The YPG network consists of individual members of PSSA who are recent graduates (up to five years after graduation from their first degree in pharmacy) or are below the age of 35 years. The YPG is a network existing within the PSSA whose function is to acquaint its members with the PSSA structure and help them with the transition from being recent graduates to becoming active, contributing members of the PSSA.
The mission of the YPG is to promote the goals of PSSA by encouraging the young members of PSSA to participate in PSSA projects and activities. In so doing, YPG aims to develop individuals who can act as agents of positive change at local, national and international levels, both in the profession and in society.
The PSSA YPG annually awards a Professional Innovation Project (PIP) Grant to a young pharmacist. The goal of the PIP is to promote innovation in the profession of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences through supporting creative projects by young pharmacists (pharmacy practitioners and pharmaceutical scientists), which directly or indirectly benefit or improve health and demonstrate the value added by pharmacy to health.
The General Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the YPG. It is composed of all YPG members.
The General Assembly is responsible for:
General Assembly decisions will be determined by a simple majority of the members present, unless otherwise specified. Voting will proceed by a show of hands unless a secret ballot is requested and approved of by the General Assembly. The General Assembly shall meet at least once a year on a date as close to the PSSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) as possible. Should the AGM be cancelled in a particular year, the General Assembly shall convene in accordance with the provisions made for such an alternative meeting as prescribed in the PSSA Constitution.
The Steering Committee shall consist of at least a Chair and two additional members who coordinate YPG projects and oversee YPG public relations, respectively. The immediate past chair of the YPG SC may be invited to join the incoming SC as an ad-hoc member for a period not exceeding one mandate in order to provide guidance and support to the incoming SC members.
These include, but are not limited to:
Steering Committee members shall be elected for a one year term with the possibility of re-election for one additional term only.
The YPG Operating Guidelines is an official document that governs the operations of the YPG and outlines the proceedings of the General Assembly. Nothing in the Operating Guidelines shall contradict the PSSA Constitution and its Regulations. Access the operating guidelines here.
For more information, you can contact YPG at ypg@pssa.org.za or like them on Facebook at Young Pharmacists’ Group of PSSA.
