2026 70th Annual SAPSF Conference
Theme: Shaping the Future of Pharmacy Students with a focus on Governance and Unemployment
Dates: 6th–8th March 2026
Venue: Inani Hotel, Pretoria, Gauteng
Introduction
The 70th SAPSF Conference convened pharmacy student leaders, interns, and sector representatives from across South Africa under the theme; “Shaping the Future of Pharmacy Students with a focus on Governance and Unemployment.” Held at Inani Hotel, Pretoria, the conference aimed to address two critical issues facing the profession: student governance structures, which are SAPSF and the 9 branches, and the rising challenge of pharmacy graduates’ unemployment.
Day 1: Arrival, Networking, and Community Building
The first day focused on registration and integration of delegates. After check-ins, the delegates participated in an introductory session later that evening, so as to foster familiarity among participants. The evening featured board games and fun interactions, which laid the groundwork for smooth, fruitful and collaborative discussions in the subsequent conference days.
Day 2: Formal Proceedings and Branch Reports
The formal conference proceedings started on the 7th of March 2026 under the facilitation of Miss Gamuchirai Nyereyegona, the outgoing IPSF Contact Person for SAPSF, who served as MC for the duration of the conference. The opening ceremony included introductions of branches and guests, with a welcome address by Mrs Tarryn Robertson, the outgoing SAPSF Fundraiser, who set the context for the conference theme.
The conference opened with an address by the outgoing President, Mr. Kevin Phehla, who highlighted the pressing issue of internship placement challenges experienced by interns in the previous year. He emphasized that securing internships remains a crucial matter requiring coordinated attention moving forward. Following the presidential address, branch representatives presented institutional reports. Presentations were delivered by TUTAPS, ULAPS, and WPSC branches. The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University branch submitted an apology for absence, as their chairperson was in absentia and therefore the branch was unable to present.
Mr Tiko Khosa, IPSF AfRO Regional Media & Publications Officer presented on the role of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation and the importance of affiliating with the Regional Working Group as SAPSF, He also spoke about the upcoming IPSF AfRO symposium to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, and encouraged participation from the Federation.
Mr Thapelo Malatji, representing the South African Young Pharmacists’ Association (SAYPA), focused his address on graduate unemployment. He outlined SAYPA’s mandate as a support structure for young pharmacists transitioning out of university. He then urged SAPSF to take a more active advocacy role in addressing the issue of pharmacists’ unemployment and further emphasized that student governance bodies must work deliberately and create support for graduates navigating a constrained job market.
On military service pathways, Lieutenant Colonel Precious Ncayiya, introduced military pharmacy as a career pathway one could venture into, and she gave an overview of the scope of practice, service obligations, and employment options for pharmacy graduates. Ms Refiloe Mogale, Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa, opened the morning session and provided insights from the PSSA’s perspective on student governance and support structures. She emphasized three core issues students and the profession in general is currently facing and these include; lack of youth representation and unity across student/professional bodies, the need for patience and persistence in policy change, and flexibility in career pathways beyond roles requiring a pharmacist. She urged active participation in student associations and pharmacy organizations in order for students to shape the profession.
Mr Thabang Owen Malatji, South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) board member and RA & QA pharmacist, closed the morning session by urging SAPSF to engage the SAPC and the Minister of Health on intern absorption. He also emphasized that SAPSF has a lot of contributions it can do, both for the profession and challenges faced by the profession. He encouraged that SAPSF approaches pharmaceutical companies directly for increased intern uptake and ask for student representation within industry forums. While giving this advice, he also spoke on leadership and reminded students to keep the people they serve at the center.
Day 2: Afternoon proceedings
Outgoing Secretary’s Report: Mr Sello Madibela presented an administrative overview of SAPSF operations, membership updates across branches, and current governance matters.
Outgoing Treasurer’s Financial Report: Miss Stacey Kundiona delivered the Treasurer’s presentation on SAPSF’s financial position, highlighting that sourcing funds is the most challenging part and that the incoming PRESCO should work towards better strategies of approaching sponsors.
Election of new presidential committee
The election proceedings were conducted between 18:00–18:10 in the afternoon, following the appointment of Mr Tiko Khosa as an electoral officer. Nominations were opened to the floor, with candidates indicating interest by raised hands. Following the nomination phase, voting was conducted via secret ballot by delegates.
The following Presidential Committee was elected:
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President: Mr. Tshepiso Tenacious Mashiloane
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Vice President: Mr. Erance Sibiya
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Treasurer General: Ms. Gamuchirai Nyereyegona
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Secretary General: Mr. Desmond Ngobeni
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Deputy Secretary General: Ms. Tshinakaho Petronella Mukoma
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Media and Communications Officer: Mr. Rapitsi Ronny Matome
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Editor: Ms. Azande Botha
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Public Initiative Officer: Mr. Tshephang Mashele
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Student Exchange Officer: Mr. Osman Mabunda
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Fundraiser: Ms. Nombula Mosa Mamello
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IPSF Contact Person: Ms. Phenyo Tjale
SAPSF PRESCO 2026
The session concluded with an address by the newly elected President, Mr. Tshepiso Tenacious Mashiloane, who outlined the priorities and
vision for the incoming term.
For more conference highlights, see the following links:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mb9z9cmno7dui0mijl96i/AGVLUpkP_RktEYugVBg5tNg?rlkey=zm6epkd8n5zd5z96j6rc1mqco&st=1md2l456&dl=0 and https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pntdsum88z77pm1fqme0a/ABxsRiunk2bnYzR0eOEO_fM?rlkey=wwty7844bdbpl0zhl0sqk3555&st=yo42p58d&dl=0
Rapitsi Matome
SAPSF Media and Communications Officer 2026
BPharm Final Year Student (TUT).
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