our Marchmeetings. We look forward to Ziyanda having a long and fruitful tenure as westrivetofurtherunifyandtransformtheveterinaryprofession. May our Lord God continue to bless us, guide us and keep us safe as He guards over our beloved country, it`s faithful people and its animals. Yours in celebrating our history and in hope for our future v Leon From the President Dear Colleagues, Leon de Bruyn Can you believe that we are half-way through the 2020 year, after one of the most bizarre autumns in memory, thanks to Covid-19. At this time we should have been celebrating the twin centenaries of the South African Veterinary Association and the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort. While we can still commemorate these landmarks individually and virtually, it is nothing like the gathering of colleagues and fellowship that we planned and anticipated.