02 Table Of Contents 03 SAAHIP Southern Gauteng at SAPHEX 2026 05 SAAPI at SAPHEX 2026 07 09 11 Lighting the Way Forward: YPG Inspires Mentorship, Digital Health promotion, and Leadership at SAPHEX 2026 as the PSSA turns 80 years old. From the students’ desk Advancing Oncology Pharmacy Practice through Continuing Professional Development 13 Celebrating 80 Years of the PSSA: Honouring the Past, Strengthening the Present, Shaping the Future 15 Behind the Scenes of SAPHEX 2026: A Wits Postgraduate Student Perspective 16 What’s happening at SAAPI . . .
03 SAAHIP Southern Gauteng at SAPHEX 2026 PREPARED BY: AISHA ADAM If you are a pharmacist who has ever been told you take your work too seriously, or admired for your passion for the profession, often the same thing depending on the audience, then conferences are likely something you look forward to. Not only for networking, knowledge exchange, or even the freebies, but for something less tangible. A shared space with people who carry the same vision, many of whom you may have spent months engaging with online across the country. There is a moment of recognition that comes with this, like a matchstick lit in the dark, when a name finally becomes a face. The theme for SAPHEX 2026 set out to unite healthcare professionals. What emerged was not only that unity, but a sense of collective belonging. The South African Pharmaceutical Exhibition 2026 was held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 25 to 26 March. As the leading event for the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in South Africa and the SADC region, SAPHEX continues to serve as a key platform for engagement across the profession. The details of the programme and exhibitions are well documented on the SAPHEX website, and the last thing the internet needs is more redundancy. What is worth highlighting, however, are the contributions of members from the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists (SAAHIP) Southern Gauteng branch who took to the stage. Matladi Stanley Morapedi, representing the Young Pharmacists’ Group, explored the role of digital health promotion in reimagining pharmacy practice within an evolving healthcare landscape. As the burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise and healthcare systems face increasing pressure, digital health is no longer optional. It is an extension of care. Patients are already engaging with health information through social media, wearable devices, and online platforms. This shift presents both opportunity and responsibility. healthcare As one of the most accessible and trusted professionals, the pharmacist is uniquely positioned to guide patients through this space, whether through education, chronic disease management, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MATLADI STANLEY telepharmacy, or the interpretation of patient-generated health data. MORAPEDI, TELICIA JOBRAJ, AISHA ADAM, KEVIN BALOYI
04 Strengthening the profession will depend on collaboration across generations, addressing structural barriers, and actively investing in emerging talent. Bandela Mgoqi, representing SAAHIP, presented on innovation within resource-constrained hospital settings through the development of the SkipTheQ system. Grounded in the realities of public sector practice, the presentation highlighted persistent challenges, including long waiting times, overcrowding, and increasing patient frustration, which place strain on both patients and healthcare workers. While tools such as SMS reminders, virtual consultations, and home monitoring devices are already in use, their integration remains uneven. Infrastructure constraints, high workloads, and unequal access to technology continue to limit impact. Moving forward, the role of the pharmacist will require not only clinical expertise, but digital competence. This includes engaging with innovation in ways that strengthen prevention, improve health literacy, and support more responsive, patient-centred care. Aisha Adam, representing the Young Pharmacists’ Group, examined the perceived generational divide SkipTheQ was introduced as a practical response. Through a web-based platform and WhatsApp integration, patients are able to book medication collections in advance, significantly reducing waiting times. By redesigning the collection process, the system improves efficiency while restoring dignity to the patient experience. The impact is measurable. Waiting times have been reduced, service delivery has improved, and thousands of patients have been reached. More importantly, the initiative demonstrates that meaningful change does not always require increased capacity, but rather a rethinking of systems to prioritise accessibility, efficiency, and patient-centred care. It is a clear example of how pharmacists can lead innovation from within the profession. While pharmacy has made within the environments they serve. significant and There is much for the profession to celebrate, but there is transformation for women, a new gap is emerging in also much work ahead. The role of the pharmacist how young pharmacists are supported and integrated continues to expand through the collective solidarity of the into practice. profession. It is through this shared commitment that Despite the diversity of career pathways available, many initiatives such as Pharmacist Initiated Management of young professionals continue to face barriers, including Antiretroviral Therapy, known as PIMART, have been progress in advancing inclusion unemployment, limited access to opportunities, and constrained professional mobility. What is often framed as generational tension is, more accurately, structural. It is shaped by broader systemic challenges in the healthcare system such as resource limitations, policy constraints, corruption, and insufficient job creation. Differences in advocacy styles further contribute to this perception. More experienced pharmacists often operate within institutional and policy-driven spaces, while younger pharmacists tend toward more visible and immediate forms of engagement. These approaches are not in conflict. They are complementary. When aligned, they create a more responsive and effective approach to addressing the realised, alongside innovations that improve access to care and the growing integration of digital health into everyday practice. What becomes clear is that progress within pharmacy has never been driven by a single agent, but by a collective willingness to evolve, adapt, and respond to the needs of the communities we serve. The conversations led by our members at SAPHEX 2026 reflected this reality. From reimagining how healthcare is delivered, generations, to to strengthening embracing collaboration new technologies, across each contribution pointed toward a profession that is actively shaping its future rather than passively waiting to arrive at a destination. If we truly want to unite healthcare professionals, as set out in the theme of SAPHEX 2026, challenges facing the profession. A critical distinction then the first bridge that must be built is within the lies between mentorship and power-sharing. While profession itself. Because the future of pharmacy will mentorship supports development, true transformation belong to those who choose to build it together. requires the intentional inclusion of young pharmacists in leadership, governance, and decision-making spaces.
SAAPI at SAPHEX 2026 05 PREPARED BY: MARLENE MOONSAMY, SAAPI EXCO MEMBER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, PHARMICI (PTY) LTD SAPHEX is one of the illustrious features in the South On the 26th March, SAAPI speakers delved deeper to provide African provides valuable and practical insights to attendees. Ms. Yolanda pharmacists with a holistic view of healthcare products Peens opened the session with important information about and services available in South Africa. From a SAAPI, highlighting the benefits of being a member. pharmaceutical industry perspective, its always exciting Attention was given to the extensive training program to discover new innovations and stay abreast with latest offering webinars and workshops at affordable rates. SAAPI industry updates and insights. programs are attuned to the changing industry needs, in Pharmacy calendar. The event compliance and innovation, and being a PSSA member This year, SAAPI joined PSSA at SAPHEX to celebrate allows pharmacists the privilege of accessing these events at their 80th Anniversary, a major milestone honouring reduced rates. SAAPI is making strides in the professional eight decades of pharmacy leadership, advocacy, and development of pharmacists in industry, and welcomes professional excellence! feedback to build on their training program. The PSSA conference program hosted by SAPHEX Ms. Marlene Moonsamy, a SAAPI EXCO member, shared key included all pharmacy sectors, with SAAPI representing insights about the diverse roles that pharmacists play in the pharmaceutical industry, professionally and with industry. She highlighted their importance in ensuring that th th distinction, on the 25 and 26 March 2026. the patient is always kept as the focus, while the business objectives are maintained. The responsible pharmacist role Ms. Yolanda Peens (Executive Director of SAAPI) and is crucial for businesses to remain operational and Ms. Hannelie Cordier (Administrative Assistant at compliant. This session provided insights into the various SAAPI), were the cordial hosts manning an attractive skills and knowledge that pharmacists possess and which and welcoming stand, while actively sharing valuable they can maximise on, while expanding their career horizons. information with attendees. With all compliance roles, safety, efficacy and quality of SAAPI provided a stimulating session with industry medicines are the main goal and all activities carried out by speakers addressing trending topics. On the 25th March, pharmacists, impact products at scale. With commercial SAAPI Chairperson, Ms. Ingrid Duvenhage shared roles, pharmacists can explore their commercial interests various industry highlights and insights during the PSSA while garnering the strength of their scientific and technical sector reflection session. expertise. Mr. Simo Tafana from SAHPRA, provided keen insights on Pharmacovigilance & ADR/Event Reporting, highlighting the key information that patients and healthcare providers must provide when reporting adverse events. He also shared information about the new reporting tools employed by SAHPRA, a welcome innovation to raise awareness on the importance of adverse event reporting, and to provide all stakeholders with an efficient means of reporting Overall, the SAAPI session provided valuable insights and information to help pharmacists with career development information. SAAPI looks forward to pharmacists and pharmacy professionals. engaging with
07 Lighting the Way Forward: YPG Inspires Mentorship, Digital Health promotion, and Leadership at SAPHEX 2026 as the PSSA turns 80 years old. PREPARED BY: MMATLOU RAKGASE The Young Pharmacists Group (YPG), a network of individual Advancing Pharmacy Through Digital Health members of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa The discussion then shifted towards innovation and (PSSA) delivered an standout session at SAPHEX 2026—one systems strengthening, with Matladi Morapedi, the YPG that reinforced the profession’s collective responsibility to public relations officer exploring Digital Health Promotion lead, mentor, and innovate. Although scheduled as the final (DHP) and the expanding role of pharmacists in a digital session engagement health landscape. He encouraged young pharmacists to demonstrated that impact is driven not by timing, but by take ownership of digital health initiatives, both within relevance, energy, and purpose. traditional pharmacy environments and across broader Despite a rainy afternoon at the Sandton Convention Centre, platforms such as social media and community‑based the session drew strong participation from both emerging campaigns. and established pharmacy professionals, reflecting a shared By positioning pharmacists as digital health champions, commitment to strengthening the future of pharmacy in he noted that the profession can significantly extend its South Africa. The session was officially opened by YPG reach and impact. He further highlighted the potential for Chairperson Kevin Baloyi, who set a collaborative and digital interventions to enhance efficiencies within South forward‑looking tone, encouraging an open dialogue, Africa’s public health system well beyond conventional intergenerational engagement, and active participation. stock management systems. on the programme, the YPG Mentorship as a Catalyst for Growth Telicia Jobraj, a vibrant young pharmacist in the in the public sector delivered a thought‑provoking presentation on mentorship, highlighting it as a long‑term investment rather than a once‑off intervention. She likened mentorship to a ripple effect, where one empowered individual goes on to inspire many others without diminishing their own growth. By sharing reflections from participants in the recent YPG Mentorship Programme, she illustrated how structured, intentional mentorship contributes to confidence, professional agency, and leadership development. Her message to senior pharmacists was clear: the sustainability of the profession depends on intentionally creating and protecting mentorship spaces. She concluded by reminding young pharmacists that professional growth often begins with a simple yet courageous step; raising one’s hand and remaining open to learning, guidance, and opportunity.
08 The session concluded with closing reflections from Refiloe Mogale, Executive Director of the PSSA, following a robust question‑and‑answer session. Her remarks reinforced the session’s central themes of intentional growth, collaboration, and principled leadership—leaving delegates energised and reflective as SAPHEX 2026 ended. A Call to Leadership Adding a regional perspective, a pharmacist originally from Kenya encouraged South African youth to confidently take up leadership spaces, reinforcing the importance of African voices in shaping global health systems. The session concluded with closing reflections from Refiloe Mogale, Executive Director of the PSSA, following a robust question‑and‑answer session. Her remarks reinforced the session’s central themes of intentional growth, collaboration, and principled leadership—leaving delegates energised and reflective as SAPHEX 2026 ended. As the PSSA celebrated its 80th year anniversary, it honours decades of advocacy for the pharmacy profession while YPG lights the path ahead; uniting pharmacists through mentorship, digital innovation, and fearless leadership for the future of pharmacy in South Africa. Strengthening the Profession Across Generations Closing the formal speaker lineup, Aisha Adam addressed the importance of bridging generational divides within the pharmacy profession. She acknowledged the complex systemic challenges facing young pharmacists today, noting that these require equally systemic and collaborative solutions. She called on established professionals to actively engage with younger colleagues and better understand their professional realities. While younger pharmacists are at times perceived as disengaged or confrontational, she emphasised shared accountability across generations to expand opportunities, dismantle systemic barriers, and advance the profession together. Progress, she noted, must be collaborative rather than competitive A Call to Leadership Adding a regional perspective, a pharmacist originally from Kenya encouraged South African youth to confidently take up leadership spaces, reinforcing the importance of African voices in shaping global health systems.
09 From the students’ desk PREPARED BY: WPSC STUDENTS Student life is filled with the buzz of studies, assignments and group work. As the student council in term we have been striving for building an environment that allows students to engage with pharmacy school and each other holistically. Through our subcommittees, students are able to interact with the student council and pharmacy department. Allowing for broader and more meaningful engagement throughout the pharmacy department. We have found that enriching students does not have to be limited to just events planned for them but allowing them to partner with us along the way. Pharmacy is bigger than just the 12 entrusted for the 2025/2026 term. First row: Perpetual Gutura, Musa Sangqu, Mosima Mphahele, Unam Baraza, Phatsimo Modise, Chakshu Taneja, Yemen Khan, Kgothatso Langa Second row: Amahle Meyiwa, Lesedi Makaleng, Zoe Abrahams, Charmaine Khanyisile Ntuli, Rebaone Dlamini, Chantelle Chitsa, Siphelele Hlengwa, Anelisa Bhekisifo, Azande Botha Third row: Ashreya Singh, Kaitlyn Luckay, Silindokuhle Zakwe, Anele Khanyisile, Eden Naidoo, Kamvelihle Mgobo, Oratilwe Tladi, Samkele Mbatha Fourth row: Hawa Yacoue, Tavolin Govender, Devine Mdlovu, Chuene Ramaano, Kelebogile Tlapu, Peaceful Phetogo , Esihle Moshani, Nomthandazo Khuzwayo, Andiswa Masongo Fifth row: Kululama Nkomo, Anele Sosibi, Dhasvir Sewnandan, Thabiso Mbhele, Tumelo Malele, Sean Ngwenyama, Craig Nwauka, Peabo Ndlovu, Thendo Madoha, Lumko Mnqonywa Sixth row: Tshegofatso Solomon, Mmatswele Matumba, Mpho Litabe, Keabetswe Lebepe, Dembe Libunyu, Natalie Muonde, Thandoluhle Dlamini, Munashe Ndou, Simbongile Satywa, Asanda Buthelezi, Bandile Simelane, Matofana Lokothwayo We have placed student connection and representation at the forefront of our goals to achieve and have done so by introducing an exciting PharmBuddy mentor-mentee program spearheaded by our academic subcommittee alongside council members Khomotso Maachi, Craig Nwauka, Unam Baraza and Tumelo Malele. This program allows students to mentor one another across the different years of study. By allowing students to mentor each other, we believe there will be a level of relatability that allows the mentorship to cultivate a confidence in students who mentor and those being mentored.
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