Dr Robert Thwala, in his capacity as President of the OIE Regional Commission for Africa, at the OIE Regional Seminar on Good Governance of Veterinary Services, Gaborone, Botswana, 2008. Picture (c) Communication (DVS Botswana) 2008.
The OIE has learned of the untimely passing-on of the former Director of Veterinary Services and OIE Delegate for Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Dr Robert Thwala on Thursday 21 January 2021.
On behalf of the OIE Director General, Dr Monique Eloit, the OIE Regional Representative for Africa, Dr Karim Tounkara, and the entire OIE staff, the OIE conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr Robert Thwala, who are enduring enormous grief during these difficult moments. OIE further conveys its sincere condolescences to the Veterinary Staff and the People of the Kingdom of Eswatini for the loss.
Dr Thwala was the OIE Delegate from 1990 to 2009; at the time he was also the Director of Veterinary Services. During his time with the OIE family, he has contributed significantly and represented his country and the region very well. He was President of the OIE Regional Commission for Africa from 2007 – 2009, where he represented the 54 countries of the continent of Africa at the OIE Commission and other International Organisations with dignity and integrity. He was also a member of the OIE Working Group for Animal Production Food Safety.
He was a calm and soft spoken, but firm person – a gentleman in all respects. Dr Thwala will forever be in our minds and will be missed.
Dr Robert Thwala at the OIE Regional Seminar on Diseases of Honeybees, Ezulwini, (then) Swaziland, 2011. Picture (c) N. Mapitse (oie) 2011.
