Dr Jotello F. Soga tribute:30th World Veterinary Congress

Report from SABC news: Oct 2011
The 30th World Veterinary Congress in Cape Town has paid a special tribute to the first South African veterinarian, Dr Jotello Soga for his leading role in eradicating rinderpest. Soga graduated from Edinburgh University in the United Kingdom in 1886. He died in 1906 at the age of 41.

Jotello Festire Soga was the son of Tiyo Soga, the first black South African to be ordained as minister in the United Presbyterian Church in December 1856. Soga became the first South African to become a qualified veterinarian in 1886 at the age of 21.

Former American journalist Jesse Lewis has described Jotello Soga as a veterinarian who played a leading role in eradicating rinderpest, a merciless killer of cattle that threatened South Africa in the late 19th Century. Lewis who is also a short film maker of South African history says Soga's name should not end with his death.

It is very special that Dr Soga who is a South African travelled and qualified as veterinarian about 120 years ago
"Dr Soga has been dead for over 100 years, and I think he is a role model, a beacon for young South Africans of all races and culture to explore veterinary science as a career and for them to achieve that excellence, I think he is a model to show all South Africans of whatever colour that they too can contribute meaningfully to South Africa's future."
In 2008 the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Veterinary Science marked its 100th anniversary by naming its Library in Dr Soga's honour. The South African Veterinary Association has an annual award known as the Soga Medal for community service.

Professor Banie Penzhorn says: "It is very special that Dr Soga who is a South African travelled and qualified as veterinarian about 120 years ago, that is why we like to commemorate his contribution to veterinary science in South Africa."

The 30th World Veterinary Congress under the theme, "Caring for Animals, Healthy Communities" ends today with a visit to the Khayelitsha Animal Clinic.