Page 226 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The SAMRC has implemented several initiatives aimed As part of our commitment to capacity development,
at uplifting communities and fostering sustainable the SAMRC continues to host a robust internship
development during the 2024/25 financial year. programme. Interns are integrated into various
units across the organisation and play an important
To support Youth Empowerment through sport, role in supporting research while gaining hands-on
the SAMRC Football Club participated in the Inter- experience. The Annual Intern Day is a key moment to
School Festival held in Khayelitsha. This initiative
aimed to empower young girls through sport, celebrate their contributions and recognise the fresh
promoting mental wellness and equal opportunity perspectives and energy they bring to the SAMRC.
while addressing issues such as low self-esteem, The Generation Science (Gen S) Job Shadow
social isolation, and mental health challenges. The Programme continues to grow, providing Grade 11
event was a success, reinforcing the positive role of and 12 learners with the opportunity to engage with
sport in youth development and strengthening the scientists and researchers across SAMRC offices in
SAMRC’s footprint in community health promotion. Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. Held annually
The SAMRC Soccer Team remains actively involved during Youth Month, this initiative offers an immersive
in outreach programmes in communities like Nyanga experience over 3–5 days, fostering interest in science,
and Khayelitsha, demonstrating our commitment to research, and innovation among South Africa’s future
holistic well-being.
leaders.
The SAMRC HIV and Other Infectious Diseases In commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, SAMRC
Research Unit hosted a series of impactful roadshows staff participated in several acts of service. ‘Jars of
across four clinical sites: Verulam, Phoenix, Isipingo,
and Tongaat. These events were designed to increase Hope’ – nutritious meal kits comprising dry soup
public health awareness through collaboration with ingredients – were distributed to shelters and clinics
local healthcare professionals, community teams, and that serve vulnerable communities. Staff also provided
civic stakeholders. Activities included health screenings, health research information and shared warm soup
interactive workshops, and educational sessions on with homeless individuals in the surrounding areas.
vaccines, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, chronic To raise awareness on Tuberculosis., the SAMRC
illnesses, and maternal and child health. Each roadshow led a community engagement event in Emalahleni,
was tailored to address local needs and improve access Mpumalanga to mark World TB Day. In partnership with
to relevant health information. the SANAC Civil Society Forum (CSF) Mpumalanga,

In Cape Town, the SAMRC also hosted a Health local NGOs, and key stakeholders – including traditional
Awareness Walk at the Green Point Promenade, and faith leaders – the event raised awareness about
attended by over 350 participants. This initiative TB and mobilised community involvement. Discussions
encouraged healthy lifestyles and drew attention to were held in accessible languages and cultural contexts
the importance of physical activity and nutritious diets to drive behavioural change, promote early detection,
in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and and improve treatment adherence. The initiative also
cardiovascular disorders. Staff, families, and members laid the groundwork for future collaborations that
of the public came together to take active steps support policy implementation and enhance health
towards a healthier future. outcomes in underserved communities.

224 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25