COMMUNIQUE

 

SADA Gala awards

 

 

WG Evans

Managing editor, E-mail:bill.evans@wits.ac.za

 

 

It was an inspired decision to escalate the Durban Congress Dinner to the elevated status of The Gala Awards Dinner. The prestige event was made more memorable as the Association, gathered in their finery, were able to applaud those whose outstanding service was recognised. The number of awards reflects the range and complexities of the Association.. and in the achievement of each recipient every member can share in reflected lustre, for there is of course a reciprocal mechanism... the Association, its members, offer the challenges which have been so well taken up by our awardees! So it was an evening of rather special congratulations to all!

The Awards Committee have the mandate which is succinctly summarised in the Guidelines :

1. The South African Dental Association [SADA] through the Awards Programme of the Awards Committee acknowledges and seeks to give due recognition to the unique abilities and contributions of many outstanding members of the dental and allied professions.

2. The SADA Awards programme is a showcase for all the excellent work that is taking place in dentistry in South Africa. The programme seeks to recognise and reward the work of some of the best achievers in dentistry, celebrating their efforts and commitment to the dental profession.

3. The awards are presented primarily at major events of the Association and meetings in which the Association participates.

The Committee discharged that mandate with aplomb, as evidenced by the distinguished array of award recipients.

 

 

Dr Roux Vermeulen is the outgoing Chairman of our Board of Directors, a demanding position of unrelenting pressure. Dr Zanemvula Khasa held the fort as Acting President of the Association from 2011 to 2012.

The SADA Service Excellence Award is presented to an individual member of SADA for outstanding instances of service to the Association and its structures, or who renders distinguished and exemplary services over a period of time to the Association. The award is presented to a candidate who best exhibits the following characteristics:

• Unselfishness;
• Concern for SADA and the dental profession
• High moral character
• Commitment to and involvement in SADA affairs and a commitment to dentistry
• Demonstrates through activities and achievements a strong interest in the affairs of SADA and the dental profession.

The SADA Meritorious Service Award is presented to individual members of SADA in recognition of their significant contribution, long-standing, and meritorious service rendered to SADA at National level or to Branches of SADA.

The award is presented to a person who best exhibits the following characteristics:

• Unselfishness;
• Outstanding service, dedication and devotion to the affairs of SADA and its Branches.
• Commitment to and involvement in

SADA affairs:

• Demonstrates through activities and achievements a strong interest in the affairs of SADA and the dental profession.
• continuously goes above and beyond the call of duty.

To our indefatigable-and ineffably elegant - Congress Convenor, Marilise van der Linde, went The SADA Distinguished Service Award, presented to individuals who are not members of the Association, in recognition of outstanding and exemplary contribution and service to the oral health profession and SADA.

The award is presented to a person who best exhibits the following characteristics:

• Distinguished themselves by outstanding service, dedication and devotion to the affairs of SADA and the oral health profession.
• Who through their actions and eminent service have promoted SADA and the dental profession.
• Demonstrates through activities and achievements a strong interest in the affairs of SADA and the dental profession.

 

 

 

 

The dental profession could not exist without the cooperative support and dedication of the Dental Traders. This year a special award went to SCiVi-sion - The Dental Trader of the Year, an accolade determined by the choice of practitioners, whilst Sirona was awarded, The 2015 Trade Partner. Fitting recognition indeed of the close working relationship and mutual respect between Association and Dental Traders.

The awards are not only a recognition of excellence but also an expression of appreciation. The work of the Association, in all its multiple facets, is dependent upon the sustained contribution of these special people.