The first FABI tea organised by the new 2016 Social Club was held at the Institute on April 6. The Easter egg-themed tea party was sponsored by supplier of scientific and laboratory equipment, Lasec. External sales manager David Andrew kicked off the function with a short presentation on Lasec products of interest to staff and students at FABI. Sales agent Gabriella Barnard and brand coordinator Heinrich Geyers, both former postgraduate students at FABI, were also present to answer questions about Lasec products. 

A staple on the FABI calendar, FABI tea is one of several functions organised by the Social Club and it is usually held on the first Wednesday of every month. PhD student Khumbuzile Bophela and MSc student Caitlin Gevers were runners-up in a raffle drawn at the end of the function, each walking away with chocolate Easter eggs, while Honours student Puseletso Manyaka scooped the first prize of wine and chocolate. 

The FABI Social Club is run by students from the Institute and organizes all the major events on the FABI social calender: the montly FABI teas, the refreshments with special and prestige seminars, the annual SPOOF and Year-end functions. As such the Social Club acts as the social ‘heartbeat’ and ‘glue’ in FABI, bringing FABIans together for celebrations, academic discussions, and fun!

The new Social Club is chaired by Chrizelle Beukes and the other members are: Daniel Ali, Juanita Avontuur, Khumbuzile Bophela, Donovin Coles, Esna du Plessis, Caitlin Gevers, Mesfin Gossa, JieQiong Li, Thapelo Maboko, Mandy Messal, Tsakani Miyambo, Ethel Mlunjwa, Wilma Nel, Alandie Niewoudt, Ntombi Nkomo, David Nsibo, Marike Palmer, Nam Pham, Emeldah Rikhotso, Azille Schulze, Gina Shin, Vou Shutt, Robyn Smith, Collins Tanui and Ariska van der Nest.