Dr. Herman Philip Steyn (1/3/1909-1995)

Abstract

Dr Steyn obtained his BVSc degree in 1932 and was appointed GVO North Waterberg at the beginning of 1933. During 1934, after the Foot and Mouth campaign, he was transferred to Kimberley as GVO of the Northern Cape and adjoining OFS under SVO Dr Flippie Snyman, who was stationed in Bloemfontein. A transfer to the Veterinary Faculty at Onderstpoort followed in time for the second semester in 1937. He lectured surgery and obstetrics under Dr Quinlan. He resigned during 1945 and went into private practice in Johannesburg. In 1957 he was elected Vice President of the SAVMA, and during that year Dr Flippie Snyman, who was President, became ill and Dr Steyn acted as President. In 1958 Dr Steyn was elected President of what was then the SAVMA. Thereafter he was re-elected every year until 1966 when he resigned despite pleas from colleagues to stay on. Dr Steyn was the founder and first chairman of the South African Veterinary Foundation. He had the vision to identify the need for a separate fund-raising body to operate in close association with the SAVA. He was also the founder and first chairman of the Equine Practitioner's Group. Dr Steyn has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications on a wide variety of veterinary topics.