The Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa (RuVASA) has successfully administered an award for several years, recognising excellence among private practicing ruminant veterinarians. In recognition of the important role played by veterinarians working outside private practice, RuVASA resolved to introduce an additional award. The Faffa Malan Award acknowledges the contributions of veterinarians working in the pharmaceutical industry, public sector, academic institutions, or research organisations who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the ruminant veterinary industry in South Africa.
The award is presented by the RuVASA Chairperson to the recipient at the annual RuVASA Congress Gala Dinner.
- Purpose
The purpose of the Faffa Malan Award is to recognise and honour a veterinarian who has made a significant contribution to the ruminant veterinary industry in South Africa through their work in the pharmaceutical industry, public sector, academic sector, or research environment.
- Background
The Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa (RuVASA) has successfully administered an award for several years, recognising excellence among private practicing ruminant veterinarians.
In recognition of the important role played by veterinarians working outside private practice, RuVASA resolved to introduce an additional award. The Faffa Malan Award acknowledges the contributions of veterinarians working in the pharmaceutical industry, public sector, academic institutions, or research organisations who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the ruminant veterinary industry in South Africa.
- Description of the Award
The Faffa Malan Award is presented to a veterinarian who, through their professional work in the pharmaceutical industry, public sector, academic field, or research sector, has made a significant and measurable contribution to the advancement of the ruminant veterinary industry in South Africa.
- Frequency of the Award
The award will be presented annually.
- Value of the Award
The recipient will receive:
A formal certificate of recognition.
The award will be presented at the RuVASA Annual Gala Dinner, held in conjunction with the RuVASA Annual Congress.
- Eligibility Criteria
- -To be eligible for the Faffa Malan Award, the nominee must:
- -Be a registered veterinarian or veterinary specialist.
- -Have made a significant and tangible contribution to the ruminant veterinary industry in South Africa.
- -Be currently working or have previously worked in one or more of the following sectors:
- -Pharmaceutical industry
- -Public sector
- -Academic institutions
- -Research organisations.
- -The nominee may be a member of RuVASA but does not need to be a member.
- Nomination Process
7.1 Nominations will open six (6) months prior to the RuVASA Annual General Meeting (AGM).
7.2 Any member of RuVASA may nominate a candidate for the award.
7.3 Nominations must be submitted to the RuVASA Board of Directors (BoD) via the RuVASA Central Committee.
7.4 Nominations may be submitted electronically.
7.5 Nominations will close three (3) weeks prior to the RuVASA Annual Gala Dinner.
7.6 The nominating member must submit a short curriculum vitae (CV) of the nominee in support of the nomination.
7.7 The supporting CV and nomination documentation must be submitted to the current RuVASA Vice-Chairperson by the nominating member.
- Adjudication Process
8.1 The RuVASA Central Committee will review all nominations received.
8.2 The selection of the award recipient will be determined through a voting process conducted by the RuVASA Central Committee.
8.3 If required, the RuVASA Board of Directors and the Chairperson of RuVASA will have casting votes to determine the final award recipient.
- Award Presentation
The Faffa Malan Award will be formally presented during the RuVASA Annual Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the RuVASA Annual Congress.
The Faffa Malan Award Recipients
- Record of Recipients
Recipients over the past years include:
Recipient Year
Prof Gareth Bath 2023
Dr Maryke Henton 2024
Dr Danie Odendaal 2025