The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is set to develop detailed plans this academic year to establish its highly anticipated new Veterinary Science Faculty – a first for the Eastern Cape province.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, announced this exciting development during his official university opening address earlier this week.
“Our efforts will comprise several elements. The DVC: Teaching and Learning will start developing detailed plans and timelines for 2025 and the years to follow to expedite this matter,” said the VC.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has welcomed and expressed her support for this initiative by the University.
“In October last year, the University received correspondence from the Minister regarding the establishment of Veterinary Science at the University. She welcomed this intention by UFH and indicated her in-principle support. In response, the University has expressed its appreciation. We have requested to meet and engage in taking this matter further as we begin putting in place detailed plans to enact her recommendations,” shared the VC.
Establishing a veterinary school will build on the University’s current strengths, such as the Faculty of Agriculture & Science, which is in line to blaze the trail by introducing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Dairy Science and Technology degree. This qualification is among several new programs that the University received Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) clearance and is awaiting accreditation and registration from the CHE (Council of Higher Education) and SAQA (South African Qualification Authority).
It will also be complemented by the University’s multi-award-winning dairy farm and the state-of-the-art piggery
“The Veterinary Science Faculty is a critically important initiative for the University to distinguish itself in the Decade of Renewal and in our efforts to be responsive to the needs of the country, specifically the Eastern Cape province. Veterinary science is a scarce skill, and it is a strategic niche offering for the University.”
Prof Buhlungu indicated that the University will follow up with the Minister regarding the requested meeting.