In a great achievement for Mzansi and the Eastern Cape, Dr Nandipha Ndudane, principal of Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI), has been nominated to represent Africa at the World Veterinary Association (WVA).
The nomination, praised by the Eastern Cape department of rural development and agrarian reform, acknowledged Ndudane’s outstanding contributions to the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
A champion of the veterinary profession
“Being the SAVC president has provided a unique opportunity to understand intimately the needs of the veterinary profession and para-professions,” shared Ndudane in a statement.
“Through honouring invitations to the conferences and congresses and through representing the SAVC on key animal health platforms, media and government portfolio committees, I have contributed to the voice of the professionals we are representing and championed their needs.”
The department commended Ndudane for being the first woman SAVC president, a role it says she executed with dedication and diligence, leading to this prestigious nomination. If elected, she will play a vital role in coordinating veterinary issues for the African continent.
Ndudane views this nomination as a voluntary, non-paid commitment aligned with her social contribution to the growth of veterinary services.
Stepping up to the challenge
Having served as the SAVC president since 2022, Ndudane emphasised the responsibilities of the position, interacting with around 6 000 registries and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including industry, government, associations, academics, and the public. She highlighted her advocacy for the protection of the environment, animals, and humans.
As a founding principal, Ndudane played a pivotal role in accrediting TARDI, providing access to para-veterinary animal health qualifications. TARDI is one of two institutions in South Africa offering face-to-face veterinary animal health qualifications.
According to a statement issued, Ndudane’s academic achievements include a Master’s degree in veterinary pathology and a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Boasting 19 years of public service, she has focused on veterinary education, community disease prevention, and training veterinary and para-veterinary professionals.
The elections for the WVA are scheduled for February this year.
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