WEB Vetnews May 2015

From the President I Van die President

Positive thinking

There is a saying in Afrikaans that “the strongest poison comes in the smallest containers”. In the case of the tongue, this is very true. I have seen the tongue speak beautiful, uplifting truths and truly bless people, but I have also seen it cause severe damage. Sometimes I wonder if the reason why a dog is man’s best friend, is because dogs can’t talk!

I appeal to each and every one of you to carefully pick your words before you speak. Take care not to speak in anger and, by doing so, hurt your listeners. Be warned that, by denigrating others, you often also break down your own character. I realise that we all need to unload somewhere and that it is easy (and often meant without malice) to complain in a group or at a meeting about people and issues that bother you. Sometimes it is necessary to speak your mind. But irresponsible and unnecessary comments often grow a tail or lead to assumptions that cause massive problems. Recently Ms Madaleen Schultheiss was on the receiving end of this. On behalf of the SAVA, our apologies for the wrong perceptions that were created, mostly as a result of assumptions. We had a long talk with her on this and hope to work together positively in advancing the profession. Let us make sure that our outlook on life is positive. Approach problems with boldness and sensitivity and resolve them. Recognise need and provide an outcome. Be enthusiastic about

change. Look for and recognise the gold in others, develop it and rather talk about that! I can think of some great news items that can be shared with others! In the area of the compulsory community service I can share truly exciting news. This is now a reality and will commence in 2016. The closing date for applications for 2016 has already passed. Thank you to those who applied! If you are still considering, please take your time to think about it. There will be another call for applications during 2016, for the 2017-cycle. I am very excited about this change, as it will lead to the provision of veterinary services to areas where it was not possible before. It will create an opportunity to educate all communities and a great opportunity to control disease as a team. Another aspect to be excited about is the work done in the area of veterinary wellness. Join these discussions and help to build our profession! The vets involved in the SAVA-hotline, as well as others who are interested in becoming involved in either the hotline or mentorship, will be provided with

information and taught some skills during the weekend before the SAVA congress, at Champagne Sports Resort. This is a great opportunity to make sure that aspects of veterinary wellness will be approached with responsibility, ethical consideration and excellence. Should you be interested to become involved, please contact dr. Paul van Dam (md@sava.co.za) On this note, the upcoming SAVA congress in July in the Drakensberg is also worth getting excited about! country, quiet, with an abundance of fresh air. Join us there, spend time and have fun with colleagues and rediscover your passion for this great occupation. As a bonus, you will earn CPD-points! Let us take hands, control our tongues and take ourselves, our colleagues and our occupation to even greater heights! It is worth to be positive and dig for the gold in others. Your positive digging might bring you much more than you Various interesting topics will be covered. It is a great area of our

bargained for. v Henk Basson

SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION NOTICE TO MEMBERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND AWARDS/GALA DINNER Notice is hereby given that the 110th Annual General Meeting of members of the South African Veterinary Association will be held at 16:30-17:30 on Tuesday 28 July 2015 at the Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, Natal. The Awards/Gala Dinner will be held on Wednesday 29 July 2015 at 19:30. Dress Code: Formal

SUID-AFRIKAANSE VETERINÊRE VERENIGING KENNISGEWING AAN LEDE ALGEMENE JAARVERGADERING EN GALA-TOEKENNINGSDINEE Kennisgewing word hiermee gegee dat die 110de Algemene Jaarvergadering van lede van die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinêre Vereniging om 16:30-17:30 op Dinsdag 28 Julie 2015 gehou word te Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, Natal. Die Gala-Toekenningsdinee word gehou op Woensdag 29 Julie 2015 om 19:30. Dragkode: Formeel

For further enquiries regarding the Gala Dinner, contact Petrie Vogel petrie@savetcon.co.za / Tel: 012-346 0687 or 012-346 1674 By order of the Board Registered office: 47 Gemsbok Avenue, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0181 April 2015

Vir verdere navrae aangaande die Gala-dinee, kontak Petrie Vogel petrie@savetcon.co.za / Tel: 012-346 0687 of 012-346 1674 In opdrag van die Direksie Geregistreerde kantoor: Gemsboklaan 47, Monumentpark, Pretoria, 0181 April 2015

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Mei/May 2015