As foot-and-mouth disease continues to threaten the livestock industry, students from the North-West University (NWU) will be taking a stand on whether or not it should be compulsory for farmers to vaccinate their animals against the disease.
Two teams of NWU animal science students will be tackling this and other topics during the 55th Annual South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) Student Quiz and Debate Competition, taking place from 8 to 10 July 2025.
Hosted by the University of Limpopo, the University of Venda and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the 2025 SASAS Congress is themed “Thriving in diverse environments: optimised innovations and resilience in livestock-wildlife interactions”. The congress, taking place at The Ranch Resort in Polokwane, brings together students, researchers and professionals in animal science to address current challenges facing the livestock sector.
The NWU will field a debate team and a quiz team. The debate team consists of MSc students Nhlakanipho Soko, Rudorwedu Shanduka and Millicent Mokonyama. The quiz team includes MSc student Innocent Twala and BSc students Kgomotso Hlongwane and Palesa Pharoe.
The final debate round will see the NWU arguing in favour of a compulsory nationwide vaccination programme against foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa, and the University of Fort Hare arguing against such a programme.
Quiz team member Kgomotso says the team members been preparing for months. “We are excited to test our knowledge against students from other institutions. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the real-world challenges facing animal science today.”
Kgaogelo Meso, a principal technician in the subject group Animal Science, says the competition encourages academic engagement with practical issues. “This platform develops critical thinking and gives students experience with real agricultural policy debates.”
The congress will include sessions on nutrition, genetics, climate change, animal welfare and policy.
This group of NWU animal science students will be attending the 55th Annual South African Society for Animal Science Student Quiz and Debate Competition.
