Golden Mortar Edition 4/July 2025 — A Comprehensive Synthesis of SAAPI Conference 2025, Wits Achievements, and PSSA Southern Gauteng Branch Updates

SAAPI Conference 2025: Stepping Boldly into the Future

The 2025 SAAPI conference gathered leaders and professionals from across the pharmaceutical sector from June 4 to 6, enriching dialogue on the evolving landscape of healthcare. Hosted at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria with virtual attendance as an option, the event adopted the theme Health Innovation: Stepping Boldly into the Future. The program was designed to inform, educate, and ignite conversations about what the future of healthcare could look like in South Africa, emphasizing practical implications for practice, regulation, and industry development. By bringing together a mix of local and international speakers, including regulators and bodies like SAHPRA and the South African Pharmacy Council, the conference ensured a broad and relevant perspective on emerging trends and strategic directions. The opening keynote by Adam Pantanowitz explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare, while a closing keynote delivered by Tammy Gopal offered insightful regulatory context to frame the discussions. (Page 1)

A highlight of the conference was the breadth of speakers and the interactive format that allowed delegates to engage in Q&A sessions and networking breaks, enabling real-time dialogue with industry experts. Attendees explored how AI can impact regulatory frameworks, quality systems, supply chains, and the broader pharmaceutical ecosystem, while also addressing the attendant risks and governance considerations required to deploy new technologies responsibly. The program balanced forward-looking innovation with a focus on prudent implementation, ensuring attendees left with concrete ideas for applying insights to their own organizations. The event also underscored the value of collaboration across sectors and the importance of building networks that can sustain ongoing learning beyond the conference environment. (Page 2)

In sum, the conference reinforced a core message: AI and other advanced technologies are not merely future possibilities but present forces shaping the healthcare sector. Delegates left with a sense of momentum and opportunity, recognizing South Africa’s potential to advance healthcare through technology-enabled solutions, improved governance, and cross-disciplinary partnerships. The call to action was clear: embrace these innovations responsibly, translate learning into practice, and step boldly into the future together as a professional community. (Page 3)

FAMOLA NGOBENI: Professional Development and Support for the PSSA National Office

Famola Suprise Ngobeni brings a dynamic, multi-sector perspective to the role of Professional Development and Support Officer within the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA). His career spans hospital practice, retail pharmacy, veterinary settings, and research environments, reflecting a broad understanding of the diverse realities pharmacists encounter. His academic background is equally robust, including an MBA, a Bachelor of Pharmacy, a BTech in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology. This combination of clinical, technical, and administrative experience provides a solid foundation for guiding the Society’s development agenda and for fostering cross-sector collaboration. (Page 4)

Famola’s leadership track within the PSSA includes roles at the branch and national levels, participation in the South African Association of Community Pharmacists, and ongoing involvement in youth and student leadership initiatives. This track demonstrates a commitment to building mentorship, leadership pipelines, and opportunities for professional growth across all sectors of pharmacy. As the Professional Development and Support Officer, he is charged with steering strategic initiatives related to continuing professional development, cultivating stakeholder relationships, guiding guideline and policy formulation, and aligning PSSA’s efforts with global pharmacy developments through benchmarking with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). (Page 5)

Famola emphasizes a member-centric approach to professional development, asserting that programs must be grounded in the real needs of practitioners and their practice realities. His vision centers on inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance, with a focus on expanding digital delivery and leveraging partnerships to broaden the Society’s educational footprint. By nurturing the collaboration of branches, sectors, and committees, he aims to create a more cohesive national voice and to empower pharmacists to excel across settings. He sees a future where development platforms are not only informative but also scalable, practical, and responsive to evolving professional standards and patient care demands. The practical implication for PSSA’sSouthern Gauteng Branch is a calendar of initiatives that invites broad participation and continuous learning. (Page 6)

WITS MAKES WAVES IN GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Over the recent period, the University of the Witwatersrand’s Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP) has demonstrated a steady ascent in global recognition for pharmaceutical science innovation. The platform’s activity spans prestigious appointments, research collaborations, accolades for students, and influential publications, underscoring its role as a hub of cutting-edge research and mentorship. WADDP’s achievements illustrate a strong commitment to excellence, mentorship, and international engagement — values that resonate with the broader mission of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) and its members. The ongoing emphasis on integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and 3D modelling, signals a forward-looking trajectory for drug delivery and related disciplines. (Page 6)

A notable milestone in the WADDP narrative is the appointment of Professor Yahya Choonara, Director of WADDP, to the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations. Nominated by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Professor Choonara will serve on this global advisory body from 2025 to 2027, contributing expertise related to drug delivery science, manufacturing innovation, and regulatory research. His involvement reinforces a South African perspective in shaping international guidelines that govern medicine quality and production practices, highlighting how regional leadership can influence global standards. (Page 7)

Choonara’s remarks emphasize that AI offers transformative opportunities to enhance quality control, improve production efficiency, and catalyze innovation across pharmaceutical systems. His role on the WHO committee brings visibility to the potential of AI-enabled improvements in manufacturing and regulatory contexts, while also underscoring the need for careful governance and risk management as these technologies mature. This development strengthens Wits’ leadership in driving the intersection of science, technology, and policy on the world stage. (Page 7)

Beyond the committee appointment, WADDP’s postgraduate cohort continues to flourish in a culture of mentorship and international collaboration. The program prioritizes developing researchers who can address health challenges with innovative approaches and who can engage with global scientific communities to share knowledge and resources. The emphasis on Europe–Africa collaboration illustrates how regional strengths can be amplified through international partnerships, benefiting students, faculty, and broader public health outcomes. (Page 7)

Among the standout student achievements, Kruti Naik, a PhD candidate, secured the Wits Foundation UK PhD Award 2024, enabling a research visit to Queen’s University Belfast to pursue nanotechnological strategies for ocular health. Naik’s project aims to contribute advanced nanotechnology solutions for eye care, potentially expanding access to more effective therapies. Naik described the award as a dream realized, anticipating fruitful collaborations that will strengthen South Africa’s healthcare landscape. In another example, Dr. Lindokuhle Malibongwe Ngema participated in a TWAS–DFG Cooperation Visit to RWTH Aachen University in Germany, supporting his nanomedicine research through international mentorship and exchange. Dr. Divesha Essa co-organized and presented at the UCL-Wits Workshop on Preclinical Modelling of Cancer in 3D, highlighting the clinical relevance of 3D in vitro models and the role of Africa-based cancer research in global scientific discourse. (Page 7)

Publications and Public Engagement: WADDP’s Broader Impact

Beyond individual accolades, the WADDP community emphasizes the importance of disseminating research findings to broader audiences and engaging with the public and stakeholders. The combination of rigorous scientific work, mentorship programs, and strategic outreach demonstrates how a university-centered platform can contribute to shaping policy, informing practice, and fostering public trust in pharmaceutical innovations. The emphasis on accessible communication and evidence-based storytelling ensures that the outcomes of sophisticated research translate into tangible benefits for patients and healthcare systems. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the PSSA and its members to advance safe, effective medicines and to promote continuing education that keeps pace with rapid technological change. (Page 7-8)

SNIPPETS FROM THE MUSEUM

In this edition, L. Terblanche offers concise reflections that illuminate the historical dimensions of pharmacy practice. The snippets connect the profession’s rich heritage with contemporary practice, reminding readers that historical insight can inform current decision-making, policy formation, and patient-centered care. By revisiting past milestones, the piece invites practitioners to draw inspiration from the discipline’s legacy while considering how lessons learned can guide ethical, evidence-based practice in today’s healthcare environment. (Page 9)

The Heart Behind the Desk

Edelstein’s column sheds light on the human and leadership aspects underpinning successful pharmacy teams and organizations. It explores how effective leaders balance strategic responsibilities with everyday people management, how empathy and integrity shape workplace culture, and how collaboration across disciplines strengthens patient outcomes. The piece offers practical reflections on leadership styles, communication, and the everyday acts that sustain professional excellence in a fast-changing healthcare landscape. (Pages 10-11)

WITS STUDENT AWARDS

This section highlights the achievements of Wits students within the pharmaceutical sciences, recognizing outstanding research, scholarship, and contributions to the field. The coverage emphasizes the value of mentorship, opportunities for international exposure, and the role of student awards in cultivating the next generation of pharmacists, researchers, and healthcare innovators. By showcasing successful scholars and their projects, the article reinforces the link between academic excellence and broader professional impact, including future leadership in industry, academia, and public health. (Pages 12-13)

SAPHEX 2025

J Kariem provides an update on SAPHEX 2025, a premier industry event that brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and professionals for exposure to the latest products, technologies, and knowledge. The coverage outlines anticipated sessions, potential exhibitors, and networking opportunities that attendees can leverage to advance their professional development. The narrative suggests that SAPHEX remains a vital forum for staying current with market trends, regulatory updates, and innovations that shape the pharmaceutical sector in South Africa and beyond. (Pages 14-15)

PSSA National Conference and Nelson Mandela Day

The edition includes a forward-looking note on the PSSA National Conference, setting expectations for national-level discourse on practice standards, policy development, and member engagement. In parallel, Nelson Mandela Day coverage underscores the Society’s commitment to social responsibility and community outreach, reflecting pharmacy’s broader role in public health and service. The combination of professional and social initiatives demonstrates a holistic view of the profession’s responsibilities and opportunities. (Page 16)

SAAPI Conference 2025 — Additional Insights

A further reflection on the SAAPI Conference 2025 captures additional insights from speakers and sessions, emphasizing continued emphasis on AI, cross-border collaboration, and ongoing professional development. The narrative reinforces the event’s core aim: to step boldly into the future by leveraging partnerships, sharing best practices, and building an empowered pharmaceutical community that can respond effectively to evolving healthcare needs. (Page 17)

SAAPI Workshop Dates

The edition lists forthcoming SAAPI workshops, providing calendars and guidance for members seeking to participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities. The information underscores the Society’s ongoing commitment to accessible, practical learning across sectors, enabling pharmacists to stay current with standards, technologies, and regulatory expectations. (Page 18)

Advertising Rates

Details regarding advertising options within The Golden Mortar and related communications are presented, outlining pricing structures and opportunities for organizations to reach a professional audience. The information serves as a practical resource for sponsors, partners, and members seeking visibility within the network and across associated sectors. (Page 19)

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