SMU Students, Mr. Thulani Motha and Ms. Rendani Tshilambwana were recently elected as President and Media & Communication Officers, of South African Pharmaceutical Students Federation (SAPSF) Presidential Committee, respectively. The two SMU students, along with other members of the committee have a mandate of uniting all pharmacy students in South Africa through provision of leadership, addressing the student’s needs and improving their standing and recognition within the health care fraternity.

Motha is a Master of Pharmacy Student specialising in Public Health Pharmacy & Management, while Tshilambwana is a third year student in Pharmacy. Their plans for the federation to serve their constituency. As the incoming president, Motha said he would prioritise addressing the challenges faced by the graduates when seeking internship and community service placement. “Collectively with other members of the committee, I will strive for placement of graduates into the industry. Currently we have a challenge of graduates unable to get internship placement. That issue will be addressed quickly with all relevant stakeholders to have a mutual understanding when it comes to solutions,” said Motha.

As the incumbent of the Media and Communication portfolio, Ms. Tshilambwana envisions taking the federation’s communication division to greater heights. “Under my leadership, the media and communication division will engage pharmacy students on various health care topics that will enhance our knowledge”, she said.

By Tumelo Moila