The theme for 2012 was, Pharming the Future: Beyond the Counter and the conference provided an opportunity for students to learn from many accomplished guest speakers and each other. It also allowed students to debate, socialize and network with their future colleagues. The theme succeeded in provoking thoughts about how pharmacy is a hands-on profession that requires continuing work in aspects such as patient care and continuing professional development.

 

The outgoing Presidential Committee (PresCo) delivered reports detailing activities, achievements, and progress made during their term of office, one of which included the development of the SAPSF website.

 

An academic address was given by Dimitris Georgiou, a masters student at the University of Witwatersrand in Pharmacy Practice. They explained the benefits of pursuing postgraduate education in pharmacy. One of the highlights of the week was the talk on Substance Abuse given by Mr David Bayever. He discussed the issues faced by the community due to the abuse of recreational drugs, and prescription medications and the role of the pharmacist in combating this. Another thought-provoking talk which went hand-in-hand with the theme Pharming the Future: Beyond the Counter, was a CPD session on Medication Therapy Monitoring (MTM) that encouraged pharmacists to be more involved with their patients’ treatment. This sparked a good debate and discussion. Other talks were given by: Professor Viness Pillay on Advanced Drug Delivery; Patient Focus, Niall Haggerty from Dis-Chem, who were the platinum sponsors for the Conference; Roger Moult from the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA), Autism SA, Pharmadynamics and FNB

 

The conference was not without entertainment and fun such as the SAAHIP Clinical Skills Competition which required the participants to assess a case study and appropriately prescribe medication. This was won by Yugeshnee Naik and Leshania Naicker from UKNAPS. Life Healthcare also presented a Patient Counselling Competition where participants were required to counsel a patient on using an asthma pump. This was won by Antoinette Amankrah from RUPSA.

 

The conference organizers also acknowledged the achievements of the branches and individuals both during the year and the conference with the following awards:

 

The Penny Ambler Memorial:  Mcedisi Zuma

Awarded to the first time delegate to the congress for overall performance.

 

The Lorraine Osman Trophy:  Leshania Naiker

Awarded to the best observer at the congress for overall performance.

 

The Nic Scheeper Memorial:  Abednigo Nkosi

Awarded to the delegate at congress for overall performance.

 

The SAPSF Trophy:  Sanjula Dhanraj

Awarded to the best member of SAPSF based on involvement in their branch and SAPSF during the year as well as congress.

 

The Senate Inaugural Trophy:  ULAPS – Tebo Milanzi

Awarded to the member of SAPSF for best individual contribution to a project to be decided annually by the Vice-President.

 

The Mer National Trophy:  PASV

Awarded to the branch of SAPSF, which in the opinion of the executive committee has contributed the most to the services/development of the community.

 

The SAPSF Service Award :  Dis-Chem

Awarded to any organization or person who has assisted the SAPSF in that particular year.

 

The Stavros Nicolaou Trophy:  PASV

Awarded to the branch having participated most effectively in fundraising for that particular year.

 

The NPSA Memorial Award:  RUPSA

Awarded to the branch presenting the best project at the conference.

 

The Emmanuel S’Busiso Mkhizi Memorial Trophy: PASV & ULAPS

Awarded by the Secretary of the SAPSF to the best branch in communication.   

 

The Spirit Award: WPSC

Awarded to the branch with the best team spirit, judged by their participation during congress.

 

Honorary life membership is granted to any pharmacist who has rendered sustained and distinguished service to the SAPSF.

Honorary Life Membership was awarded to the following:  Dr Sybil Seoka, Raydon Juta, Sanjula Dhanraj, Cindy Hayward and Fadzai Munedzimwe.

 

An "Old Boy" is any pharmacist or pharmacy student in at least his/her fifth year of study/internship and having attended three or more SAPSF Conferences.

Old Boy status was awarded to the following: Selby Masuku, Lutendo Makgopo, Phumeza Mlonzi, Fadzai Munedzimwe, Arnold Machaka, Mafeta Mathapo, Litshani Mathimane, Mahlako Letoaba, Lebogang Maluleke, Thulasizwe Shelembe, Antoinette Amankrah, Theodette Golden, Ditebogo Milanzi and Ntokozo Madlopha.

 

The 59th Annual SAPSF Conference came to an end with the election of the 2012/2013 Presidential Committee and the introduction of a new position; Public Initiative Officer.

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President: Fadzai Munedzimwe

Vice-President: Lutendo Makgopo

Treasurer: Sanjula Dhanraj

General Secretary: Keneilwe Rabaji

Media and Communications Officer: Liniah Mumbengegwi

Student Exchange Officer: Mmakgabo Chokwe

Editor: Cindy Hayward

Public Initiative Officer: Phumeza Mlonzi

 

The 59th SAPSF would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the staff and students of the University of Witwatersrand, the outgoing PresCo and its many sponsors who also delivered presentations about their services to young pharmacists. The 2012/2013 PresCo thanks you and is enthusiastic and passionate to serve the students of the Federation and look forward to the 60th Annual SAPSF Conference in 2013 to be hosted by the NWU Potchefstroom branch, PASV.