Page 9 - AnnualReport2022-23

PAR T A: GENERAL INFORMATION

2024/25 Strategic Plan and were realised without collaborations, and financial performance. The
lowering the high standard of locally impactful work represented in this Annual Report is essential
and globally competitive research conducted and for informing policy decisions, advancing scientific
supported by the SAMRC. knowledge, and building a skilled workforce that can
address the country’s health challenges.
The SAMRC’s research programmes address
national priorities as articulated by the President In 2022, the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla,
of South Africa, and are aligned with various national appointed a new Board of the SAMRC. I would like
strategies and frameworks, such as the National to take this opportunity to pass my gratitude to the
Development Plan, the Medium-Term Strategic previous Board members and in the same breath,
Framework 2019-2024, and the national policies, welcome the new Board members.
particularly those of the National Department of
Health. No organisation can succeed without proper and
exemplary leadership. I would like to thank the
Transformation remains at the top of our agenda President and CEO Prof Glenda Gray and her
to ensure that the medical and science graduates executive management committee for passionately
within the intramural programme and the staff, in leading this organisation.
general, reflect the demographic of the country
in all positions in the organisation. To this end, It is also said that employees are the lifeblood of a
in the year under review, the SAMRC Board company who keeps it alive. Without our researchers
supported the introduction of a new position and support staff, our offices and laboratories are
just empty buildings. Our staff brings life to these
of the Executive Director-Transformation on the buildings and laboratories by implementing the
Executive Management Committee. The purpose organisation’s strategy, vision and mission.
of this position is to reimagine transformation in the
SAMRC in the broader context, to strengthen and And lastly to our stakeholders – locally and
expand the transformation forum and to make sure internationally – we appreciate the great partnerships
that while the organization transforms it remains that we have, and it is through collaboration that we
relevant and fit for purpose. can tackle the health challenges in this world and
make a meaningful impact on the people we serve.
The Board welcomes this edition of the annual report
as a comprehensive document that provides insights
into the state of health research in South Africa.
The report highlights the council’s achievements
and challenges in conducting and funding research
that addresses the country’s health challenges.
The report also provides insights into the council’s Professor Johnny Mahlangu
capacity development initiatives, partnerships and SAMRC Board Chairperson

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