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The first, very successful meeting which was chaired by the Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning of the University of Pretoria, Prof Nthabiseng Ogude, was attended by thirteen members or representatives. Apart from the Dean, Prof Gerry Swan, the Deputy Dean, Prof Morkel Terblanche and Departmental Heads, the Board consists of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the Black Veterinary Forum (BVF), AgriSA, Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), and private practice.

The meeting gave acknowledgement to the fact that this Faculty is a national asset and that it is the only veterinary faculty in the country. It was generally accepted that the advice of the Board should be directed towards the strategic direction of the Faculty by ensuring frank and constructive debate, serious introspection and finding ways to address the concerns, if any, of stakeholders. Serving diverse needs, food safety and transformation in general were also emphasised as points of departure for the Board, while the development and growth of the Faculty in terms of sustainability and alignment of priorities and affordability are