{"id":33486,"date":"2026-03-17T12:20:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=33486"},"modified":"2026-03-17T12:44:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:44:28","slug":"honouring-those-who-served-and-welcoming-new-custodians-of-ethical-research-at-vut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/honouring-those-who-served-and-welcoming-new-custodians-of-ethical-research-at-vut\/","title":{"rendered":"Honouring those who served and welcoming new custodians of ethical research at VUT"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT of Management Sciences honoured outgoing FREC members and welcomed a new team committed to advancing ethical research.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

17 March 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 3 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are contributions in academia that rarely take centre stage, yet quietly shape the credibility, integrity and future of an institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 13 March 2026, the Vaal University of Technology\u2019s (VUT) Faculty of Management Sciences paused to recognise such contributions, honouring outgoing members of the Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) while welcoming a new team entrusted with carrying this responsibility forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gathering was more than a formal handover. It was a moment of reflection, a recognition of the individuals who have worked behind the scenes to ensure that research conducted within the faculty is not only rigorous, but responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening the programme, Professor Christa Marais reflected on the often unseen but essential role of ethics committees in higher education. She spoke of the responsibility they carry in safeguarding the dignity, safety and rights of research participants, while preserving the integrity of academic work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing on the symbolism of isivivane, an African tradition where travellers build a pile of stones to mark a journey and guide those who follow, Prof Marais offered a powerful reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOver time, these stones accumulate to form a body of institutional wisdom that shapes the ethical culture of our faculty,\u201d she said. \u201cThose who serve on the committee ensure that research journeys are not only productive, but principled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her words captured the essence of the committee\u2019s work, steady, deliberate and foundational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Chengedzai Mafini, expressed appreciation to the outgoing members for their commitment and professionalism. He emphasised that ethical research is not an isolated function, but a collective responsibility that defines the reputation of the faculty and the University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery member of the faculty contributes to the reputation and integrity of our institution. When we uphold strong ethical standards in research, we strengthen our credibility as a faculty and as a university,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outgoing FREC chairperson, Dr Sumari Tesnear, reflected on the journey with a sense of gratitude and clarity. She acknowledged the collaborative support received from faculty leadership, administrative teams and researchers, noting that ethics work is often misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEthics review is not about creating obstacles,\u201d she explained. \u201cIt is about ensuring that research is conducted responsibly and that the interests of participants, researchers and the institution are protected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As one chapter closed, another began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incoming FREC chairperson, Dr Ronel Cassim, assured attendees that the new team would build on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors. While maintaining the integrity of existing processes, he indicated that the committee would explore ways to enhance clarity and efficiency for researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEthics may sometimes seem complex from the outside, but it plays a critical role in ensuring that all research conducted under the faculty\u2019s name reflects the values and standards of the institution,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the outgoing members, a simple gesture carrying deep meaning. It was a recognition of time given, decisions made and standards upheld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the Faculty of Management Sciences continues its journey, the work of the ethics committee remains a quiet but essential force, ensuring that every step forward is grounded in responsibility, integrity and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through moments such as these, VUT reaffirms its commitment to building not only knowledge, but trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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