Edition 3/ June 2026 U T O HM Y ON H T In this editon Celebrating Youth: WPSC Leads the Way YPG Connect & Elevate: Rising Together PSSA Southern Gauteng: Live on Social Media YOUTH IN PHARMACY. LEADING TOMORROW
Honouring the past, Empowering 03 the future. Celebrating 80 Years of Excellence: 12 PSSA Marks a Historic Milestone Connect and Elevate: Inspiring the Generation of Pharmacists 04 Next Beyond Traditional Practice. 13 Global University Rankings Aisha Adam, selected in the Commonwealth Pharmacist 06 Association as one of the Inspiring Young Pharmacists Veterinary Medicine: A 14 Pharmacists’ Role and Experiences SAPSF Induction & Leadership 07 Training 2026: From Training to Practice SAAPI conference 2026: 15 Transcending Limits, Transforming Lives Substandard and Falsified Medical 10 Products: A Growing Threat to Public Health Wits Claims Africa’s Top Spot in 18 SAAPI Workshops
03 Honouring the past, Empowering the future. June is a month of reflection for South Africans as we honour the courageous youth of 1976, whose fight for equal and quality education changed the course of our nation’s history. Their resilience and sacrifice paved the way for opportunities that many young people enjoy today. While access to education has greatly improved, a new challenge confronts the youth: What happens after obtaining an education and qualifications? Recognising this reality, the Wits Pharmacy Students’ Council (WPSC) is taking meaningful steps to address job insecurity within the pharmacy profession. In partnership with PSSA Youth Professionals Group (YPG), the WPSC is planning Work Ready Day, set to take place in July. This initiative provides Bpharm III and IV students the opportunity to interact with professionals from various sectors of pharmacy, gain valuable insight into the diverse career paths available within the profession, and build meaningful connections that may one day translate into internship and employment opportunities. As planning continues, the WPSC is actively engaging with various companies and stakeholders for participation and/or sponsorship, demonstrating its commitment to creating opportunities for its students. PREPARED BY: LIBUNYU DEMBE It is initiatives like these that continue to place Wits on the map and reinforce its position as the number one university in Africa. Excellence is not driven solely by academic rankings, but by a commitment to equipping students with skills, exposure, and networks needed to thrive beyond graduation. The foresight and dedication shown by the WPSC are truly commendable, as their efforts are driven entirely by the betterment of the youth. In many ways, they are carrying forward the spirit of those who fought for access to education by ensuring the today’s students are also empowered with opportunities for meaningful careers and a bright future.
04 Connect and Elevate: Inspiring the Next Generation of Pharmacists Beyond Traditional Practice. PREPARED BY: MMATLOU RAKGASE The pharmacy profession is ever changing, and the Connect and Elevate initiative was created to help future pharmacists recognise the wide range of opportunities their qualification can offer beyond traditional practice. Hosted on 27 March 2026 by the PSSA Young Professionals Group (YPG), in collaboration with the University of the Western Cape Association of Pharmacy Students (UWCAPS), the event encouraged students to look beyond conventional roles in community, hospital and industry, and to consider broader pathways across healthcare, research, manufacturing, regulation, innovation and leadership. Coordinated by PSSA YPG representative Lethokuhle Ndaba, the initiative brought together UWCAPS student leaders, invited speakers and representatives from several professional and industry organisations. Its purpose was to create meaningful conversations between students and professionals, helping pharmacy students see their degree as a versatile foundation for many possible career directions Approximately 150 pharmacy students attended the event and engaged with speakers whose careers reflected the breath of the profession. Candice Pantalone, Founder and Director of OpsReforge, shared insights into manufacturing consulting and operational excellence. Lyzelle Woldson, a SAAPI representative, Responsible Pharmacist and Head of Regulatory Affairs, highlighted opportunities in vaccine manufacturing and regulatory affairs. Mashudu Mphaphuli, Senior Scientist in Research and Development, spoke about innovation and scientific leadership, while Major Jaco Pelser, a pharmacist in the military, offered a distinctive perspective on pharmacy practice within the defence sector. The programme was further strengthened by participation from the PSSA (CWP) branch, represented by Kaajal Chetty, as well as the Independent Community Pharmacy Association, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Clicks, Medipost, SAHHIP, represented by Wade Rosant, PPS and members of the UWC academic staff. Their involvement gave students access to practical insights into the evolving pharmacy landscape. A key feature of the event was the exhibition session, where students interacted directly with industry representatives in a personal and approachable setting. These conversations created valuable networking opportunities, offered practical career advice and introduced students to sectors they may not previously have considered. The subsequent presentations allowed speakers to share their professional journeys candidly, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and being open to opportunities beyond one’s comfort zone. The PSSA YPG also successfully hosted the Connect and Elevate initiative at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on 10th of April 2026. The event aimed to expose pharmacy students to diverse and non-traditional career pathways while promoting mentorship, professional development and engagement with practising pharmacists.
05 The organising team, comprising Sbonga Muthwa, Mphiko Mannya, Lethokuhle Ndaba, Anele Khwela and Telicia Jobraj, worked closely with UKZNAPS to coordinate logistics, speaker engagement, sponsorship, student mobilisation and programme development. The event attracted approximately 200 to 230 attendees, demonstrating strong student interest and participation. The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr Rev Matibela, followed by an overview of the initiative by Anele Khwela. Six speakers then shared insights from different areas of pharmacy. Mrs Nerina Banwari discussed clinical pharmacy and its relationship with hospital pharmacy; Mr Lucky Mtolo presented on clinical research; Ms Reye Jaganath explored branding and strategic communication in the pharmaceutical industry; Mr Mesuli Mhlongo highlighted clinical affairs and regulatory responsibilities; Dr Duxbury spoke about academia, teaching and research; and Ms Telicia Jobraj reflected on public health pharmacy and opportunities beyond community service. Students actively engaged during the question-and-answer session, creating a dynamic learning environment. The event was supported by the National Bioproducts Institute, which sponsored goodie bags, and the UKZN Pharmacy Department, which provided catering and speaker appreciation tokens. Overall, the event was well received and achieved its objective of bridging academic training with the broader pharmacy profession. Strong attendance, active participation and collaboration between PSSA-YPG, UKZNAPS, speakers, sponsors and stakeholders contributed to a meaningful and impactful initiative for future pharmacists. h r t o u y g c h a m t r i m a e... h P A gaper is a carved stone or wooden figurehead placed outside apothecaries in the Netherlands, beginning in the late 16th century and commonly used in the 17th century. The Dutch gaper is a figurehead of a Moor or exotic figure that served as a pharmacy sign from the late 16th century through the 17th century and beyond. The figure, often wearing a turban, is almost always shown with an open mouth or a protruding tongue, sometimes with a pill on the tongue, and is often dressed in exotic attire to indicate non‑European origins. This apothecary “uithangteken” advertised imported remedies and the act of taking medicine. Symbolism and meanings Intake of medicine: The open mouth and tongue are widely interpreted as representing the act of taking medicine or the bitter taste of remedies. Exotic provenance: The Moorish or Ottoman appearance signalled that the shop sold spices, resins, and imported medicinal ingredients (e.g., saffron, opium, myrrh) that arrived via trade with Asia and North Africa. Social and professional connotations: By the 17th and 18th centuries, a distinction in signage was noted; the gaper often marked the non‑pharmacist herb‑seller or market dealer, while other symbols became associated with formally trained apothecaries. This reflects evolving professional identities in early modern pharmacy. Familiar symbols were the various shapes and sizes of carboys with contents in various colours. The mortar and pestle, with several stylised formats, is still quite popular. Various crosses in colours such as green and white have been used, and there are also records of the horn of a unicorn used a sign for a pharmacy. Few original gapers remain on streets; most are now in museum collections or have been removed for conservation. The museum has a display of several miniature models of gapers. PREPARED BY: LYNETTE TERBLANCHE
06 Aisha Adam, selected in the Commonwealth Pharmacist Association as one of the Inspiring Young Pharmacists Aisha has had a life long passion for social equality and improving the systems that shape our lives. She came to realise that pharmacy could be a profession for translating that passion to action - that pharmacy could change lives and the course of human events - when she coordinated a vaccine drive in the Northern Cape, and encountered a young girl who was diagnosed with HIV as a result of her symptoms being noticed by healthcare workers. Working as a Community Service Pharmacist at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, she is also an National Executive Committee member for the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists SAAHIP) where she has pioneered work to introduce pharmacy as a profession to marginalised groups, and with the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa's young Pharmacists Group she coordinates a project to grant young, innovative pharmacists grants to turn her ideas into reality. Aisha is a prolific advocate for early career professionals, delivering a presentation at the South African Pharmaceutical Exhibition 2026 on how the profession can create real and effective structures to empower young pharmacists. Outside of her professional life she has long been actively involved in South African civil society campaigning on issues like tackling gender-based violence with the helpful Handbags Project and Women for Change, as well as volunteering as a HIV AIDS Support Unit peer educator during her time as a student. With her new role in a correctional centre, she has also become an advocate for prison reform advocating directly to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Aisha is a model for how young pharmacists can be change-makers not just as clinicians, but as expert advocates for the needs of marginalised communities and disadvantaged groups. She shows how pharmacy can be more than a career: it can also be a means to work towards a greater calling and drive positive social change.
07 SAPSF Induction & Leadership Training 2026: From Training to Practice PREPARED BY: RAPITSI MATOME On 13 June 2026, the South African Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (SAPSF) held an Induction and Leadership Training at PSSA Conference Centre, Lynnwood, Pretoria. Under the theme “From Training to Practice: Closing the Gap in Pharmacy Employment”, the workshop gathered pharmacy student leaders, and sector representatives to address the transition from university to professional practice. The programme was opened and MC’d by SAPSF Treasurer General Ms Gamuchirai Nyereyegona, who welcomed everyone to the workshop. The event was also streamed via SAPSF’s Instagram, extending access to students nationwide. Ms Mojo Mokoena, COO of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), opened the morning session, and reminded students that pharmacy goes beyond dispensing. She spoke about screening, immunisations and using the full scope of practice. She also noted that pharmacy internship challenges are not just about available posts, but about “selective ambition”. By this, we understood her to mean that some students limit themselves to certain sectors, cities or stipends, and miss opportunities to train and grow elsewhere. From SAPSF’s side, her closing words were a reminder that the priority after graduation should be to complete training, get registered, and start serving patients. Mr Reuben Mthombeni of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists (SAACP) followed with an overview of the Dispensing Course under SAPC Board Notice 2026. He clarified that the course is not new in practice. He also mentioned that the SAACP is currently evaluating mechanisms to maintain oversight of healthcare professionals once they complete the dispensing course. His key point reframed student concerns: “What we cannot do is debate if the dispensing course should be there, it is already there from back then. What we can do is advise how we can make them do it right and safely.”
Ms Refiloe Mogale, PSSA Executive Director, outlined how PSSA supports students from training into practice. She emphasized that PSSA student membership is free and that PSSA Is a professional home that begins at student level, not after registration. Ms Mogale also touched on the issue of unemployment and internship uncertainity and highlighted the possible solutions. Mr Jabulani Nukeri from SAYPA encouraged that SAPSF should be used to drive change. Ms Shoni Mulibana, lecturer and the current branch chairperson of SAAHIP Southern Gauteng branch, spoke on hospital pharmacy paths, Ms Pearl Lentsoane, lecturer and clinical pharmacist, spoke on academia as a growing field and the value of short courses to build skills, and Dr Luvuyo Bayeni from HR at the National Department of Health spoke on public sector recruitment and what the department looks for when hiring. Mr Owen Malatji of SAPC NEC, spoke on leadership and reminded students to keep the people they serve at the center. Mr Kgabo Komape of ICPA spoke on independent practice, covering the realities and challenges of owning a pharmacy. Ms Yolanda Peens of SAAPI spoke on industrial sector & leadership and let students ask directly about internships, scope of practice and finding work in the industrial sector. President Mashiloane closed by thanking everyone and restating SAPSF’s focus on the internship, and unemployment. He spoke on uneven provincial posts and he noted SAPSF has rejected SAPC’s proposal to give dispensing licenses to non-pharmacists, highlighting that pharmacists are needed for patient safety. He also asked SAPC to add PCDT to undergraduate curricula and expand it beyond NWU. 08 SAPSF wishes to thank the PSSA for hosting, all speakers for their time, and the students who participated in person and online. The federation has a renewed commitment to advancing student interests and the future of pharmacy in South Africa
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