The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) visited the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng to assess whether the training of animal health technicians offered by the university meets their minimum standards.

During the five-day visit from 21 to 25 August 2017 Prof Dan Kgwadi, the vice-chancellor welcomed the delegates and explained the restructuring process undertaken by the university to create a more unitary institution.

Prof Mulunda Mwanza from Animal Health also gave a presentation on the curriculum offered and highlighted developments and improvement made since the council’s previous visit.

Various panel discussions were also held, involving lecturers from the School of Animal Health; the Student Representative Council, current and former animal health students; members of the Animal Health Advisory committee; stakeholders, farmers and other clients.

During a field visit, the panel, accompanied by final-year students, visited the animal hospital, post mortem facility and the laboratory to assess the level of the student’s work-integrated learning activities.

“It is important to form fruitful and long-lasting relationships with sectors that are at the centre of employing the graduates we as a university produce annually,” says Prof Eno Ebenso, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. “These visits by the SAVC are an opportunity for the council to learn about our curriculum structure, and for lecturers and students to have discussions about the curriculum and what the profession entails.”

The SAVC panel gave preliminary feedback and the university will receive the conclusive report after final approval by the council.

 Panel members from the South African Veterinary Council with staff members from the NWU’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Quality Office.