Centenary of the Medical Association of South Africa
South Africa, Cape Town · 1983-07-04
Unofficial first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
This cover is postmarked on 04-07-1983 in Cape Town. It marks the centenary of the Medical Association of South Africa, whose founding meeting took place on 20 July 1883. The accompanying info card notes that Jan van Riebeeck, who trained as a doctor before leading the Cape settlement in 1652, is often cited as an early figure in the country's medical history.
Description of the Cachet
A full colour coat of arms fills the left side of the cover. A sailing ship tops the crest above a helmet, sitting over a green shield bearing a caduceus and four small medallions. Ribbons in green and gold sweep out from either side of the shield. A scroll beneath the shield carries the Latin motto "Patriae et Humanitati". The years 1883 and 1983 flank the design in bold type, marking the century between the association's founding and this cover.
Information Card
THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA 1883-1983 European settlement on the southern tip of the African continent was directed by the need for preventive medicine. Scurvy was rife amongst sailors plying the trade with the East, therefore the Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station at the Cape to provide fresh produce for the prevention of this vitamin-deficiency disease. Jan van Riebeeck, himself a doctor, landed at the Cape on 6 April 1652 as leader of the settlement. Medical practice developed gradually and by the early 19th century was well established in the larger centres in South Africa. The inaugural meeting of a body calling itself "The South African Medical Association" took place on 20 July 1883. Various other groups were subsequently formed, but this date marks the beginning of the evolution of organized medicine into the present-day Medical Association of South Africa. The Medical Association played a prominent role in establishing medical education in South Africa. Through its journals, other publications and meetings it assists in improving and maintaining professional standards. The Association is actively concerned with the welfare of its members and the public. Membership is voluntary, but most doctors belong to the Association, which is apolitical and non-racial. In January 1983 there were 11 000 members. DIE MEDIESE VERENIGING VAN SUID-AFRIKA 1883-1983 Die behoefte aan voorkomende geneeskunde het aanleiding gegee tot die Blanke nedersetting aan die suidpunt van Afrika. Omdat skeurbuik algemeen onder matrose op die handelsroete na die Ooste voorgekom het, het die Hollandse Oos-Indiese Kompanje 'n verversingspos aan die Kaap gestig om vars produkte te voorsien ter voorkoming van dié vitamiengebreksiekte. Jan van Riebeeck — self 'n geneesheer — het op 6 April 1652 as leier van die nedersetting aan die Kaap geland. Die geneeskundige praktyk het geleidelik ontwikkel en aan die begin van die 19e eeu was dit veral in die groter dorpe in Suid-Afrika goed gevestig. Die stigtingsvergadering van 'n vereniging wat The South African Medical Association genoem is, het op 20 Julie 1883 plaasgevind. Daarna het verskeie ander groepe tot stand gekom, maar hierdie datum vorm die begin van die georganiseerde geneeskunde wat ontwikkel het tot die huidige Mediese Vereniging van Suid-Afrika. Die Mediese Vereniging het 'n belangrike rol in die totstandkoming van mediese onderrig in Suid-Afrika gespeel. Deur sy tydskrifte, ander publikasies en vergaderings dra die Vereniging by tot die verbetering en handhawing van professionele standaarde. Dit is aktief betrokke by die welvaart van sy lede en van die publiek. Lidmaatskap is vrywillig, maar meeste dokters behoort wel aan hierdie nie-politieke vereniging wat vir alle rasse is. Die ledetal was 11 000 in Januarie 1983.
Theme: Science & Technology
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.1 (ZAR)
Estimated value: ~US$0.1
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 209 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
