Rhodes University Faculty of Pharmacy Celebrates 70 Years and a R265-Million Refurbishment

By: Eric Sibiya

At the heart of Rhodes University’s commitment to academic excellence, the Faculty of Pharmacy recently marked two milestones: 70 years of educating pharmacists and the official unveiling of a newly refurbished R265-million building. This state-of-the-art Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences building has been designed to support cutting-edge education, research, and community engagement. The celebration brought together university leadership, the Faculty of Pharmacy staff, students, alumni, and project partners to reflect on the faculty’s history and vision for the future. The Department of Chemistry hosted a similar celebration in August 2025.

The celebration opened with a warm welcome by Ms Lynda Bryant, who emphasised the faculty’s integral role within the University and its ongoing contribution to Rhodes University’s reputation for academic and scientific excellence.

The Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof Sandile Khamanga, described the refurbished building as more than just an infrastructure upgrade. “It is about strengthening our capacity to train pharmacists, advance pharmaceutical research, and engage meaningfully with communities,” he said.

Following the Dean, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships, Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, addressed the audience. She congratulated the faculty on the dual celebration of the refurbished building and its 70th platinum anniversary, noting how these milestones reflect Rhodes University’s commitment to excellence.

Dr Mzilikazi highlighted the faculty’s research and innovation contributions, particularly the establishment of the Bioequivalence Research Initiative, which strengthened pharmaceutical research and enabled access to affordable medicines both nationally and internationally. She emphasised the importance of infrastructure in supporting scientific discovery, explaining that modern laboratories, specialised equipment, and collaborative spaces are essential to producing high-quality research outcomes and developing skilled postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers.

“Excellent research does not happen in the abstract,” Dr Mzilikazi said, quoting a speech Dr Steven Altschuler delivered in 2014 during his time as the CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). “It happens in laboratories, around instruments, and through the careful stewardship of the spaces in which discovery takes place. But infrastructure also teaches us the importance of collaboration—sharing ideas, sharing space, and building communities of researchers working alongside one another.” Dr Altschuler’s point was that building a multi-million-dollar facility is not just about the "bricks and mortar." He argued that: (1) The Building is a Tool - The architecture itself facilitates the "stewardship" of ideas, and (2) Proximity Breeds Innovation - By forcing researchers to share space, you increase the "collision rate" of new ideas.

Dr Iain L’Ange, who oversaw the refurbishment project, provided insights into the technical and logistical challenges involved. The building now features modern laboratories, advanced climate and ventilation systems, high-purity water and gas infrastructure, and precision-controlled research spaces to meet international pharmaceutical standards. “This is a smart facility, designed not just for 2026, but for the technologies of 2050,” he explained, highlighting the team’s dedication to excellence despite supply chain delays and structural challenges in the 60-year-old building.

The project brought together a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including architects, engineers, contractors, and university staff, particularly in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Chemistry Department. Their collaborative approach ensured that the academic programme could continue uninterrupted during construction, while delivering state-of-the-art facilities for students and researchers.

Reflecting on the faculty’s history, Prof Rod Walker traced pharmacy teaching at Rhodes University back to 1956, when it was initially offered within the Department of Chemistry. Since then, the programme has evolved through several iterations, from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences to the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences before becoming the fully fledged Faculty of Pharmacy in 2000. “Over the past 70 years, the faculty has produced more than 4,200 graduates,” Prof Walker said. “These pharmacists have gone on to make significant contributions locally, nationally, and internationally, demonstrating the enduring impact of Rhodes University’s pharmacy education.”

Dr Leonie Goosen expressed gratitude to key individuals who made the refurbishment possible, including Dr L’Ange, the project team, faculty staff, alumni, and university leadership. She emphasised the careful planning, oversight, and investment required to realise the vision, noting that the new facilities will serve as a legacy for both current and future generations of pharmacists.

The celebration also featured the launch of the faculty’s 70th anniversary branding, unveiled by Ms Unami Sibanda and Ms Clarris Magadza. The new logo thoughtfully integrates symbols central to pharmacy: a mortar and pestle, the molecular structure of aspirin, capsules and tablets, and flowing elements representing knowledge transfer, research, and discovery. It will serve as the foundation for all communications, events, and merchandise related to the 70-year celebration.

Throughout 2026, the faculty plans a series of events and initiatives to commemorate its platinum anniversary. These include Pharmacy Fridays, alumni seminars, 70 hours of community service, research symposia, and a week-long celebration from 21 to 26 September, culminating in a gala dinner. The activities aim to connect students, staff, alumni, and industry partners while celebrating the faculty’s legacy and impact.

Concluding the formal proceedings, Dr Siyabonga Melamane offered a heartfelt vote of thanks to all stakeholders involved in the refurbishment and anniversary celebrations. He invited attendees to participate in guided tours of the refurbished facilities, providing a first-hand view of the upgraded laboratories, teaching spaces, and research infrastructure that will support the next generation of Rhodes University pharmacists.

With this refurbishment and the 70-year celebrations, the Faculty of Pharmacy not only honours its past but positions itself at the forefront of pharmaceutical education and research, ready to meet the demands of healthcare and innovation for decades to come.