20 Jul SAHPRA Inspires Rhodes Science Students to Shape the Future of Health Regulation
Pretoria, 20 July 2026 – Approximately 200 pharmacy and science students at Rhodes University gathered at the University’s Makhanda campus, formerly Grahamstown, on 9 July to explore careers in health product regulation during the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority’s (SAHPRA) participation in the University’s Career Day. The session provided students with first-hand insights into career opportunities within the regulator and inspired the next generation of professionals who will help safeguard public health through science, regulation and innovation.
The session forms part of SAHPRA’s commitment to nurturing future regulatory professionals. Students interacted with experts from Pharmacovigilance (PV), Inspectorate, Performance Evaluation and Monitoring (PEM), Human Resources (HR), Finance and Communications, gaining first-hand insights into the Authority’s work and the diverse career paths available within the organisation.
The session showcased SAHPRA’s critical role in ensuring that medicines, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and other health products available in South Africa meet the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy. Students also learned how scientific knowledge is applied in medicine safety monitoring, regulatory inspections, organisational performance and stakeholder engagement. The Human Resources team also shared information on graduate opportunities, including internships and learnerships, available within the Authority.
One of the students who attended the Career Day said the engagement had broadened her understanding of career opportunities available to science graduates.
“I always thought my career options were limited to research or working in a laboratory. Today I discovered that I could use my science qualification to protect public health through regulation. The session has inspired me to explore opportunities with SAHPRA after graduation.”
SAHPRA Head of Communications, Rodgers Baloyi, said exposing students to regulatory science helps broaden their career aspirations while strengthening the future of South Africa’s healthcare system.
“Many science students are familiar with careers in research, laboratories or clinical practice, but fewer are aware of the vital role regulators play in protecting patients. By engaging students early, we are opening their eyes to meaningful careers that combine science with public service and inspire them to become future custodians of medicine safety and public health.”
Rhodes University Pharmacy Practice Lecturer , Lynda Bryant , welcomed SAHPRA’s participation and praised the value of the engagement.
“We appreciate SAHPRA for investing time in our students. Hearing directly from professionals across different disciplines gave them a broader perspective on where their qualifications can take them. Partnerships like these strengthen the connection between academic learning and the workplace while inspiring students to pursue careers that make a real difference to society.”
The Career Day reaffirmed SAHPRA’s commitment to developing future regulatory talent, strengthening partnerships with institutions of higher learning and building a capable workforce dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all South Africans.