SAVC_Newsletter_Issue 117

THE COUNCIL'S

VOICE

SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY COUNCIL

ISSUE 117

Happy holidays from the SAVC

Your ally in animal health: all about the SAVC

Striving towards wellness

Page 7

Don’t let rabies ruin your holiday – or end a life

Page 11

Page 19

Contents President’s message

1

Update: conclusion of our legal compliance project

3

Out and about with the SAVC

5

Your ally in animal health: all about the SAVC

7

Our 10-plus club: celebrating 105 years of SAVC experience

10

Striving towards wellness

11

Seabird vets give endangered African penguins a lifeline

17

Profession days and special days to celebrate

18

Don’t let rabies ruin your holiday – or end a life

19

A special shout-out to our registrees with healing hands

21

Catch up with our latest webinars

22

Follow the SAVC on social media

23

In memoriam

24

Contact us

25

Struggling with stress and anxiety? Help is at hand

26

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

Bird’s-eye view

President’s message Dear Registrees As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself eagerly anticipating the time that will be spent with my family.

I imagine many of you are also looking forward to a welldeserved break, especially since the last weeks of the year can often feel like a drag.

Interestingly, I recently read on the Good Things Guy website about a phenomenon where South Africans experience heightened stress and irritability in the last quarter of the year, leading to increased road rage and general intolerance.

However, by mid-November, we seem to return to our characteristic ubuntu spirit, ready to embrace the festive season.

This quarter has been particularly hectic for us at the South African Veterinary Council. Our recent Council meeting was filled with robust discussions as we tackled numerous critical issues affecting our professions. We also had the pleasure of hosting the Bronberg delegation (see page 6), who sought our advice on their application to open a new veterinary institution.

We celebrated the long service of SAVC staff members who have been with us for more than a decade, attended a Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority stakeholder engagement and presented our annual report to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture.

Additionally, we participated in various congresses, including those of the South African Association for Animal Health Technicians, the South African Association of Veterinary Technologists, and the South African Veterinary Association’s Northern Natal and Midlands branch, as well as the KwaZuluNatal Veterinary Services Conference. At these congresses, we presented on critical issues such as workforce development, the shortage of veterinarians in South Africa and our numerous international collaborations.

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

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Bird’s-eye view

We are particularly proud of our reciprocity agreements with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council and the American Veterinary Medical Association, and we are looking forward to a promising reciprocity agreement with the Namibian Veterinary Council.

On the digital front, we have made significant progress with the development of our online registration process.

This new web-based system will facilitate the registration of new members and the transition of registered individuals to their next level of qualification, such as from AHT student to qualified AHT. The system is currently in the internal testing phase and will soon be available for testing by registrees. We will notify everyone as soon as it is ready for use.

In November, we attended the World Organisation for Animal Health’s Africa Continental Conference, held in Nairobi, Kenya. This conference brings together veterinary and para-veterinary professionals from across the continent to discuss and address critical issues in animal health and welfare.

This year, the conference focused on veterinary workforce development and the use of para-veterinary professionals and community animal health workers to bridge the gap in the provision of veterinary services. Registrar Mongezi Menye and I represented the SAVC at this event, and we had the opportunity to collaborate with our peers and contribute to the advancement of veterinary science in Africa.

It has indeed been a busy year, and I am certainly looking forward to some downtime. As we wrap up the year, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the holiday season. From all of us at the SAVC, we hope you have a restful festive break, safe travels and a prosperous new year.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our professions. Together, we will continue to advance veterinary science and uphold the highest standards of care for the animals and communities we serve.

Warm regards, Dr Nandipha Toyota Ndudane President: SAVC

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights

Update: conclusion of our legal compliance project About Project Compliance On 30 March 2023, the SAVC approved the implementation of a legal compliance project to address challenges related to compliance with the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act and its regulations and rules. This 18-month project will conclude on 31 December 2024.

The project has focused on the following priority areas: bogus veterinarians or para-veterinary professionals; unregistered facilities; and registered but non-compliant facilities.

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

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SAVC news, views and insights Incidents reported via the ExposeIT app (as of 20 September 2024) Registered users of the platform

170

Incidents reported

138

Incidents – still gathering information

30

Registered incidents

99

Incidents closed as invalid

56

Incidents resulting in formal investigations

43

Investigations pending

4

Referrals to other statutory bodies

3 – Act 36/1947 2 – Pharmacy Council

Investigations completed

34 (13 – SAPS; 3 – Investigation Committee; 4 – Investigating Body; 14 – closed due to no evidence)

Registered incidents pending assessment

0

Analysis and insights Here is an overview of the performance and the trends, lessons learnt and processes that unfolded from the project, in particular the efficacy of the whistleblower platform, a crucial component of the project. The ExposeIT platform has enabled members of the public and registrees to report matters to the SAVC while maintaining their anonymity, without fear of victimisation by those implicated.

• • • •

Around 56% of incidents reported were found to be invalid and closed Only 43% of registered incidents could be followed up with a formal investigation Of the 43 cases that were formally investigated, 80% of the investigations were concluded (34 investigations) Of the 34 concluded investigations, around 45% were closed as no evidence was found; a further 45% of investigations found evidence of wrongdoing and the cases were referred to either the SAPS or an to investigating entity. The remaining matters have been referred to other regulatory bodies or are pending Therefore, of the 99 initial registered incidents, 71 were closed (as being invalid or not being supported by evidence).

This figure constitutes around 71% of the total incidents reported Only 29% of the incidents reported yielded evidence of wrongdoing The average number of incidents reported was between 40 and 44 every six months

• • •

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights

Out and about with the SAVC SAVC attends Portfolio Committee on Agriculture meeting Busi Mogodi, the representative of the laboratory animal technologist profession on the Council, and SAVC Registrar/CEO Mongezi Menye attended Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture briefing on the SAVC’s 2023/24 annual report in Cape Town.

Annual congress highlights AHTs’ key role in managing disease

From left: Sive Nqawe, SAVC Director of Finance; Dr Princess Moswa-Kato, SAVC councillor, and Thabiso Mohlabi, AHT representative on the Council.

The annual congress of the South African Association for Animal Health Technicians saw strong attendance from the country’s animal health technicians (AHTs), with representation from all branches.

The event was opened by Dr M Mabuda, Director of Veterinary Services in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, speaking on behalf of the MEC for Agriculture. Dr Mabuda highlighted the crucial role that AHTs play in managing disease outbreaks and protecting animal health.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr D Serage, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. SAVC President Dr Nandipha Ndudane also addressed the congress, outlining the role of the SAVC as a regulatory body. She spoke about the recently promulgated regulations surrounding AHTs’ ability to work for personal gain, and explained the amnesty and re-registration process for non-registered AHTs.

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SAVC news, views and insights Taking the first steps towards a private veterinary school

The SAVC recently met with a team of veterinarians and other stakeholders who are in the early development phase of forming a private tertiary veterinary institution, the Bronberg Veterinary School, to discuss regulatory matters.

Their proposed school’s mission is to train and inspire South Africa's next generation of highly skilled and competent veterinarians through leadership, discovery, innovative learning and self-development, enabling them to practise according to the highest standards anywhere in the world. The founders aim to select students from the global community after undergoing a rigorous psychometric selection process.

These experts recognise the importance of veterinary science in safeguarding animal health and well-being, and the proposed new qualification will address the industry’s need for specialised skills, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Supported by specialist veterinary expertise, the envisaged new school will provide a comprehensive curriculum, practical training and research opportunities in areas like animal health and disease prevention.

Other institutions that are interested in offering veterinary courses include the University of the Free State and the University of Fort Hare.

Vet techs in the spotlight at annual congress

Sharing knowledge at KZN veterinary conference

Sphamandla Qwabe, who represents veterinary technologists on the Council, Dr Nomsa Mnisi and SAVC Registrar/CEO Mongezi Menye attended the annual South African Association of Veterinary Technologists congress.

Dr Nomsa Mnisi and SAVC Registrar/CEO Mongezi Menye at the KwaZulu-Natal Veterinary Services Conference.

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights

Your ally in animal health: all about the SAVC If you’re unsure of the SAVC’s role and what it does, here’s a convenient snapshot to provide you with all the information you need.

Overview of the SAVC The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) has a rich history dating back to 1933, when the South African Veterinary Board was established in terms of the Veterinary Act, No. 16 of 1933. The SAVC became an independent statutory body on 1 October 1982 under the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, No.19 of 1982 (“the Act”), and it is compulsory in South Africa for all practising veterinary and para-veterinary professionals to be registered with the SAVC, as stated in the Act. Over the years, the SAVC has achieved several milestones, including instituting rules that allow South Africa’s para-veterinary professionals to work independently for their own financial gain. In recent years, the SAVC has made significant strides in transformation, elevating this imperative to a strategic level in its 2022-2025 strategic plan. The SAVC has also constantly developed and updated the rules and regulations that guide and direct the veterinary and para-veterinary professions.

Currently, the SAVC, as the custodian of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions in South Africa, continues to play a crucial role in the development and quality assurance of these disciplines. It enables professionals to practise ethically, and promotes the health and welfare of animals by setting and monitoring veterinary standards. Ultimately, this creates a safe environment for both animals and people.

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

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SAVC news, views and insights Key objectives of the SAVC • • • • • • • •

Regulate the practising of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, and the registration of practising professionals Determine the minimum standards of tuition and training required for degrees, diplomas and certificates that entitle the holders to be registered to practise the veterinary profession and the para-veterinary professions Exercise effective control over the professional conduct of persons practising the veterinary and para-veterinary professions Determine the standards of professional conduct of persons practising the veterinary and para-veterinary professions Encourage and promote efficiency in, and responsibility concerning, the practising of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions Protect the interests of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, and deal with any matter relating to these interests Maintain and enhance the prestige, status and dignity of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, and the integrity of practitioners Advise the Minister of Agriculture on any matter affecting the veterinary or para-veterinary professions

The impact of 30 years of democracy on the SAVC The 2022-2025 SAVC strategic objectives include transformation, and an ad hoc Transformation Committee has therefore been appointed to address the following matters, some of which will require an amendment to the Act: • •

Amend the name of the regulatory body (SAVC) Review of the composition of the Council: • Review the inclusion of associations and training institutions represented on the Council • Review the representation of registrees on the Council • Review and evaluate the registree maintenance fee structure, and propose amendments to the Council • Review the processes for the election of councillors, and the criteria for appointing councillors and co-opted members to different committees and working groups

Bringing para-veterinary professionals on board The SAVC currently regulates five para-veterinary professions, namely animal health technicians, laboratory animal technologists, veterinary physiotherapists, veterinary nurses and veterinary technologists.

The SAVC recently revised the rules for the para-veterinary professions to allow registered practitioners to perform certain stated procedures for their own account. The new rules for four para-veterinary professions were promulgated on 9 December 2022, and the new rules for veterinary physiotherapists were promulgated on 24 February 2023.

This effectively means that para-veterinary professionals are now able to open and own their own practices, increasing their income potential and broadening access to animal healthcare.

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights Demographics of SAVC presidents Dr R Moerane made history as the first person of colour to serve as SAVC president, holding the position from 1 August 2007 to 31 July 2010. He was re-elected for the 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2013 term. He was succeeded by Dr BR Ntshabele, who served as president from 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2015, when he resigned due to work commitments abroad. He was replaced by Dr CP Marwick, who served as president from 20 October 2015 to 31 July 2016 and was then re-elected for the next term, from 1 August 2016 to 31 July 2019.

Following Dr Marwick, Dr AT Kgasi served as SAVC president from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2022. The current president, Dr NT Ndudane, who took office on 1 August 2022, is the first woman, and the first female person of colour, to hold this position. Dr Ndudane’s appointment has garnered international recognition, as she has also been elected to represent Africa on the World Veterinary Association Council for the 2024 to 2026 term, marking a significant milestone in her career and increasing the visibility of African veterinary leadership on the global stage.

The SAVC Exco (Dr Brendan Tindall, Dr Nandipha Ndudane and Sphamandla Qwabe), with Registrar Mongezi Menye.

Demographics of councillors The current term’s Council consists of nine white councillors, 10 people of colour and one person of Asian descent – 10 of whom are female and 10 male – for a total of 20 councillors.

Demographics of staff The SAVC’s staff complement comprises six white employees and 16 people of colour, with a gender distribution of four males and 18 females. These 22 staff members attend to all queries and perform their duties from one national office in the City of Tshwane, ensuring the smooth operation of the Council’s activities across the country.

Notably, in 2020, Mongezi Menye made history as the first person of colour to be appointed registrar/CEO of the SAVC, signalling a significant step towards greater diversity and inclusion within the Council’s leadership. His appointment underscores the SAVC’s commitment to reflecting South Africa’s diverse demographics in its highest ranks.

Please visit the SAVC website at www.savc.org.za for more details on the rules and regulations, as well as to find out more about the different professions.

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

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SAVC news, views and insights

Our 10-plus club: celebrating 105 years of SAVC experience!

This year, the SAVC celebrated a remarkable milestone of 105 combined years of service contributed by eight dedicated administration staff members.

From left: Leonie Westcott (12 years), Johanna Mahabile (16 years), Lorraine Mabaso (10 years), Lenora Erasmus (12 years), SAVC Registrar/CEO Mongezi Menye, Dinamarie Stoltz (11 years), Talita Coetzee (16 years), Sive Nqawe (17 years) and (inset) Ronel Mayhew (11 years).

We compound veterinary medicines

www.v-tech.co.za / Tel: +27 87 150 5925 (SA)

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights

Striving towards wellness

Emotions – the taboo we never talk about This is the third in a six-part article series on psychological well-being in the veterinary and para-veterinary professions.

Future articles will address emotion awareness and emotional labour; working with loss and grief; and trauma and stress management.

By Retha Watson (MA: Industrial Psychology) Published with permission from www.vet360.co.za

“When we deny our emotion, it owns us.” – podcaster and author Brené Brown Within the scientific and medical community, there is usually not much space for emotions and feelings. Medical science is dictated by empirical facts and does not allow emotions to be part of decision-making and problem-solving.

However, we remain human beings and therefore we do have emotions, and we have empathy for our patients and patient caregivers.

We experience emotions and subjective feelings in abundance on a daily basis and if this is not managed, it is possible for us to suffer from emotion-related compassion fatigue, anxiety and depression.

It used to be widely believed that people were either unemotional or emotional, introverted or extroverted – that some

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

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SAVC news, views and insights

people simply did not have the ability to express emotions.

Recent research has refuted this theory. In simple terms, each person has emotions – they just experience them differently, communicate them differently or suppress them completely.

Emotion is a cognitive process, completely reliant on appraisal and evaluation, which draws from our memories, judgements and perceptions. This evaluation process contains specific elements when we are confronted with a situation.

All emotions have an element of appraisal; however, not all appraisals contain emotions. For example, we can evaluate the colour of a wall with no emotion involved or we can evaluate the colour of a wall with emotion involved, all depending on: • • •

Our perceptions Evaluation of memories The emotional reaction

• • • • •

Our attention Our judgement Attitude creation towards the situation The decision on immediate and future actions Our problem-solving ability

The intensity of the emotion depends on previous experiences (memories) and our perceptions. A trigger incident is basically an incident that means a lot to you due to your memories and perceptions.

For example, if a person had a previous negative experience/trauma of bullying in school, a trigger event of a similar situation at work will intensify their emotional experience.

Our emotions occur in split seconds – a process similar to that of dominoes stacked upright to fall in a pattern when the first domino is touched.

The emotion process

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights

We can never say that we do not have emotions – that “I feel nothing or am numb” – because numbness is a feeling, too. When we are aware of the emotion process, have knowledge of emotions and are able to communicate and manage our emotions effectively, we have emotional competence – the building blocks for emotional intelligence actualisation.

Emotional labour and emotion management Research shows us that depression and anxiety as psychological illnesses relate directly back to emotions, and that this is central to various health matters. Experiencing and suppressing negative emotions makes us physically and psychologically ill. This is because there is little space in our working or social environments to communicate negative emotions – this is called emotional labour.

Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay

The question is: how do I express my negative emotions and still remain professional?

• • • •

Ventilate emotions in a safe space – to a trusted colleague, friend or professional Name (verbalise and acknowledge) the emotion – e.g. frustration, anger, guilt, jealousy, helplessness, despair Normalise the emotion – “It is okay to feel this emotion; most people would feel this emotion in the same situation” Manage the emotion – go for a walk/run, go to the gym or do creative activities like writing in a journal. Process the emotion. Why did I feel this way? What triggered this intense negative emotion? Where have I experienced a similar situation? What perception or judgement can I change to adjust the impact of the emotion?

Communicating and expressing emotions One of the most important results of social dysfunction is that we are unable to express our emotions effectively.

This will have an impact on our social relationships and interactions with other people. When we do not show emotion, it does not mean that we do not experience emotions. Learn a vocabulary for your emotions and subjective feelings, and acknowledge and name the emotion when you experience it. Try to read other people’s emotions and how they communicate those emotions – sometimes effectively, sometimes destructively.

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SAVC news, views and insights

Experiencing emotions is not shameful; it is part of our physical and psychological make-up. Once we accept that, we can regulate and communicate our emotions effectively without them impacting negatively on our relationships.

Image by lalesh aldarwish from Pexels

Empathy Once we are able to understand that every person has unique emotions, that they experience and express them in different ways, and that their emotion at that point in time is important to them, then we can grasp the concept of empathy.

We have empathy when we try to understand how that person is feeling and what the reason for that particular emotion is. We do not have to experience the same emotion, but we can start a dialogue about it.

When you enquire about someone else’s emotions, they receive a clear message that you care and that you are interested in them. We rarely ask others about their emotions, usually because we are afraid that it may intensify the emotion – it will not; it is okay to be sad or angry with someone sometimes.

If you can put yourself in another person’s shoes in your social interactions, you will portray empathy. This skill will immediately improve your relationships on all levels and your interaction with your environment.

We have seen many quotes about being kind, as we do not know what another person is going through at a given point in time. You also do not have to try to rationalise or justify the emotion the person is experiencing – as long as they know that their emotion is important to you.

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights

Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay

Emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence refers to a person's capability to manage and control his or her emotions, and their ability to influence the emotions of other people, too.

Emotional intelligence is a very important skill in organisations and in our social spheres.

It has five main elements: • • • • •

Self-awareness Self-regulation Motivation Empathy Social skills

What is self-awareness?

If you are self-aware of what you are going through, you will be in a better position to understand others and how you affect people around you. You are aware of your strengths as well as your weaknesses.

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SAVC news, views and insights

What is self-regulation?

Self-regulation is thinking before speaking. It is where you regulate yourself so as to impact others positively rather than negatively. You can hold yourself accountable in case you make a mistake and try to remain calm in every situation.

What is motivation?

When you are motivated to do a series of tasks, you will be in a better position to influence others. Work towards your goals consistently. Show your employees or colleagues how the work is done and lead by example. Even if you are faced with a challenge, try to find something positive about the situation.

What is empathy?

Empathy is the ability to imagine yourself in another person’s shoes and consider their situation. Every successful person should know how to empathise with others if they want to earn their respect.

What are social skills?

Social skills involve communicating your point of view. They allow you to build rapport with others, which makes the relationship more comfortable.

“However, emotions can lie, because they are not products of reality but of our interpretation of reality.”

– Dr Les Parrott, Love’s Unseen Enemy

Image by Nathan Cowley from Pexels

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SAVC news, views and insights

Seabird vets give endangered African penguins a lifeline South Africa’s African penguins – recently declared a critically endangered species – are receiving vital care from the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).

SANCCOB, which operates seabird hospitals in the Western and Eastern Cape, rescues nearly 2 000 seabirds annually, giving them a chance at survival. Yet the grim reality remains that without a sustainable environment, these efforts may fall short of saving the species.

Dr David Roberts, SANCCOB’s seabird veterinarian, has been treating African penguins and other seabirds since 2017. He notes the organisation’s profound impact, describing his work as “an opportunity to contribute to conserving endangered species”.

His team handles everything from wound treatments to complex surgeries.

“Some penguins require multiple procedures before they’re ready for release. One bird needed 13 surgeries,” Dr Roberts explains.

SANCCOB’s work goes beyond medical treatment. Conservation teams rescue and rehabilitate penguins in the wild, raise chicks, educate communities and engage with environmental partners.

The African penguin faces an alarming 7.9% annual decline in its South African population, with only 8 300 breeding pairs remaining.

Habitat destruction and scarcity of key food sources, like sardines and anchovies, due to commercial fishing near breeding grounds are driving this decline.

Despite the establishment of no-take fishing zones, studies reveal that these zones are insufficient, risking the species’ extinction by 2035.

Dr Roberts emphasises that the African penguin’s plight is an urgent call to action.

“As an indicator species, the African penguin reflects the health of its ecosystem. If ever there was a time for all sectors of society to unite to save our planet, it’s now,” he says. - Article courtesy of IOL

Images courtesy of SANCCOB

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The lion’s share: celebrating our professionals

Profession days and special days to celebrate Profession

Date

Laboratory Animal Technologist Day

Saturday, 1 February 2025 (annually on 1 February)

Veterinary Technologist Day

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 (annually on 23 April)

World Veterinary Day

Saturday, 26 April 2025 (last Saturday of April)

World Suicide Prevention Day

Wednesday, 10 September 2025 (annually on 10 September)

Animal Health Technician Day

Monday, 15 September 2025 (annually on 15 September)

World Rabies Day

Sunday, 28 September 2025 (annually on 28 September)

World Animal Welfare Day

Saturday, 4 October 2025 (annually on 4 October)

World Mental Health Day

Friday, 10 October 2025 (annually on 10 October)

Veterinary Nurse Day

Friday, 10 October 2025 (second Friday in October)

World One Health Day

Monday, 3 November 2025 (annually on 3 November)

Veterinary Physiotherapist Day

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 (annually on 4 November)

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

18 to 24 November 2025 (annually from 18 to 24 November)

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

The lion’s share: celebrating our professionals

Don’t let rabies ruin your holiday – or end a life The National Sea Rescue Institute and Shark Spotters have urged the public to stay clear of seals when visiting the beach these holidays. They have highlighted the risks of serious injury and rabies infection, after nearly 30 seal attacks were reported on the False Bay coastline in the last two years.

In July, the Western Cape Health Department issued an alert regarding the risk of rabies along the province’s coast after a confirmed outbreak of the infectious disease among Cape fur seals.

Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease. The rabies virus is spread to humans and other animals through contact with the saliva of infected animals. Humans can be exposed to rabies through the bite or scratch of a rabid animal, or if it licks a wound, graze or broken skin. Anyone who has been bitten by a seal should notify authorities and seek medical attention immediately.

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

Read more: Bathers warned of seal rabies risk after attacks – Atlantic Sun

Preventing rabies As we know, vaccination is the most effective way to protect ourselves and our pets against this deadly zoonotic disease.

Therefore, please help us spread the word in your community about preventing rabies by vaccinating cats and dogs, especially in high-risk areas.

Signs of rabies include: • • • • • • •

Excessive salivation Paralysis Inability to swallow Continuous vocalisation Convulsions Aggression Non-responsive behaviour

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The lion’s share: celebrating our professionals

Images: Pixabay

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

The lion’s share: celebrating our professionals

A special shout-out to our registrees with healing hands!

On 4 November, Veterinary Physiotherapist Day, we took the opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to this group of incredible para-veterinary professionals.

Vet physios work with animals that are injured or have movement problems, to reduce their pain and improve their physical mobility. They specialise in improving the quality of life of companion animals in particular, such as dogs, cats and horses, but they also work with farm animals and wildlife on rare occasions.

Vet physios use a range of treatment options in their work, including laser therapy, massage therapy, hydrotherapy and musclestrengthening exercises.

Let’s celebrate these caring professionals!

Watch our video in honour of Veterinary Physiotherapist Day.

Note: the next profession day to be celebrated in South Africa is Laboratory Animal Technologist Day on 1 February 2025.

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The lion’s share: celebrating our professionals

Catch up with our latest webinars!

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent "How do I ... use AI in my facility?" webinar.

It featured a presentation by Dr Adele Williams-Xavier, an AI and clinical data consultant who offered registrees valuable information to assist them in their day-to-day work in the veterinary and para-veterinary fields..

This webinar, held on 28 November 2024, attracted 230 attendees. If you missed it or would like to replay it, you can watch this valuable knowledge-sharing session at https://savclive.co.za/.

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent wellness webinar titled "Neuroscience for high-performance resilience in a chaotic world".

The webinar, which featured a talk by Dr Etienne van der Walt, offered our registrees valuable insights that they can apply in their personal and professional lives.

This webinar, held on 3 December 2024, attracted 268 attendees. If you missed it or would like to replay it, you can watch it at https://savclive.co.za/.

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

The lion’s share: celebrating our professionals

Follow the SAVC on social media Please follow our social media pages to keep up to date with news and developments in South Africa’s veterinary and para-veterinary professions, as well as the job vacancies received by the SAVC for advertising purposes.

We’d love to interact with you!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAVCPretoria LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/savc-south-africanveterinary-council/

Image: Pixabay

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The lion’s share: celebrating our professionals

In memoriam

The SAVC is saddened by the passing of these recently departed registrees. We wish their loved ones and colleagues comfort during their time of loss:

• Dr Hermanus Eduard Scholtz • Dr Tobias George Spies • Dr Crispian Garth Trace We salute and honour you for serving our professions with such dedication.

Image by Kevin Seibel from Pixabay

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Our ducks in a row ...

Contact us!

Need to get in touch? Please consult the infographic below to find the correct person at the SAVC to contact for your specific query.

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Our ducks in a row ...

Struggling with stress and anxiety?

Help is at hand Wellness Committee The purpose of this committee is to improve the Council’s role in supporting the members of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, as well as students and training institutions. We undertake that our registrees’ details will be kept confidential at all times.

The SAVC is currently in the process of exploring different avenues to provide wellness services to its registrees and staff members.

As the process is still ongoing, please consult the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), which offers free confidential support online, in the interim. Feedback on wellness initiatives will be communicated in due course.

The SAVC Wellness Committee encourages all veterinary and para-veterinary professionals to contact SADAG and the SAVA hotline if they experience any form of mental distress.

Members

Wellness Committee chairperson

Dr Princess Moswa-Kato

Prof. Nenene Qekwana

Dr Alfred Kgasi

Sister Erika Bornman

For any queries, please send an email to Chester Magardie at hr@savc.org.za.

The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) also has a stress management hotline: The SAVA Stress Management Hotline

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SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY COUNCIL

Vision To be the custodian of quality veterinary and para-veterinary standards.

Mission The SAVC protects the interests of those dependent on animals by: Safeguarding the health and welfare of all animals and the environment Assuring veterinary public health Regulating the educational, ethical and clinical standards of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions

Disclaimer The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) shall not be liable for any loss due to advertisements published in its newsletters.

The advertisements represent the products of the advertisers only. The SAVC does not accept liability for the information or advice contained in the advertisements or for any loss arising from the use of the products advertised. By placing the advertisements, the SAVC in no way endorses the product or content of the advertisement.

www.savc.org.za 26 Victoria Link Street, Route 21 Corporate Park, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Gauteng, South Africa Tel: 0027 (0)12 345 6360 Fax: 0027 (0)12 345 6369

SAVC NEWSLETTER: THE COUNCIL’S VOICE, ISSUE 117 December 2024

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