The position of CEO of Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) was vacant for over two years until your appointment in March 2019. Why did you decide to take the job?
Onderstepoort is like home to me. It’s the place where I started my career and I’m one of only a handful of people who have been privileged to work under the highly talented professionals in all the institutions of the complex, namely Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI), Onderstepoort Biological Services (OBP), and Onderstepoort Foot-and-Mouth (FMD) Laboratory and Veterinary Faculty.
When I was asked to rejoin the organization, I knew that my expertise, subject-specific knowledge and international network in veterinary vaccinology were what it needed. I’m now 56 years old and see the position as a way to give something back before I retire. I want OBP to be restored to its former glory and become more involved in alleviating poverty by supporting all farmers, including small-scale farmers.
Please tell us more about your career.
I qualified as a veterinarian in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1988, and later did a master’s and a doctorate in vaccinology at the University of Pretoria. I was employed at OVI in 1992, where I worked in different research capacities, and was later employed as the head of FMD Development and Manufacturing and executive in charge of Operations, Vaccine Production, and Research and Development at OBP.
In 2008, I was appointed as a senior director of the Global Alliance for Veterinary Medicines, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, where I was in charge of program development and the scientific strategic direction of the organization. The position gave me an opportunity to interact with major animal health companies across the globe.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.