19 Oct Beyond the Lab: SAHPRA introduces NWU students to careers in Radiation Science and Regulatory Science
19 October 2026 – “I knew about SAHPRA as a regulator, but I did not know about the Radiation Control Unit and the work they do,” reflected a final-year BSc student during the University of North West (NWU)’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) in Action at the Mahikeng Campus on the 29th and 30th of September 2026. The event introduced science students to career opportunities through engagements with industry representatives, including SAHPRA, and highlighted pathways in radiation science and health products regulation.
For many university students, completing their studies and securing employment are top priorities, yet they may be unaware of the career paths available within their fields. Through its University Visits programme, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) engages students pursuing science and health-related qualifications to introduce them to the regulator’s work and the diverse career opportunities within the health products regulatory environment.
In his opening remarks, Professor Thebe Medupe, Deputy Dean for Teaching and Learning, highlighted the value of connecting students with industry.
“Events such as these give students first-hand access to industry and help them understand what employers are looking for. They enable students to start preparing themselves for the job market and understand the steps they need to take to realise their career ambitions after completing their studies.”
Echoing this sentiment, the Director of the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences and Associate Professor of Chemistry emphasised the importance of partnerships between universities and industry in developing the next generation of scientists.
“The development of future scientists requires strong partnerships between universities and industry. These engagements help students understand how their studies connect to real-world opportunities and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s scientific workforce.”
Dithole Seepamore, a Radiation Scientist at SAHPRA and an NWU graduate, shared insights into his day-to-day responsibilities, career opportunities in radiation science and SAHPRA’s role in regulating the safe use of radiation. “There are specialised career paths in science that students may not have previously considered, and engagements like these help them understand the opportunities available, he said”.
SAHPRA’s participation in the SPCS in Action Career Days reinforces its commitment to stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing and the development of South Africa’s future scientific workforce. By connecting students with professionals working in specialised regulatory fields, the University Visits programme helps make lesser-known career paths more visible and enables students to better understand how their qualifications can contribute to protecting public health.