Edition 4/July 2025 CONFERENCE 2025: Stepping Boldly into the Future together by Yuthika Prahladh Conference Committee Co - Chair 2025 From the 4-6 June 2025, the pharmaceutical industry came together to explore the future of healthcare at the 2025 SAAPI conference. The conference was held at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria with an option to attend virtually. With the theme, ‘’Health Innovation: Stepping Boldly into the Future’’, the conference aimed to inform, educate and spark conversations between delegates about what the future of healthcare looks like. Yuthika Prahladh With speakers from industry, both local and international, SAHPRA, and South African Pharmacy Council, the conference was truly an unmissable experience. The conference kicked off with world renown keynote speaker, Adam Pantanowitz, who took us on a journey through AI in the healthcare and how to embrace these technologies to our benefit. We were also honoured to welcome Mrs Tammy Gopal, ex-SAAPI Past President and current Chief Regulatory Officer at SAHPRA, to provide us with an insightful closing keynote for the conference. We had the privilege of welcoming some truly talented speakers to our conference stage this year and our delegates had the opportunity to interact with them during Q&A sessions and networking breaks. We are grateful to our sponsors for their support of SAAPI and the 2025 conference. We were thrilled to welcome DHL back as our platinum sponsor and Playbook as our gold sponsor. We were also honoured to have Vector Life Sciences as our silver sponsor and both MC Pharma and Strategnos as bronze sponsors. We also had the PSSA and South African Pharmacy Council present, supporting our conference, which we truly appreciated and was valued by our delegates. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to our office and the SAAPI Conference Committee for their time and effort spent organising this event. During conference, delegates had the opportunity to learn about the transformative power of AI in healthcare and what this entails for regulatory, quality, supply chain and the pharma industry as an entirety. New technologies and concepts to simplify processes and enhance outputs in industry were presented to delegates. Although exciting, the risks and questions we should ask when using these technologies was also discussed to appropriately equip delegates with the skills to use these technologies prudently. The conference purpose was to educate our delegates but also provided a unique opportunity for interaction and networking. Our networking event aimed to get delegates interacting with each other and the quiz night did exactly that. Our delegates bonded through the competitiveness of the quiz night and certainly built new and long-lasting connections in their teammates. …/continued on page 3 The Golden Mortar 4/2025 1
SAAPI CONFERENCE 2025 by Y Prahladh FAMOLA NGOBENI PSSA National Office WITS MAKES GLOBAL WAVES by M Turner 1-4 5 6-8 SNIPPETS FROM THE MUSEUM by L Terblanche 9 THE HEART BEHIND THE DESK by E Edelstein 10-11 WITS STUDENT AWARDS by P Tharage & R Gosai 12-13 SAPHEX 2025 by J Kariem 14-15 PSSA NATIONAL CONFERANCE 16 NELSON MANDELA DAY BY S Nabee 16 SAAPI CONFERENCE 2025 by K Boussamba– Digombou 17 SAAPI WORKSHOP DATES 18 ADVERTISING RATES 19 The Golden Mortar 4/2025 2
Exhibitions From L - R: Neil Kirby, Leanne Blumenthal & Prof Alex van den Heever From L - R: Ingrid Duvenhage (SAAPI President & Daphne Fakudi (SAHPRA) After 2.5 days of learning, discussions and networking, delegates left the 2025 SAAPI conference brimming with new ideas and hope. They return to their places of work ready to implement and educate their teams on the exciting future of the pharma industry. The key takeaway for us all is that AI is not the future – AI is here. We need to embrace and leverage these technologies responsibly rather than be afraid. The future of healthcare in South Africa is bursting with potential and the 2025 SAAPI Conference aimed to highlight the endless possibilities. Let us take what we have learnt forward and step boldly into the future together. …/ continued on page 4 The Golden Mortar 4/2025 3
Prof Pradeep Kumar Tshifhiwa Rabali (PSSA President) AT Adam Pnatanowitz The Golden Mortar 4/2025 4
Famola Ngobeni Professional Development and Support for the PSSA National “My goal is to ensure that every pharmacist—regardless of their sector—feels seen, supported, and equipped to excel.” Famola Suprise Ngobeni is a dynamic healthcare professional whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to the advancement of pharmacy practice in South Africa. As the newly appointed Professional Development and Support Officer at the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), Famola brings with him a wealth of experience, a passion for lifelong learning, and a clear vision to drive member development, professional excellence, and collaboration across all sectors of pharmacy. Famola’s academic and professional foundation is both deep and diverse, with qualifications that span an MBA, a Bachelor of Pharmacy, a BTech in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology. He has worked across hospital, retail, veterinary, and research settings, including roles at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, the University of Pretoria Veterinary Academic Hospital, and Clicks Pharmacies, bringing a holistic understanding of the profession’s challenges and opportunities Famola is no stranger to leadership within the profession. He has held several roles within the PSSA, including serving as Treasurer and Committee Member of the Pretoria Branch, a member of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists (SAACP) National Executive Committee, and a long-time contributor to youth and student pharmacist leadership initiatives. His hands-on involvement in mentorship and skills development reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of pharmacists. Famola as the Professional Development and Support Officer, will be responsible for steering the Society’s strategic projects on continuing professional development, managing stakeholder relationships, driving guideline and policy formulation, and supporting the professional growth of members. His role also includes aligning PSSA’s initiatives with global pharmacy developments through partnerships and benchmarking with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Famola’s vision is cantered on enabling members to thrive professionally through inclusive, relevant, and accessible development platforms. “I believe that professional development must be driven by the needs of our members and rooted in practice realities,” he says. “My goal is to ensure that every pharmacist—regardless of their sector—feels seen, supported, and equipped to excel.” He aims to harness the collective power of PSSA’s branches, sectors, and committees, while expanding the Society’s digital and educational footprint to foster continuous learning. With his blend of strategic insight, sector-spanning experience, and people-focused leadership, Famola is poised to add significant value to PSSA’s mission. He looks forward to collaborating with members, leaders, and stakeholders to shape a stronger, more united profession, one project, one conversation, and one step at a time. The PSSA Southern Gauteng Branch Welcomes You! The Golden Mortar 4/2025 5
Celebrating Recent Academic Highlights and International Recognition Over the past few months, the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP) at the University of the Witwatersrand has delivered a string of remarkable achievements, reinforcing its role as a powerhouse of pharmaceutical innovation in South Africa and beyond. From prestigious global appointments and international research collaborations to award-winning students and impactful publications, WADDP continues to elevate the profile of African pharmaceutical sciences on the world stage. At the heart of these successes is a strong commitment to excellence, mentorship, and global engagement — values that resonate with the broader mission of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa. As the landscape of pharmaceutical science evolves, particularly with the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D modelling, WADDP is not only keeping pace but helping to define the future of the field. This article highlights some of the most inspiring milestones from recent months, demonstrating how local expertise is contributing to global transformation — and how our South African scientists and students are actively shaping the next era of medicine.. WITS PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO WHO EXPERT COMMITTEE ON AI IN PHARMA A notable highlight in recent months is the appointment of Professor Yahya Choonara, Director of the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), to a global advisory body convened by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nominated by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Professor Choonara will serve on the WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations, contributing specifically to a newly established working group focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmaceutical manufacturing. His appointment, which spans from 2025 to 2027, underscores both his individual achievements and the growing global relevance of Wits' pharmaceutical sciences. The committee plays a pivotal role in developing global guidelines for medicine quality and production practices, and Choonara’s inclusion reflects his significant contributions to drug delivery science, manufacturing innovation, and regulatory research. Prof. Yahya Choonara Professor Choonara noted that AI presents a major opportunity to revolutionise pharmaceutical systems by enhancing quality control, improving production efficiency, and catalysing innovation. His involvement on the committee brings a South African perspective to an emerging global conversation and further reinforces Wits’ leadership in shaping the future of healthcare technologies. STUDENT EXCELLENCE AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT Alongside institutional accolades, the Department of Pharmacy at the University of the Witwatersrand continues to foster a dynamic environment where emerging researchers thrive. Driven by a strong culture of mentorship and international collaboration, WADDP’s postgraduate cohort is making impressive strides — securing competitive awards, contributing to high-impact research, and engaging with global scientific communities. These achievements not only reflect the calibre of the individuals involved but also the platform’s broader vision: to prepare the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists to tackle health challenges through innovation, collaboration, and academic rigour. From Europe to Africa, WADDP’s students are proudly flying the flag for South African science, shaping research agendas and strengthening international partnerships. …/ continued on page 7 The Golden Mortar 4/2025 6
Kruti Naik, a PhD candidate, has been awarded the Wits Foundation UK PhD Award 2024, which will support her research visit to Queen’s University Belfast. Her project focuses on nanotechnology solutions for ocular health, contributing to more accessible and effective patient-centric therapies. “This award is a dream come true,” said Kruti. “I’m excited to collaborate with world-class scientists and contribute insights that will strengthen South Africa’s healthcare landscape.” Kruti Naik Dr Lindokuhle Malibongwe Ngema was in Germany at RWTH Aachen’s Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, thanks to the TWAS–DFG Cooperation Visits Programme. His work in nanomedicine aims to foster innovation in healthcare solutions through international scientific collaboration. Dr Ngema credits his host, Professor Choonara, and the WADDP team for their unwavering support in advancing his career. Dr Lindokuhle Malibongwe Ngema Dr Divesha Essa recently co-organised and presented at the UCL-Wits Workshop on Preclinical Modelling of Cancer in 3D. Her presentation highlighted the therapeutic relevance of 3D in vitro models—a key innovation in cancer research. The workshop underscored the importance of Africa-based cancer science, setting the stage for more inclusive and representative global research collaborations. Dr Divesha Essa PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Researchers are not only pushing the boundaries of science but also making their voices heard in the wider academic and public spheres. …/ continued on page 7 The Golden Mortar 4/2025 7
Botle Moswatsi celebrated her first peer-reviewed publication in Biomaterials Advances (Elsevier). Her research explores bigels—hybrid biomaterials with potential applications in neurotrauma therapy. This work highlights the importance of biomimetic delivery systems in neuroregeneration and exemplifies the calibre of early-career researchers emerging from WADDP. On World TB Day, Dr Leon J. Khoza had the opportunity to share WADDP’s research on tuberculosis drug delivery during a live interview with SABC. As he noted, “The interview became a moment of pride and reflection on how far we’ve come.” His work, guided by Professors Choonara and Kumar, is funded by the NRF and contributes to vital innovation in South Africa’s fight against TB. Dr Leon J. Khoza CONCLUSION From high-level global appointments to groundbreaking research and student excellence, the Wits Pharmacy and the WADDP team continues to demonstrate what is possible when world-class science meets local impact. The team’s accomplishments serve as a beacon of what South African pharmaceutical science can offer the world— driving innovation, advancing health equity, and fostering a future generation of leaders in medicine. THE PSSA BOOK DEPARTMENT Do you know that the Book Department has a range of essential publications for pharmacists at preferential prices for members of the PSSA? From overseas publications such as Martindale, Merck Manual and Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary to local publications such as the South African Medicines Formulary (SAMF) and the Scheduled Substance Register. Ordering is this simple: Go to the PSSA website, www.pssa.org.za, click on the Hello, sign in button to order books at the discounted fee for members. Choose Book Store and complete online. Or Contact Dinette at PSSA National Office on (012) 470-9559 or at dinette@pssa.org.za The Golden Mortar 4/2025 8
R165 R325 R360 R95 To start your very own collection please contact: Lailaa @ 011 442 3615 management@pssasg.co.za Museum Snippets A glimpse into the rich history and hidden treasures of pharmacy, By Lynette Terblanche Cork Press The Cork Press was used by Pharmacists and Druggists to compress corks for medical bottles. It has three different diameters: ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, and ½ inch press points. It measures 9 ½ inches long and can be screwed down to a work surface. Cork Presses were used throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. They were found in Pharmacies and Drug stores across America. The handle is lifted, and a moistened cork is placed into the press by pushing the handle down. The cork compresses to the size of the bottle it needs to fit. The Golden Mortar 4/2025 9
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