FABIans put dreary winter days behind them in the best way they know how – through a display of colour, cocktails (non-alcoholic) and fabulous food in celebration of the first day of spring. The Institute held its annual Spring Tea in the FABI Courtyard on 1 September. FABIans shed their coats and jerseys in favour of dresses, shorts, sarongs, straw hats and the odd grass skirt in line with the Tropical Paradise theme and the gloriously warm weather.  

Prof. Bernard Slippers echoed everyone’s excitement at warmer and brighter days to come in his opening address. He thanked the 2017 FABI Social Club, who transformed the Courtyard into an island paradise, for putting together the colourful and fun spectacle. He encouraged those in attendance to use the opportunity afforded by the warm weather to appreciate the University of Pretoria’s botanical diversity, which he said rivalled that of the United Kingdom. FABIans took to a photo booth to capture memories of the day long after it had passed.