Dear Fellow SASAS members
As 2019 approaches the end, it is important to reflect on some of the key achievements of our esteemed Society. We should bear in mind that this year was quite difficult to our fraternity. The tough financial conditions made it extremely difficult to all of us. Equally important, farmers were heavily affected by a severe drought and recently the outbreak of foot and mouth disease has further compounded matter in the livestock sector. These challenges calls for our undivided attention.
Despite these challenges, the Society has achieved a number of key milestones that are worth mentioning.
- New Council was elected at our previous congress in Bloemfontein with Mr Keith Ramsay as the new Honorary President.
- The Council has completed the project on development of the new Strategic Plan that spell out medium-term priorities of the Society.
- The new Editor-In-Chief, Dr Mike MacNeil, was appointed in August 2019.
- The long-serving Secretary, Prof Jannes van Ryssen, will be retiring in March 2020 after Council’s request for him to assist with the audit process at the beginning of 2020. The Council wishes to express sincere appreciation for the immense contribution that he has made towards the society. He served the society with distinction in his roles as Editor-In-Chief of our journal and Secretary of Council. On behalf of Council and the Society, I wish to thank him for this wonderful contribution!
Membership “renewal” for 2020
SASAS members who have applied for or renewed their membership after completing the application form and paying their fees for 2019, can go to the link “renew membership” for 2020 on the SASAS website and confirm their membership, make changes if necessary to their information on the website and pay the membership fee for 2020..
Indeed 2019 was a “mixed bag” which was punctuated by good and “not so good” events. We therefore all deserve a wonderful break to re-energise for the year that is around the corner. Accordingly, the Council wishes you and your loved ones a happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
Kindest regards
Prof Norman Maiwashe
President: Council of the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS)
6 December 2019
