Inside the University of Limpopo’s newly commissioned sterile laboratory, which is set to play a vital role in testing sensitive medical substances in Limpopo and surrounding provinces. Photos: Frans Nkhapele
By Isaack Duba – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) has officially visited the newly commissioned Sterile Laboratory at the University of Limpopo (UL), the first of its kind in Limpopo Province
This state-of-the-art facility has been designed to provide a highly controlled environment that prevents contamination during the preparation, handling, and testing of sensitive substances, including medications, biological samples, and surgical materials.
Commissioned by the designated contractor on 13 May 2025, the laboratory was completed just ahead of the SAPC’s accreditation and monitoring visit. The facility adds significant value to the delivery of UL’s Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum.
Located within the Department of Pharmacy in O-Block, the facility marks a major milestone in the University’s commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical education and improving healthcare services in the province. It will play a critical role in localising the preparation of sterile pharmaceutical products, while also giving students more accessible and meaningful practical training to enrich their academic experience and better prepare them for careers in healthcare.
Raesibe Madigoe from the SAPC commends UL’s Pharmacy programme for its progress, highlighting the new sterile lab and growing postgraduate cohort.
Raesibe Madigoe, representing the SAPC, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by UL’s Pharmacy programme since the previous evaluation in 2021.
“We are pleased to learn that the University now has over 50 postgraduate students, a sterile laboratory, and practical training sites that meet the required standards,” she stated.
The SAPC’s mandate is to protect public health and promote quality care by regulating pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel, ensuring professional accountability, and fostering innovation in healthcare delivery. The new sterile lab exemplifies these principles, reinforcing UL’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and professional training.
According to Professor Manimbulu Nlooto, Head of the Department of Pharmacy at UL, the laboratory is the result of sustained efforts to integrate academic learning with real-world application.
“This lab serves a dual purpose,” Prof Nlooto explained. “It provides a work-based learning environment for our students, and it is also envisioned to support the Limpopo Department of Health with the preparation and/or testing of sterile products, pending the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding. In this way, the lab effectively meets both educational and public health needs.”
Looking ahead, Prof Nlooto revealed that the facility has already attracted interest from individuals and organisations keen to formulate sterile ophthalmic preparations. The department is currently preparing an application to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), and once approved, the lab will be able to expand its operations from academic to commercial production.
“This development will not only elevate the University’s research profile but also position UL as a key player in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors,” said Prof Nlooto.