“Golf… is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.”
Mr Masango attended primary and secondary school in Hammanskraal before moving on to high school in Hebron, Pretoria North, where he matriculated in 1979. As a young boy, Mr Masango dreamed of entering the medical profession and indeed that was his aim when he began studying in 1980. In 1982, at the University of the North, after successfully completing his first year of studies, Mr Masango was offered the opportunity to either continue on the path to a medical degree or to study towards a pharmacy degree. By this stage, Mr Masango had fallen in love with pharmacy and decided that he would dedicate his life and career to that profession.
A passion for learning had always driven Mr Masango forwards, and after successfully completing his undergraduate studies, he chose to study further, gaining a Master of Science in Medicine (MSc (Med.)) from the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA) (now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University). With these qualifications and a love for pharmacy, he entered the profession as an intern in 1987, following which he became a production pharmacist and continued his upwards career trajectory to management.
After spending several years in the manufacturing industry, Mr Masango chose to expand his horizons and moved into the public sector, joining the erstwhile KwaNdebele government to start a pharmaceutical services unit. After the 1994 general elections, Mr Masango was given a new task – that of developing and unifying the pharmaceutical services in the new Mpumalanga Provincial Health Department.
A few years later, Mr Masango was appointed to the South African Pharmacy Council. This was followed by his appointment as the Manager: Pharmacy Education at the SAPC in 2001. He became the Senior Manager – Professional Affairs from July 2003 until 2004, responsible for both Pharmacy Education and Practice units, when he successfully applied for the position of Registrar and CEO, a position he held for over 16 years.
Mr Masango has always taken his duty to the pharmacy profession and the South African public very seriously. During his tenure as Registrar, Mr Masango has ensured the good governance and sound financial management of the SAPC. He has been at the helm while the pharmacy profession boomed from 440 graduates a year in 2009 to over 800 graduates a year in 2020, not to mention the growth in pharmacy facilities and support personnel.
As a leader, Mr Masango has always inspired and motivated his staff, as can be seen in the messages of dedication to him from the Senior Management Team at the SAPC (view here). With an open-door policy, patience and a generous spirit, Mr Masango has taken a personal interest in every one of his staff members. Like any true mentor, Mr Masango has quietly encouraged and built-up his staff, celebrating their successes and commiserating in their sorrows.
Now that the time has come for Mr Masango to vacate his position of Registrar/CEO, we are in no doubt that he will continue to serve the pharmacy profession and the population of South Africa for many years to come.
“I will be pursuing some business ventures now, as I still have a lot of energy”, says Mr Masango upon enquiring about his retirement plans.
Always one to encourage his peers, Mr Masango has this advice for young pharmacists who are now entering the profession:
“Pharmacy is a lovely profession, which keeps evolving, you just have to be passionate about it to enjoy it.”
We hope that you have enjoyed your time with us as Registrar, Mr Masango. We will forever be grateful for the enormous contributions you have made to Pharmacy in South Africa. You have served us faithfully and well, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
