Message from the Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu at the naming ceremony of the Jotello F. Soga Library

Abstract

The Faculty of Veterinary Science on the Onderstepoort Campus is the only one of its kind in the country and a national asset. It is also the 2nd oldest of the 46 Faculties of Veterinary Science in Africa and the first in sub-Saharan Africa. Established by Sir Arnold Theiler in 1920 it has a long history of excellence in teaching and learning and it is expected in future to play a leading role in veterinary education in the SADC region and further afield in Africa. By naming the library in honour of the first South African to qualify as a veterinary surgeon, we are honouring Dr Jotello Festiri Soga’s unique and important role as a veterinarian in South Africa in the late 19th century.