Veterinary education in South Africa : the Classes of 1932 & 1933 : short historical communication

Abstract

The Class of 1933 of the Onderstepoort Faculty was the smallest in its history, having only 1 student for much of the BVSc course. The photographs of the Classes of 1932 and 1933 are both of the customary composite type. Not only the graduates, but also the Dean, Prof. Dr P J du Toit, as well as the presumed Acting Dean, Prof. Dr G de Kock, and the head of the students' hostel, Mr WO Neitz, feature. Concise descriptions are given of the life histories of the 7 graduates. Once again their careers show considerable variation. Although they all initially joined Field Services as state veterinarians, none spent their entire careers in that division. Three spent virtually their entire careers at Onderstepoort, also teaching (part-time) at the Faculty. After a most impressive start to his career, a 4th graduate died at the age of only 30 shortly after leaving Onderstepoort for municipal (public health) service. A 5th spent most of his career in private practice while also serving the veterinary profession for 8 years in the high office of president of its association. One spent the greater part of his career in municipal (public health) service and another went into private practice, eventually also farming with citrus.