SA Veterinary Council election process will not be rerun after court action against Steenhuisen
A new council for the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) is expected to be appointed in January next year after the consent order was granted in the North Gauteng High Court.
The SAVC had taken Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen after he had rejected the election of the new council in August and ordered that the election be rerun.
Steenhuisen had said at the time that there were serious concerns were raised about the election’s transparency and procedural integrity including inconsistent and conflicting communications to registered veterinary professionals regarding voting deadlines. He also questioned the eligibility of certain candidates and the credibility of the selection panel tasked with overseeing the elections.
The matter, brought by SAVC Registrar and CEO Mongezi Menye, was heard last week and thereafter an order was granted by Judge Nicolene Janse van Nieuwenhuizen with consent of both parties.
According to the order, “the directives or instructions previously issued by the Minister regarding the selection panel and the elections are withdrawn” and “the veterinary election will not be rerun.”
The court further directed that “the Minister must, within fifteen (15) court days from October 24, appoint the selection panel to advise him regarding the designations,” and that, following the receipt of those recommendations, “the Minister must constitute the new Council within twenty-five (25) court days.”
The SAVC said the agreed timelines, which accommodate the Minister’s schedule, are expected to lead to the appointment of the new council by around January 20, 2026, allowing its inaugural meeting to take place soon after.
In a statement, the council expressed gratitude to the veterinary community, noting: “The SAVC wishes to express its appreciation to all registrees and stakeholders for their patience and support during this challenging period.” It added that the administration “remains committed to ensuring that the agreed timelines are met, that operations continue smoothly, and that efforts are made to address the inevitable backlog caused by the delay in the Council’s appointment.”
Reaffirming its principles, the council concluded: “The SAVC remains steadfast in its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, and looks forward to the swift reconstitution of Council to continue its vital regulatory mandate in service of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions.”