The Portfolio Committee on Health today met with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) for a briefing on the council’s mandate, regulatory functions and current priorities, including its role in regulating pharmacy education and practice.
In its presentation, the SAPC highlighted that a process is underway to review the Pharmacy Human Resources Plan for South Africa and address several shortcomings. These include the pharmacist-to-population ratio, which is below the global average and the World Health Organisation-recommended ratio of 1:2 300; pharmaceutical services not offered on a 24-hour basis in most hospitals; and pharmacist unemployment levels, despite South Africa’s present need for pharmaceutical services.
Committee members were concerned about the failure to open hospital pharmacies on a 24-hour basis, which they say affects service quality when the pharmacies are closed. The committee also questioned the council about the shortage of pharmacists in rural areas. In response, the SAPC said pharmacists are distributed in line with South Africa’s population.
“When people apply for a licence, we make sure they are not concentrated in urban areas and townships only, but also in rural areas,” explained Mr Mogologolo Phasha, the SAPC President.
Responding to the committee’s observation about black-owned pharmacies and what looks like a takeover by big companies, Mr Phasha said the corporate invasion increased rapidly when legislation was promulgated allowing non-pharmacists to open pharmacies. “When the law allowed non-pharmacist to open pharmacies, that is when we saw invasion by big corporates. We have now commissioned a study by the University of North West about ownership regulation, and the report is expected in July this year,” Mr Phasha said.
Committee Chairperson Ms Faith Muthambi had concerns about SAPC’s salary bill of R82 million, which is 58% of the revenue. “I am happy about your positive financial position. However, there are several areas of concern, such as the employee cost, which is above the 33 percent norm. Is it sustainable?” she asked.
“The work that we do is service-based. We need people to provide the service. We have no other expenditure besides salaries and people. For us to provide the service, we need people. The salary bill is capped at 60% and it is closely monitored by council,” explained the SAPC registrar, Mr Vincent Tlala.
Members of the committee questioned why patient information leaflets in medication packages were mainly in English and Afrikaans. The SAPC replied that this is the responsibility of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority but the law allows for any two official languages to be used.
Committee member Mr Moshome Motubatse raised an issue with Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike serving in the council and called on her to resign, calling the situation unethical. He did not accept explanation from the council that on her appointment as Deputy Minister, Ms Letsike followed all the necessary processes, including approval from the Chief Whip of her party in Parliament to continue serving on the SAPC.
“It is unethical for the Deputy Minister to serve in the pharmacy council. She must resign from that position. We cannot condone unethical behaviour and misconduct through paperwork,” said Mr Motubatse.
Ms Muthambi said the committee’s engagement with SAPC is important, not only for accountability purposes but also to ensure that the regulatory framework supports a responsive, ethical and patient-centred healthcare system that advances equal access to healthcare services for all South Africans.
“The regulation of pharmacy practice and education is essential in ensuring that the public has access to safe, effective and quality pharmaceutical services. The SAPC occupies a critical role in safeguarding professional standards, promoting ethical conduct, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and protecting the health and wellbeing of the public,” she said.
Sakhile Mokoena
20 May 2026
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