The South Africa Veterinary Paraprofessionals held a 4-day Scientific Conference that assembled VPPs from various sectors in the profession and from all regions of the country. The conference was aimed at reviving the great association and ensuring that the professional needs of its members have a formal platform to be tabled and a partner to aid it their solution.

Among the Key note speakers, was The President of AVTA, Benson Ameda who encouraged the members to fully support the operations of the association and its administration in order to ensure that it was firmly grounded and successful in executing its mandate.

The 4-day conference was held in Johannesburg with representation from the South Veterinary Council (SVC), South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT), South African Association of Animal Health Technicians (SAAAHT) and Laboratory Animal Technicians (LAT).

The three associations namely LAT, SAAAHT and SAAVT formed an umbrella body South African Association of Veterinary Paraprofessionals (SAAVP) to harmonize operations towards improving the welfare of VPPs. AVTA is enlightened by the efforts made by VPP to strengthen their professional bodies to ensure their welfare is catered for and safeguarded.