OUR Committee

Elevating Veterinary Excellence: VNASA, Pioneering the Future of Veterinary Nursing in South Africa.

Sr Reinette Ludike

President

Hello everyone, I am Sr Reinette Ludike, an enthusiastic member of the Department of Production Animal Studies at Onderstepoort. I get to spend most of my time assisting in the practical training of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing students in cattle and other production animals.
I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the South African Veterinary Council in various roles. Who knew paperwork could be so intriguing?
When I’m not busy with all things cattle and regulations, you will find me with a pair of scissors or clippers in my hands turning a fur ball into a Miniature Schnauzer. That goes for any other breed too, they all walk out looking like Schnauzers!
I’m genuinely passionate about veterinary nursing, and my aim is to make a significant contribution to its promotion and recognition of our profession. I am honoured to serve as the President of the Veterinary Nurses Association of South Africa, and I look forward to working together with all of you to achieve our shared goals.

Sr Lizette Neethling

Vice-President & Treasurer

I’m Lizette Neethling, qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2007. Currently working at the Faculty of Veterinary Science as part of management.  My hobbies are DIY projects and building puzzles. I love spending time with my family, we enjoy the outdoors and traveling.

Sr Katinka Jacobs

PRO

I am Sr Katinka Jacobs. I qualified as a Veterinary nurse in 2005 at the Faculty of Veterinary Science. I am also a Mother of 2 beautiful but very busy boys.
I have been working at Onderstepoort in the ICU for 15 years now and recently moved over to the Skills Lab. Over the years I have learnt to work and guide students with different experiences and capabilities, and how to ensure that they get the most exposure that’s presented.
Nursing is a passion for me and I hope that I can help develop and grow the future of Veterinary Nursing.

Sr Nicolien Fourie

Merchandising

I have dedicated my life to the well-being of animals and the education of future veterinary professionals at Onderstepoort. With a rich experience spanning 25 years as a veterinary nurse, I was privileged to be on the forefront of animal care, ensuring the health and happiness of countless furry friends.
I have a deep passion for nurturing and uplifting the veterinary community as a whole. Recognizing the importance of professional support and development, I have set my sights on contributing to the Veterinary Nurses Association.
My goal is to empower and inspire fellow veterinary nurses, creating an environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and excellence. I want to uplift and promote the profession, and ensure that the invaluable work of veterinary nurses receives the recognition and appreciation it truly deserves.

Sr Madri Harding

Merchandising

I’m Sr Madri Harding.
Qualified in 2002. Currently working at OP in ICU department. What you see is what you get. I have a great passion for animals and therefore I will choose my profession over and over again. I love life, am very energetic, love nature, exercise and I fight for what I believe in.

Sr Jessica Taylor

Co-Editor

Hi, I’m Jess, a teacher and nursing lover of animals. In my free time I love a trail run with my little sausage dog, Hadlee, and downtime with a book and cup of coffee. I am always up for an adventure and my nomadic lifestyle certainly allows for that

Sr Lauren de Freitas

Editor

Hi, Im Sr Lauren de Freitas. I am a qualified Veterinary Nurse and work at Midlands Veterinary Hospital in Howick, KZN as a Veterinary Nurse and Hospital Manager. I am privileged to have served on the VNASA committee as Editor since 2013.

I am blessed with a beautiful family and am a proud mother 2 two sons, Caleb & Conor. In my free time I am a trail runner and qualified photographer.

Sr Erika Bornman

SAVC Representative

Sr Bornman is proud to still be in the Profession after 24 years of service. She gained experience in various fields of Veterinary nursing. Her career started in small animal Veterinary Practices and then moved into the field of research after a subsequent short time in industry. She worked at Wits University as the Principal Veterinary Nurse of the Central Animal Services for 8 years. She then joined the National Council of SPCA’s as manager of the Animal Ethics Unit for the following 13 years.
She was instrumental in working with various stakeholders to revise the South African National Standards 10368: the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. She is currently engaged in an exciting One Health initiative which participates in the upliftment of an impoverished black community. She believes that animal welfare starts at ground level and there is much work to be done.

Sr Cornelia Hanekom

Nursing Student Mentor

I qualified in 1992 and had a wonderful career journey. I started working at OP immediately after I qualified as the first sister in the anaesthesia clinic. After a short while there I was moved to Outpatients where I spend almost ten years. I resigned from OP in 2002 and started working at a private practice in Pretoria, thereafter I joined the Health and Hygiene team serving the Free State, East Rand, part of Johannesburg and North West Province.

Travelling the country was quite a challenge with two very young children at home and luckily, I was offered a position as theatre sister at Hatfield Bird and Animal Hospital. During the time there I took up further studies and obtained a BA degree in education and a post graduate certificate in higher education. During this time, I moved to greener pastures and locumed at the Pretoria National Zoo for almost a year and for a short time at Mayville Animal Hospital after which my third child was born. Shortly after his birth I joined Vriesit Andrology Laboratory where I did mainly lab work (semen morphology and trichomonas culture and id).

Whilst working at the lab my youngest was born. During 2013 I joined the teaching team at Onderstepoort as Clinical lecturer in the Diagnostic Imaging Department, teaching both the vet nursing and vet students’ basic diagnostic imaging, focussing on radiography. After I started at OP I furthered my studies and obtained an Honours degree in Education (Bed Hons) as well as a Med in Curriculum and Instructional design and development. Ever since I joined Onderstepoort for the second time I could pursue my passion of being a veterinary nurse and a teacher at the same time. My love for both professions inspired me to follow my dream despite a million challenges on this rocky road.

My message to every nurse out there is: never give up on your dreams, never think that “I am just a nurse”, you are a nurse because you want to make a difference in the lives of your patients, our profession, but also in the lives of every human being crossing your path. You are not just a nurse, you are the super hero in each of your patients’ lives! Believe it – because I do!