Page 21 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

G EN ER A L I N F O R M A T I O N

Memory Walls

During the COVID-19 period, the SAMRC sadly lost
around 10 employees, while our staff personally
lost a significantly greater number of their loved
ones. In their memory, we are creating small
spaces of reflection in our campus gardens. The
memory spaces will be understated and blend
with existing campus gardens. We will lean toward
the use of natural or recycled materials, such as
railway sleepers. They will be fitted with a bench
and fragrant or indigenous plants associated with
memory. Our prior consultations with employees
indicate that the initiative is highly appreciated
and will also be used as a space for meditation and
reflection. The project is made possible through a
kind donation from a member of the public.

Campaigns: Keep Doors Open
and Cameras On

Technological advances have enabled a growing
proportion of online meetings, often with
participants electing to keep cameras switched off.
In the interests of enhancing engagement, building
trust, and allowing for non-verbal communication,
we implemented a campaign to keep cameras
switched on, whenever possible.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an
understandable, protective tendency to keep office
doors closed. The detrimental consequences of this
practice include impacts on communication, culture,
and employee perception. A consistently closed-
door acts as both a physical and psychological
barrier to “corridor conversations” that often lead
to innovative ideas or quick problem-solving.
To promote an open-door practice and culture
whenever possible, and to strengthen teamwork,
we designed a poster campaign, introduced by the
SAMRC President and CEO.

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