In Memoriam: Dr John Chibase

Abstract

Dr Buti John Chibase served 22 years as a veterinarian and was a mentor in the SAVA Veterinary Mentor Programme during 2021 and 2022. Fluent in English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, and Sesotho, he improved animal health and welfare, working in wildlife, small-animal, production, and communal farming care. He served over 21 years as a State Veterinarian, gaining strong knowledge of disease control and regulations. He was a member of both SAVA and the Black Veterinary Forum. He mentored Onderstepoort students and junior veterinarians. He also guided CCS veterinarians placed in Mafikeng. A man of deep Christian faith, he inspired others. He married his wife Queen after losing his first wife and his mother to COVID. He died in a car accident in August 2025.