A large group of FABIans, including academic and technical staff members, postdoctoral Fellows and graduate students, participated in the 54^th Biennial congress of the Southern African Society of Plant Pathology (SASPP). The congress was held from 18-21 January 2026 in uMhlanga, a coastal city and popular holiday destination north of the port city of Durban, at the Premier Hotel Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal

FABI’s contributions included oral presentations, and numerous poster presentations and speed talks with the main themes including disease management, biosecurity, ecology and epidemiology, pathogen identification, characterisation and taxonomy, and plant-pathogen/insect interactions.

FABI participants received numerous awards presented at the Congress Dinner, including the J.E.Vanderplank Award to Dr Wilma Nel, the PANNAR floating trophy for the best oral presentation to MSc student Nhlonipho Ngubane, the PANNAR award for Best Poster Presentation by a Student to PhD student Alishia van Heerden, and the SASPP Plant Health Products Floating Trophy for Best Oral Presentation on Biological Control to PhD student Raven Wink. 

The leadership of the Southern African Society of Plant Pathology for the next term starting in 2027 was also announced, with FABIans Prof. Dave Berger serving as President, Prof. Irene Barnes as Vice-President, and Dr Khumbuzile Bophela-Dimpe as Secretary. In addition, Dr David Nsibo was appointed as Chairperson of the SASPP Northern Branch.

The SASPP Congress, held in January every second year, is the premier plant pathology event in South Africa, bringing together plant pathologists, mycologists and plant health specialists from other disciplines. Current research relevant to plant health in the country and globally is highlighted, providing opportunities for colleagues, including those from countries beyond South Africa, to meet, exchange knowledge, establish collaborations and rekindle friendships. This year’s meeting was no exception, with a fabulous show of spirit and research excellence.