November 2021

The Community of Practice (CoP), a sub-committee of SARIMA, operating in the Western Cape (WC), supports and welcome the newly appointed Chairperson, Mr Winston Beukes and Deputy-Chairperson, Mrs Clarissa Robertson taking office as of October 2021. This follows the departure of Mr Sidney Engelbrecht, the previous Chairperson who expanded his horizons internationally.

Mr Engelbrecht maintains that:

” Research Management Professionals (RMPs) fulfil a crucial role in the research administration function within higher education and research councils. It is therefore vital to ensure that RMPs have access to platforms for professional development and networking with peers; a key function of CoPs under the auspices of SARIMA. Over the last couple of years since the inauguration of the WC CoP in 2018, this aspect has been the foundation on which other CoPs were established. As a member, I have witnessed the passion, commitment, and professional growth of the members within the CoP. Our annual events hosted by Stellenbosch University (2018), University of Cape Town (2019), and University of the Western Cape (2020) were huge successes owing to the dedication from CoP members. We can now see how the seed has blossomed into a fruit-bearing plant. I would like to acknowledge the generous support from DSI and SARIMA as I was very privileged to have served as Chair of this exceptional CoP. In addition, I am very proud of the CoPs achievements, for example, the RMA Voices designed and published during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the time has come to hand-over the baton to the new leadership of this well-functioning CoP; my best wishes accompany them all”.

Mr Beukes is the Coordinator: Research Ethics (Animal Use and Biosafety) at Stellenbosch University and a founding member of this CoP. He has extensive experience in the management of RECs for Animal Care and Use and Biosafety. His involvement in research management stretches from research ethics to permit compliance. He is currently a member of the South African Bioprospecting Forum established by the Directorate: Bioprospecting and Biodiversity Economy as part of the National Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.

To Sidney: Go well! Your exceptional input into the development of the SARIMA CoPs will always be your legacy.

Newly appointed Deputy-Chair, Mrs Robertson is the Coordinator of Stellenbosch University’s Social, Behavioural and Education Research Ethics Committee. She is a joint recipient of the DSI-SARIMA Award for Professional Excellence in Research and a member of the WC Regional Forum for Research Administrators and Managers. She has keen interests in research ethics, research management and personal development. Her reflection on having worked with Mr Engelbrecht in the CoP:

“He is truly a pioneer in the research ethics field for having created a space for collaborative efforts between research managers. His impact and involvement in the CoPs will resonate for years to come. We are inspired by his leadership and passion for research management”.

The CoP salutes the outgoing chairperson and welcomes to newly appointed leadership! Taking the WC CoP to new heights….