Steenhuisen described it as a body that brings together wide‑ranging expertise from across the veterinary, para‑veterinary, academic, regulatory and legal sectors.
The council has been constituted in terms of the Veterinary and Para‑Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act No. 19 of 1982), and its term of office will run from February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2029.
Steenhuisen said the breadth of skills represented on the new council would strengthen its capacity to fulfil its statutory obligations in areas including animal health, veterinary public health, food safety and professional ethical standards.
“I am confident that this council is fit for purpose, and its composition reflects a careful balance between professional experience, technical expertise and independent oversight. This breadth of perspectives will enhance the quality of decision‑making and support the council in carrying out its responsibilities effectively and responsibly,” he said.
Steenhuisen stressed that the reconstitution of the council followed a deliberate and consultative process carried out in line with his statutory responsibilities.
While a wide range of representations had been received from stakeholders across the sector, Steenhuisen said he had independently assessed all recommendations with a focus on legislative requirements and the long‑term interests of both the profession and the public.
“My responsibility is not simply to endorse recommendations, but to ensure that appointments are made on the basis of merit, balance and suitability,” Steenhuisen said.
He further reaffirmed that future appointment processes would continue to adhere strictly to the Act and that all nomination and selection procedures would be properly constituted as required by law.
Steenhuisen expressed confidence that the council would carry out its duties with the independence, professionalism and integrity expected of a statutory body responsible for safeguarding standards within the veterinary and para‑veterinary professions.
“The establishment of this council marks an important step in restoring stability, credibility and effective governance within the veterinary regulatory environment,” he said.
Steenhuisen also thanked practitioners and stakeholders for their patience during the transition period leading up to the council’s reconstitution, pledging continued commitment to ensuring that statutory bodies within the agriculture sector operate transparently, efficiently and in the public interest.
The induction and inaugural meeting of the new SAVC is scheduled for February 2026, enabling the council to begin work immediately and address outstanding matters carried over from the previous term.
–ChannelAfrica–
