Vetnews | Mei 2025 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS One is still euphoric from the beautiful 2023 & 2024 SAVA Awards function held on the last Saturday of April. I reflected with immense pride on the achievements of those recognised on the day. The 2023 & 2024 SAVA Awards held on World Veterinary Day, served not only as a celebration of excellence but also as a reminder of the profound impact that dedicated individuals continue to have on our profession. I extend our heartfelt congratulations to all those honoured and our sincere gratitude to the sponsors who made it possible to recognise their contributions in a manner truly befitting their stature. As we look ahead, the call for nominations for the 2025 SAVA Awards is now open. Let us take this opportunity to uplift our peers, foster the participation of the younger generation of veterinarians, and build the depth required for sustained excellence across all spheres of veterinary science. April marked significant progress within SAVA’s internal operations. The recruitment for a new General Manager is underway, and the inaugural meeting of the SAVA Strategy and Business Model Review Team, under the leadership of Financial Director Dr. Tom Spencer, was fruitful outlining areas of focus in the short to medium term. Parallel to our national efforts, global collaboration also progresses through the WVA/FAO joint project aimed at enhancing synergy between veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals. While implementation challenges are acknowledged, revised plans are in place with workshops now scheduled for September 2025. Once again we are called upon to be active members of the profession with the gazetting of the CCS Programme regulations for comment. Kindly check the vet flash sent in this regard. Comments are required before the 22 May 2025. Voting in the SAVC elections is still open. Please register your vote before polls close and participate in shaping the future of our profession. Lastly, colleagues, as we inch towards “flu” season let us be reminded that the livestock sector always remains vulnerable to the incursion of diseases of economic importance. Avian Influenza and Foot and Mouth disease remain high on the priority list. Responding to these incursions requires that the veterinarians and para-veterinarians in the relevant spheres, work together to control and/or mitigate the risk of occurrence. Let’s remain vigilant as we provide services to our clients and advise them at every opportunity of the risks related to poor biosecurity practices. Looking ahead to the second half of the year, SAVA will continue to strengthen its relationships with stakeholders, notably through renewed engagement with DALRRD. Our vision remains clear: through unity and informed collaboration, we will bolster the resilience of South Africa’s livestock population and secure the future of veterinary science. Let us continue to grow. Let us continue to celebrate! v Warmest regards, Ziyanda From the President Dear members, Growth and Celebration
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