In Memoriam: Maatje (Malie) Marie Sophie Smuts (27 Februarie 1933 - 23 Mei 2023)

Abstract

Malie was born on 27 February 1933 in Potchefstroom, the granddaughter of the German missionary, Daniel Heese. At the end of 1954, Malie qualifies as a veterinarian and received the coveted Theiler medal for the best student in the class. As the sixth female Onderstepoort graduandi, she is the first to obtain this outstanding honourous medal. In 1982 she succeeded Prof JMW le Roux as professor and Head of the Department of Anatomy, UP Faculty of Veterinary Science. Most noteworthy of her extensive international veterinary involvement was an anatomical study on the dromedary conducted as a guest on the invitation of Prof D Cohen, director at the Ben Gurion University’s Desert Research Centre in the Negev in Israel. In 1976 she was nominated Star Woman of the Year by the Star newspaper; in 1979, Outstanding Woman Veterinarian of the Year by the Women’s Veterinary Association of the USA; in 1987, Pretorian of the Year and in 1994 she received the Laureatus Award from the University of Pretoria. She was an exceptional, dynamic, well-spoken woman with an outgoing, friendly personality that made her very popular both locally and internationally. She lived her Christian values in her quiet way and attracted people with her wonderful personality.