THE ROLE OF THE VETERINARY REGULATOR IN SOUTH AFRICA

In every profession regulated by national legislation (a law), whether it is medicine, law, engineering, or veterinary science, there are regulatory bodies working quietly behind the scenes. These organisations don’t always make headlines, but their role is essential: they set and enforce the rules that ensure professionals are competent, ethical, and accountable.

In South Africa, there are various statutory councils, including those for various professions. Just as the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) oversees medical practitioners, and the Legal Practice Council (LPC) regulates attorneys and advocates, the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) is the statutory body entrusted with safeguarding the standards of training and practice of veterinary and para-veterinary professionals in South Africa.

Section 22 of the South African Constitution also guarantees every citizen the freedom to choose their trade, occupation, or profession. However, the state can regulate the practice of these activities through law.

“The SAVC was established under the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act 19 of 1982 (the Act), the Council is mandated to regulate, guide, and support professionals in these fields, ensuring that both public and animal welfare are protected,” says Dinamarie Stoltz, Director of Legal Affairs at the SAVC.“As a regulatory body responsible to regulate the conduct and practice of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, it is important that the public understands our mandate, as we must function within the scope of the Act.”

Misunderstanding the SAVC’s role can lead to misdirected frustration and delays in resolving legitimate concerns. By understanding what the SAVC is empowered to do, the Council, together with its stakeholders and the public, are able to work more efficiently and collaboratively toward real solutions.

The role of the SAVC is to regulate the actions of the veterinary team to ensure that the future of animal health in South Africa is one that is fair and sustainable. The SAVC does this by:

• Registering and regulating the respective members of the veterinary teams
• Determining the minimum standards of education and training that allow graduates/diplomates to be registered to practice
• Setting and monitoring the standards of professional conduct in the industry
• Setting the minimum standards for each category of facilities from which our registered professionals practice
• Encouraging and promoting responsibility with regards to the practice of veterinary and para-veterinary professions

What the SAVC is and is not

To better understand the SAVC’s role, it’s helpful to define what it is – and just as importantly, what it is not:

The SAVC is:

• A statutory regulator, empowered by the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982
• Responsible for registering veterinary and para-veterinary professionals
• Tasked with setting and maintaining ethical and professional standards
• Setting minimum standards of practice for each profession

The SAVC is not:

• A union or representative body for veterinary professionals
• A government department or policymaker
• Responsible for setting prices or managing facility operations
• In charge of employment relations between an employer and an employee, state appointments, or creating jobs

“The Council’s mandate is defined strictly by legislation. It cannot act outside of what the law allows. That means, for example, that it cannot force an employer to hire someone, regulate how much a clinic charges for its services, or intervene in matters of labour disputes between an employer and an employee,” she says.

An informed public is an empowered public

The South African Veterinary Council plays a critical role in upholding the integrity of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions. While the Council works behind the scenes, its impact is far-reaching, safeguarding animal welfare, supporting acceptable professional standards, and protecting public interest.

Registrar/CEO of the SAVC, Mongezi Menye, says, “by clearly understanding the SAVC’s mandate, what it is empowered to do, and where its jurisdiction, or rather authority ends, the public, animal owners, and veterinary professionals can engage more meaningfully and effectively with the Council. This clarity reduces frustration, strengthens trust, and ultimately helps ensure that all role players in the animal health sector are working toward a common goal: ethical and efficient veterinary care for all.”

The SAVC remains committed to transparency, accountability, and informing the public of its role as the custodian of veterinary and para-veterinary professions. Informed engagement leads to a stronger profession and a healthier future for South Africa’s animals and communities.

Visit www.savc.org.za for more information, including:
o Veterinary and para-veterinary professions Act no.19 of 1982, which informs our mandate
o Legislation