I enrolled in three degrees at the University of Pretoria (UP). I successfully completed a BSc in Veterinary Biology (graduated in 2011), a BVSc in Veterinary Science (graduated in 2016), and an MSc in Veterinary Science (graduated in 2022). I am looking forward to enrolling for a PhD in the future.

Can you briefly describe your career trajectory since graduating?

I was a Compulsory Community Service Veterinarian immediately after graduation for a year. I then worked as a State Veterinarian (SV) for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), which is now known as the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) for a few years, then joined Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD). I am currently with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR).

What motivated you to choose your current profession?

I always had the strength of wanting to help where I could. I realised that some communities needed veterinary services at affordable rates, if not free. As a result, I decided to work for the state to reach that goal.

How did your experiences in community engagement projects at UP contribute to your professional development?

My involvement in community engagement activities at UP contributed positively. I got to understand the planning, effort, time and teamwork that goes into executing a community engagement project and making it a success. I understood that, at times, the involvement of third-party stakeholders, such as sponsors, was essential. I learned more about people skills when engaging with the communities, which involved respecting and knowing when to listen and address the community. I got better at these skills every time I got the chance to engage with the community. As a result, I have improved a lot in my stage presence and public speaking. In 2022, our state veterinary office was allowed to hold a World Rabies Day event for the province of Eastern Cape. I could utilise the skills I learned to take leadership in making the event successful. Both internal and external stakeholders such as the media, were involved. This proves that ‘if you want to go far, go together’.

Are you currently participating in community engagement or social responsibility projects?

As an SV, I engage a lot with communities, especially in rural areas, where I work with groups of clients such as farmers or pet owners, especially during vaccination campaigns. Veterinary officials such as Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) greatly assist. I would safely say every SV needs and appreciates the involvement of AHTs. That is where the skill of planning and working as a team to execute projects comes in.

What advice do you have for current students planning to participate in community engagement projects?

Grab it with both hands if you can participate in community engagement projects. You will realise how much the community appreciates your meaningful efforts and sometimes sees you as their only help. This will boost your confidence and make you proud of yourself one day when you are older and qualified. Thank me later.

Are there any specific community engagement projects you have been involved in at UP that you are particularly proud of?

The one that stands out is Veterinary Student Community Outreach (VETSCO), founded by a group of veterinary students over a decade ago. This was the brainchild of a classmate with a vision who entrusted us by making us part of the executive team. As a team, VETSCO managed to help many communities with essential veterinary services under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian and exposed students to fieldwork. This helped many students like me who lacked an animal handling background. As a result, students gained experience and confidence in animal handling and people skills. It became one of the organisations the University and many third-party stakeholders were proud of. That way, it received sponsorship from various veterinary product companies. It got a free advertisement from displaying material with their company logos.

Do you wish you could have learned any specific skills or qualities during community engagement to prepare you for your field?

Ironically, I wish I could have learnt that the more you do right by the community, the more your services will be in demand. As a result, it becomes challenging to reach everyone who needs your services. Consequently, that increases the vacancy rate in your team. As an SV, you must know when to take time out without feeling guilty, as the demand can be overwhelming. If you do not prioritise your health, you will burn out.

Are there any specific accomplishments or milestones you would like to highlight in your career?

I have participated as a facility inspector at the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). I decided to get exposure to various categories of veterinary facilities to study more about what is required for a facility to comply with the minimum standards of SAVC. As a result, this ensured that veterinary and para-veterinary professionals offered quality veterinary services as best as possible. By exposing myself to such, I got the opportunity to improve our facility, too.