Given the diversity of opportunities highlighted above, there are good opportunities for pharmacists in South Africa.  There is currently a shortage of pharmacists in the country.  Many Pharmacists get involved in leadership roles, such as business development and regional managers in the larger Pharmaceutical groups in South Africa (for example, Medirite, Clicks, DisChem etc).  Many Pharmaceutical roles require adherence to retail hours which means sometimes having to work late and/or on weekends and public holidays.

Skills required will be dependent on the type of role you are in.  In Academia and Research, qualities will be different from those required in retail Pharmacy and leadership roles.  The list of qualities described below is not necessarily applicable to all roles, but does provide a good guideline of the qualities required to be a Pharmacist.

• Organized
• Reliable
• Meticulous, with attention to detail
• Have an interest in Chemistry
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills
• Professional
• Excellent IT and administrative skills
• Commercial acumen and business sense
• Analytical and strategic capabilities
• Strong personal and professional integrity
• Resilient and resourceful

Whilst there is a shortage of Pharmacists in South Africa, there are some challenges attaining community service postings, as provincial health departments have scaled back on the number of posts they are able to offer.  There are limited options to complete community service in the private healthcare sector. 

Once qualified, there are several career path options, as already mentioned. 

Given the different types of opportunities available to Pharmacists, there is a demand in this field.  As our private health care sector expands and many retailers incorporate Pharmacies in-store, this is a growing field.

Association membership options:

The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)