Vetnuus | November 2025 41 Although no longer in our employ at the time of her passing, Kati had been a regular member of the Mowbray Veterinary Clinic team for the last 6 years. Over the years, she had built a loyal following of clients who really appreciated her gentle manner and endless patience. She was a good clinician with a calm manner and one who paid rigorous attention to detail. Her dedication to her patients was all-encompassing and often resulted in being available via her cell phone after hours, to her own detriment at times. Many clients have expressed their sadness at her sudden loss, and she will be missed by many for her commitment to her patients and her gentle nature. May she rest in peace. v Dr Graham Vincent Dr John Chibase It is with deep sadness that I remember the life of Dr Buti John Chibase, who served as a passionate Mentor in the SAVA Veterinary Mentor Programme during 2021 and 2022. Based in Klerksdorp, North West Province, Dr Chibase shared his wide experience, compassion, and strong faith with everyone who had the privilege to know him. With 22 years of service as a veterinarian, Dr Chibase was fluent in English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, and Sesotho, and played an important role in improving animal health and welfare in his community. His career was rich and varied, covering Primary Animal Health Care, Small Animal Clinics, Production and Equine work, and Wildlife Practice. His skills showed great dedication and range: • Primary Animal Health Care for communal and emerging farmers • Small Animal Clinic Work – examination, treatment, vaccinations, castrations, sterilisations, and removal of cancers (25%) • Production and Equine Animal Care (5%) • Wildlife Practice (70%) • Over 21 years as a State Veterinarian, gaining strong knowledge in animal disease control, export/import regulations, and related policies. Dr Chibase later worked in his own practice, Neserhof Veterinary Clinic, where he continued to serve his community with care and humility. He was a proud member of both SAVA and the Black Veterinary Forum, and always made time to help and guide young professionals. Over many years, he mentored Onderstepoort students and junior veterinarians, leaving a lasting mark on their lives. During his time in the Mentor Programme, Dr Chibase guided CCS veterinarians placed in Mafikeng, giving both clinical and personal support. When the CCS Vets requested a Mentor closer to Mafikeng, he unfortunately wasn’t appointed as a mentor again, but we always remained in contact with each other. His mentees often spoke about how much they learned from him, especially in clinical cases and animal infections, and how kind and approachable he was. Dr Chibase was a man of strong Christian faith and often shared uplifting messages that encouraged those around him. He was deeply proud of his family — especially his daughter Portia, who achieved her Honours degree in Quantity Surveying, and his wife Queen, whom he married after the sad passing of his first wife from Covid. His mother also passed away from Covid, and he himself had survived the illness. I still remember his joyful call, telling me about the new love of his life, Queen, and how happy he was to begin a new chapter with her. Tragically, Dr Chibase passed away in August 2025, on his way to the Free State, after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. He died on the scene. His sudden passing left a deep emptiness in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and mentees. Dr Chibase will always be remembered for his faith, kindness, and humble spirit. He was a true servant to both animals and people — a mentor who taught with heart and lived with purpose. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Queen, his daughter Portia, his colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. May his good work and example continue to live on through the veterinarians and students he guided with such care. v Annalie McCallum Dr Kati Plumstead In Memoriam
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