Vetnuus | Januarie 2024 8 « BACK TO CONTENTS A SECOND VETERINARY FACULTY IN SOUTH AFRICA “AN EMOTIVE PROPOSITION” Dr Ivan Ilwa-Langa OPINION PIECE The debate for a second Veterinary Faculty has been raging on for as far as I can remember. It’s a very emotive subject which is running like a “Sine Curve” with its ups and downs depending on probably, the mood of the nation, the mood of the academics, the mood of the politicians and probably the prevailing climatic and social conditions with thanks to EL Nino and Covid!! This debate is also unfortunately clouded by some of those with the so-called “Common purpose training”, namely those who think and work in clusters to ensure that their voices outclass those who have never had the privilege of experiencing the same. The moment you raise this subject, you are immediately faced with all sorts of reactions, sometimes outrageous, sometimes outlandish, sometimes very superficial, by those who purport to be the custodians of our beautiful profession: • South Africa is experiencing a severe shortage of veterinarians and fixing it will be tough. • Experts trying to solve the problem are facing a great challenge. • A Veterinary faculty is too expensive to set up. • Proposed sites do not have the requisite Laboratories.
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