Vetnews | Augustus 2024 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS “We are each other’s harvest” means that when we nurture one another, we all benefit, or reap the rewards of another’s success. The veterinary profession is seemingly under constant threats and challenges from governmental institutions, regulatory bodies, nongovernmental organisations, associations, the public, and most sadly from our very own colleagues. Some examples of these threats/ challenges that SAVA acted upon recently: • The prohibition of Yohimbine, the limitations placed on oxygen supplies and the banning of Trilostane by SAHPRA. • The ongoing saga by the Department of Health on trying to prevent veterinarians from dispensing and compounding. • The decisions regarding vaccinations and vaccine control. • The CCS program limiting foreign veterinarians from working in South Africa. • Remunerative Work Outside Public Service. • The removal of veterinarians from the Critical Skills List. • Veterinarians as essential health workers. • Developments around a secondary faculty with the possibility of a private faculty. • The control of scheduled drugs. • Improving relations with regulatory bodies and associations. • Numerous outbreaks of diseases contributed to breaks in biosecurity. • Continuous outcry about fees. • Lack of teaching staff at the faculty. • Wildlife Welfare Forum and the proposed banning of lions in captivity. • Active participation in mental health programs to establish best practices for our members. • Active participation in international veterinary bodies. Despite these efforts funded by a small group (60 % of South African veterinarians) and managed by an even smaller core of volunteers, every veterinarian in South Africa benefits from the successes of SAVA. To be an even stronger voice of the veterinarian, SAVA needs to represent ALL veterinarians in South Africa. We need to nurture one another to the benefit of all to reap the rewards of another’s success. The future of veterinary services lies in the unity of the profession which is promoted by the vision and mission of SAVA. It is now time that we all stand together to make a difference and protect our noble profession. Vis unita fortior – Strength in Unity. May this be our motto for the future? Let us put our differences behind us and work united towards maintaining and advancing the veterinary profession despite our differences. SAVA is the only organisation that can take it forward. Rather than asking what SAVA can do for you, ask what will become of the profession if SAVA is no more! (1) From the Essential Gwendolyn Brooks (Library of America, 2005). Copyright © 1970 by Gwendolyn Brooks. v Kind regards, Paul van der Merwe From the President Dear members, That time we all heard it, cool and clear, cutting across the hot grit of the day. The major Voice. The adult Voice forgoing Rolling River, forgoing tearful tale of bale and barge and other symptoms of an old despond. Warning, in music-words devout and large, that we are each other’s harvest: we are each other’s business: we are each other’s magnitude and bond. (1)
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