Page 190 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

Dr Frederic Nduhirabandi, Programme Manager at (MUT), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN),
RCD, emphasised the importance of collaboration and the African Health Research Institute (AHRI) to
in capacity building. He stated, "Strengthening showcase the progress of their research projects.
collaboration is a key mechanism by which research Additionally, this regional meeting included RCD
skills and practical knowledge are exchanged, grant holders from the University of Limpopo and
developed, and enhanced for more impactful researchers from the SAMRC Biomedical Research
research." The visit provided a valuable platform and Innovation Platform (BRIP), as it coincided
for exploring collaborative opportunities, with with the second annual joint collaborative meeting
some participants scheduling follow-up meetings to between UNIZULU, the University of Limpopo, and
discuss their interests further. SAMRC BRIP.

Inaugural Regional Meeting of the During the opening session, Prof KC Lehloenya,
SAMRC Research Capacity Development Dean of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and
beneficiaries hosted by the University Engineering, and Prof S Songca, Head of the
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, both
of Zululand
at the University of Zululand, warmly welcomed
In an effort to strengthen collaboration and
partnership among grantholders, RCD organised the participants. They expressed gratitude to
the first regional meeting of RCD beneficiaries. the SAMRC for its longstanding support and
This significant event was hosted by the University emphasised the importance of collaboration in
of Zululand in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal Province, enhancing research capabilities to address regional
under the theme “Fostering Research Capabilities challenges. Prof Johan Louw, Senior Unit Director of
through Local Partnership and Collaboration.” the SAMRC Centres and Platforms, highlighted the
history of SAMRC research capacity development
The meeting brought together RCD grantholders at historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs),
and their teams based in the KwaZulu-Natal region, especially the contribution of BRIP at the University
including those from the University of Zululand of Zululand, and underscored the significance of
(UNIZULU), Mangosuthu University of Technology joint meetings in fostering collaboration.

Participants of the inaugural regional meeting of SAMRC RCD Beneficiaries held in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.

188 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25