Clicks Group representatives train UL pharmacy students on modern pharmaceutical systems as part of a collaborative initiative to prepare future health professionals. Photo: Mohau Seleka
Two-day training workshop equips Bachelor of Pharmacy students with industry-relevant systems and practical retail experience
By Rinae Manenzhe – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Pharmacy education is rapidly evolving as universities and industry partners work together to ensure graduates are equipped with the practical skills demanded by modern healthcare
In a significant step towards bridging theory and practice, the University of Limpopo (UL) hosted a two-day pharmacy training workshop in collaboration with Clicks Group, aimed at preparing Bachelor of Pharmacy students for professional practice.
The workshop focused on hands-on exposure to advanced pharmacy systems and technologies commonly used in retail pharmacy environments. The initiative sought to strengthen students’ practical competencies and ensure they are able to transition seamlessly into workplace settings upon graduation.
Day one centred on intensive system-based training, where students engaged directly with digital dispensing platforms and operational tools used in retail pharmacies. On day two, stakeholders gathered to reflect on the impact of the programme and celebrate the growing partnership between UL and Clicks Group, a collaboration rooted in shared commitment to student development and healthcare excellence.
Letta Mathebula, Pharmacy Practice Manager at Clicks Group, explained that the initiative was spearheaded by Clicks pharmacists who are alumni of UL and are passionate about giving back.
“We are a group of pharmacists who studied here, and we wanted to bring change to the Department of Pharmacy. We are proud to bring this project to UL and help prepare students for the real pharmacy environment,” she said.
She added that investing in students early builds confidence and competence. “It is important for us to invest in students so that they can be job-ready, successful and confident. We support them through bursaries, internships, community service placements and employment opportunities within Clicks.”
From the university’s perspective, the collaboration enhances curriculum relevance and strengthens industry alignment. Noko Moloto, a lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at UL, emphasised the importance of exposing students to real-world technologies.
“The collaboration with Clicks enhances our students’ exposure to technologies that are advancing and being incorporated into the profession. Pharmacy is a dynamic field, and it is essential that students are trained to use systems they will encounter in the workplace,” she said.
“Our goal is to ensure that when students go out for practical training or internships, they are already knowledgeable and able to work efficiently, providing quality services to patients.”
Students who participated in the workshop described the experience as transformative. Final-year Bachelor of Pharmacy student Dennis Thaba said the training provided valuable insight into advanced dispensing systems.
“It is important for us to invest in students so that they can be job-ready, successful and confident.”
“This was an exceptional experience. The new system is more advanced and makes processes simpler compared to the systems we used before,” he said. “It will help me manage medication more efficiently and prepare me to work with different systems in the future. I already feel inspired and closer to becoming a professional pharmacist.”
Second-year student Kamogelo Lesebe echoed similar sentiments. “It was exciting to be selected because it gives us experience with systems used in real pharmacies,” she said.