Page 11 - SAMRC Strategic Plan

1. SAMRC Act’s mandate 2. Constitutional mandate

The mandate of the South African Medical Research 2.1 Constitutional mandate
Council is legislated in terms of Act 58, 1991 (as The South African Constitutional base which
amended): ‘the objects of the SAMRC are, through supports the SAMRC’s mandate are Chapter 2- Bill
research, development and technology transfer, to of Rights, Chapter 10 - Public Administration and
promote the improvement of the health and quality Chapter 13- Finance. The following sections of the
of life of the population of the Republic, and to Bill of Rights, without limitation, are particularly
perform such functions as maybe assigned to the relevant for the SAMRC.
SAMRC by or under this Act’.

2.1.1 Chapter 2: Bill of Rights
SECTION HEADING DESCRIPTION
9 Equality All the rights contained in this equality section
10 Human dignity Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected
and protected
12(2)(c) Freedom and security of the Everyone has the right to bodily and psychological integrity, which includes
person the right not to be subjected to medical or scientific experiments without
their informed consent
14(a) Privacy Everyone has the right to privacy, which includes the right not to have the
privacy of their communications infringed
16(1)(d) Freedom of expression Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes academic
freedom and freedom of scientific research
23 Labour relations All the rights contained in this labour relations section
24(a) Environment Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health
or wellbeing

27 Healthcare, food, water and Everyone has a right for access to have access to: (a) health care services,
social security including reproductive health; (b) sufficient food and water; and social
security, including if they are unable to support themselves and their
dependants, appropriate social assistance

28(2) Children A child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter
concerning the child
32 Access to information Everyone has the right of access to any information held by the state
33(1) Just administrative action Everyone has the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable
and procedurally fair
36(1) Limitation of rights The rights in the Bill of Rights may be limited only in terms of law of general
application to the extent that the limitation is reasonable and justifiable
in an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and
freedom, considering all relevant factors…”

10 SAMRC STRATEGIC PLAN 2025/26 – 2029/30