In memoriam : Thireshni Chetty: 1972 - 2024

Abstract

Thireshni (Tesh) studied in the 90s at Medunsa (Medical University of Southern Africa), then the only veterinary Faculty in SA for aspiring black veterinarians. She had a passion for extending veterinary services to all sectors of SA society, especially in disadvantaged areas and to encourage a new generation and demographic of veterinarians. Thireshhni did this on a national and even international level. She also had a goal in seeking international recognition and reciprocity for the Medunsa veterinary degree that its counterpart, the University of Pretoria degree, received. This, with the help of other colleagues, finally came to fruition in November 2017. Thireshhni and the late, Dr Tembile Songabe, were instrumental in establishing the CCS (Compulsory Community Service) program for veterinary graduates in SA, despite resistance from many in the profession at the time. Initial teething problems aside, this CCS program is appreciated by many graduates who’ve come through the program and admired by many international veterinary bodies, who desire to emulate it in their countries. Thireshni was at the forefront of positive changes in the profession and would speak her mind, speak the truth and put it into action. She was a woman of integrity with a hugely generous heart, always sharing her knowledge and teaching others, but always also learning from others.