Mr. Matlapeng Shabalala is a passionate and forward-thinking pharmacist based in Pretoria, South Africa. With a deep commitment to healthcare, community empowerment, and leadership, Mr. Shabalala has made significant strides in the field of pharmacy, particularly in the areas of regulatory affairs and patient safety.

He currently serves as the Deputy Responsible Pharmacist (Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance Manager) at Viya Health, where he plays a critical role in ensuring the availability and quality of essential health products. Mr. Shabalala began his academic journey at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), graduating in 2016, and completed his internship at Kalapeng Pharmacy. His commitment to public health led him to join the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in 2019, where he worked as a Community Service Pharmacist and later as a full-time member of the Medical Device Unit until 2023.

From the outset of his career, Mr. Shabalala has shown exceptional leadership potential. As Vice Chairperson of TUTULAPS in 2015/2016, he championed the voice of pharmacy students and served as a representative for the PSSA Pretoria Branch. His leadership continued as Chairperson of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) Youth Pharmacist Group (YPG), culminating in a role on the National Steering Committee for the 2019/2020 term.

Mr. Shabalala’s journey is a powerful example of how young professionals can lead from the front—with innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. His professional path is not only defined by positions held but also by the meaningful impact he continues to make in the pharmacy community. He remains actively involved in professional associations and continues to advocate for the responsible use of medication and the fight against counterfeit medicines.