Vetnuus | August 2025 31 Prof Gareth Bath was active in the Eastern Cape and Karoo SAVA Branch in various capacities for 10 years from 1971 onwards and was later awarded Life Membership of the Branch. On transfer, he joined the Natal Branch and was active in many capacities there including Chairman and was subsequently awarded Life Membership of that Branch. From 1983 onwards he became involved in national matters as a nationally elected Federal Councillor, serving as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Ethical Matters. He served on the Legislation, VetNews, Awards Committee and later the History Committee. He was a member of Exco for 12 years and Trustee, Vice Chair and then Chair of the Veterinary Foundation for 10 years, with a collective service in SAVA organisations of 80 years. AWARDS CONTINUE » Boswell Award - 2024 Awarded to any member of the SAVA for eminent service rendered to the profession through the SAVA. The award may be bestowed upon more than one person in a particular year. PROF GARETH BATH Prof Bath receiving the Boswell award from Dr Ziyanda Majokweni In addition, Prof Bath has made dozens of contributions to SAVA congresses at Branch, Group, national and international level, in organization and active participation. Over the decades his contributions included weekly scanning of Government Gazettes, improvements to VetNews, SAVA policies on advertising, charitable work, after-hours services, specialization, paraveterinary services, tail and ear docking, SAVC changes, the amalgamation of the Faculties, strategic planning and many other items of concern to the SAVA. During his term as SAVA President, he was involved in setting proper job descriptions and assessment of VetHouse staff, the creation of the Veterinary Certificates, acquisition of the Willie Neitz properties that enabled VetHouse improvements, and managing the political turbulence of those times. He suggested and oversaw the creation of the Public Relations and History Committees and representation for black veterinarians on Fedco. Through the SAVF he piloted the funding of 4 veterinary books, and the creation of the Pet Memorial Fund as well as ringfencing contributions to the costs of overseas experts in South Africa. Improvements have subsequently been made to all the committees on which he served. For his consistent and valued services to the veterinary profession through the SAVA, the Boswell Award for 2024 is conferred on Prof Bath. v 2023/24 SAVA AWARDS
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