Page 7 - VHSA - Onderstepoort 100 Years - Part 2

ONDERSTEPOORT 100
New buildings and a new dispensation (1951-1957)
The original buildings at Onderstepoort, which were used for teaching since 1920, became totally inadequate as the student numbers increased and the Institute expanded. In 1949
the University Council brought the need for new Faculty buildings to the attention of the Minister of Agriculture and in 1950 a global sum was made available for the building of a new complex opposite the Research Institute, on the west side of the main road. In 1952 the main building was completed. The others were completed by 1954 under the auspices of the Public Works Department at a cost of £450 000. Apart from the main building, which contained lecture halls, laboratories and administrative offices, it consisted of an Anatomy block, a block for Medicine, Surgery and Physiology, a temporary section for Poultry and stables for large and small animals.
By 1957 staff shortages were more critical than ever. Negotiations between the University and the Department of Agriculture continued throughout the year, resulting in
an agreement that teaching staff would remain civil servants but would form a ‘closed group’ within the Department. The group would consist of a core of full-time teaching officials supported by part-time lecturers with research as their main responsibility. As far as remuneration was concerned, full-time staff would be on equal footing with other university staff and salaries would be paid by the University. The University would receive the student’s tuition fees, but the State would be responsible for the basic salaries. Research and publications would still resort under the Director of Veterinary Services and the name Onderstepoort would still be attached to important projects.
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Faculty Buildings, 1955
New buildings and dispensation (1951-1957)
1908-2008
Years