Page 6 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

FOREWORD BY

THE CHAIRPERSON

PROFESSOR JOHNNY MAHLANGU

It is with great purpose and institutional resolve that I present the 2024/25 Annual Report
of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), marking the culmination of the
Council’s 2020/21–2024/25 strategic cycle.

This pivotal milestone not only closes a significant This year also heralded a major leadership transition.
chapter but inaugurates a new era, with the strategic On 1 July 2024, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi assumed
plan for 2025/26–2029/30 – duly endorsed by the office as President and CEO. An esteemed clinician-
Honourable Minister of Health – now in active scientist and globally respected academic leader,
implementation. Professor Ntusi brings to the SAMRC a profound
commitment to advancing research excellence,
This Annual Report reflects the SAMRC’s unwavering fostering evidence-based healthcare, and
commitment to excellence, accountability, integrity, championing universal health coverage. His vision
and governance – foundational principles that has further elevated the SAMRC’s global stature and
permeate every dimension of our operations. Over deepened its local relevance.
the past five years, the Council has tenaciously
pursued its mandate to catalyse health research During the financial year under review, the
that is rigorous, responsive, and transformative. SAMRC sustained exceptional standards of fiscal
Our endeavours remain intrinsically aligned with discipline, fortified internal controls, and affirmed
the nation’s overarching development agenda, its uncompromising adherence to ethical and lawful
including the National Development Plan–2030, the governance. The Board has rigorously executed
Sustainable Development Goals, the Medium-Term its fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring that the
Development Plan (2024–2029), and the Decadal Plan organisation consistently meets and exceeds its
for Science, Technology and Innovation (2022–2032). strategic and operational objectives.

4 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25