Page 191 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Dr. Abeda Dawood, Divisional Manager of the RCD Marakalala from AHRI and Prof L Mkhize-Kwitshana
Division, reflected on the division’s achievements from UKZN), shared updates of their ongoing
in building capacity and transforming the next research projects, highlighting the progress and
generation of health researchers. She encouraged achievements made possible through SAMRC RCD
beneficiaries to provide input on how the RCD can funding. Prof Rabia Johnson, Co-Deputy Director of
better support them in achieving their objectives the SAMRC BRIP, presented an overview of BRIP’s
and enhancing the impact of their work beyond research, emphasizing their readiness to host
just providing project funding and scholarships. students and collaborate with RCD beneficiaries.
In the same context, Dr. Frederic Nduhirabandi, Dr Pritika Ramharack, a Senior Scientist at SAMRC
Programme Manager of RCD Career Grants, BRIP, also presented the new training opportunities
delivered a comprehensive presentation on effective available at BRIP.
research capacity development and the importance
of collaboration, further showcasing the strategic After the presentations, seven students with the
achievement of the RCD grants in strengthening best oral presentations received awards in three
research teams. categories. In the Master’s category, the top
presenters were Ms Sithembile Sithole (UNIZULU),
As part of the scientific programme, postgraduate followed by Ms Siphelele Thethwayo (UNIZULU), and
students and postdoctoral fellows working on Ms Tshedimosho Kgoadi (UL). In the PhD category,
the principal investigator (PI) projects presented the best presenters included Ms Roxanne Pillay
the results of their studies. Following student’s from MUT (1st place), Ms Dolly Kgakishe from UL
presentations, RCD-funded PIs, including two early (2nd place), and Mr. Neo Aphang from UL (3rd
investigators, three PIs in the RCD Initiative (HDI) and place). Ms. Tshwarelo Mohale, a PhD student from
two mid-career scientists (Prof Jackson Mohlopheni UL, won the trophy for the best overall presentation.

The SAMRC Research Capacity Development team and the University of Limpopo staff. The University of
Limpopo was one of the Universities visited by RCD as part of the roadshow to promote its work.

Besides the excellent scientific presentations, offered an opportunity for students and PIs to meet
the regional meeting facilitated networking and and strengthen their connections while exploring
exchange of ideas among researchers from different potential collaborations with SAMRC BRIP and
institutions and disciplines, marking an important other funded PIs. The beneficiaries had the chance
milestone in promoting regional, multidisciplinary to discuss the progress of their projects with RCD
research initiatives and boosting partnerships officials and explore ways that RCD could better
among local researchers funded by SAMRC. It also support them.

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25 189