RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION & DEVELOPMENT
Research Ethics Committees
Overview of Ethics Committees
Turfloop Research Ethics and Animal Research Ethics Committees (TREC/AREC)
In line with national and international guidelines on ethical research, every organisation/institution, health agency and health establishment at which research involving human participants is conducted should have a duly registered Human/Animal Research Ethics Committee (REC). The University of Limpopo has two registered RECs, namely: the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) as well the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC).
- TREC – was established in 2010 and it deals with human research ethics
- AREC– was established in 2017 and it deals with animal research ethics
The two RECs are currently registered with the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) as the national regulatory body.
The roles of the committees
The primary role of the RECs is to ensure the well-being, safety and protection of research participants/animals. The functioning of the RECS are guided by the requirements as stipulated by the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003, the associated regulation (Regulations Relating to Research with Human Participants, 19 September 2014), the guidelines of the Department of Health (Ethics in Health Research: Principles, Processes and Structures, 2015), as well as the South African National Standard: The Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (SANS 10386:2008), national and international research ethics guidelines.
The committees are independent of research sponsors, investigators and from any other undue influence, such as political, institutional, professional or commercial influence. This independence is critical to ensuring that research participants’ interests always come first and are not secondary to other interests.
The committees are composed of experts from various fields to ensure that research proposals receive relevant and best review outcomes.
This involves allocating proposals to relevant experts in related fields to ensure that research meets the highest standards.
In line with the DOH (2015) Ethics in Health Research: Principles, Processes and Structures, the two committees are tasked to ensure the protection of research participants by accomplishing a combination of the following activities:
- The prior ethics evaluation and approval of projects
- The continuing review of ongoing research
- The active promotion of principles of ethics through education and training
Why does one need ethical clearance?
Ethics clearance is necessary for legal and moral reasons.
- The National Health Act requires that all research involving human participants undergoes an ethics review.
- Ethics approval must be obtained for all research proposals before a research study commences (especially those that have ethical implications).Â
- Researchers must obtain ongoing approval, at least annually, throughout the research activity
2024 Research Ethics Committee Meetings
2023 TREC Meetings and Submission Dates
STUDIES THAT REQUIRE ETHICAL CLEARANCE
Human Research Ethics (TREC)
- All human research projects conducted at the University, or by staff and students of the University, require ethical approval before the research can commence.
- Research involving potentially vulnerable groups, for example, children and young people, those with a learning disability or cognitive impairment or individuals in a dependent or unequal relationship
- Research involving those who lack capacity. All research involving those who lack capacity or who during the research project come to lack capacity must be approved by an appropriate body
- Research involving sensitive topics – for example participants’ sexual behaviour, their illegal or political behaviour, their experience of violence, their abuse or exploitation, their mental health or their gender or ethnic status.
- Research involving groups where permission of a gatekeeper is normally required for initial access to members. This includes research involving gatekeepers such as adult professionals (e.g. those working with children or the elderly) or research in communities) where access to research participants is not possible without the permission of another adult, such as another family member (e.g. the parent or husband of the participant) or a community leader.
- Research involving deception or which is conducted without participants’ full and informed consent at the time the study is carried out. It is recognised that there are occasions when the use of covert research methods is necessary and justifiable
- Research involving access to records of personal or confidential information, including genetic or other biological information concerning identifiable individuals.
- Research which could induce psychological stress, anxiety or humiliation or cause more than minimal pain.
- Research involving intrusive interventions or data collection methods – for example, the administration of substances, vigorous physical exercise or techniques such as hypnotism. In particular, where participants are persuaded to reveal information which they would not otherwise disclose in the course of everyday life.
- Research involving respondents through the internet, in particular where visual images are used, and where sensitive issues are discussed.
- Other research involving visual/vocal methods, particularly where participants or other individuals may be identifiable.
- Research which may involve data sharing of confidential information beyond the initial consent given – for example where the research topic or data gathering involves a risk of information being disclosed that would require the researchers to breach confidentiality conditions agreed with participants.
- Research using administrative data or secure data. Researchers using these data sets will need to be approved by the body supplying the data and keep data in secure areas. Issues however may arise when data are linked and where it may be possible to identify participants.
Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC)
Ethics clearance must be obtained for the use of all live, non-human vertebrates and higher invertebrates such as advanced members of the Cephalopoda and Decapoda, including eggs, foetuses and embryos (where development of an integrated nervous system is evident) in research and teaching activities (SANS 10386:2008).
Following international best practice, AREC approval is required for all live, sentient non-human vertebrates including eggs, foetuses and embryos, that is fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and encompassing domestic animals, purpose-bred animals, farm animals, wildlife, and higher class. Invertebrates such as members of Cephalopoda and Decapoda including free-living and reproducing larval forms. Any other animals outside these categories do not need ethical approval to use for research and teaching or any other experiments.
THE ETHICS REVIEW PROCESS
1. The review process entails an independent and objective assessment of the potential effect of the proposed research on potential participants and on infrastructures that provides the site or context for the research before the research is commenced.
2. RECs must review research proposals and protocols prospectively to ensure that they meet the accepted ethical norms and standards and that research proposals stand up to scientific and ethical scrutiny appropriate to the disciplines concerned.
3. As per the 2015 department of health guiding principles for ethical research, the review must ensure that ethical and scientific standards are maintained to:
- Protect participants from harm by weighing the risks of harm against the likelihood of benefit by minimising risks of harm to the extent possible and then by balancing the risk of harm relative to the likelihood of benefit. In weighing the risk of harm against the likelihood of benefit, the analysis is concerned not only with current participants or research animals themselves but also with societal interests and future hypothetical beneficiaries.
- Hold researchers accountable for the research activities
- Promote important social and ethical values.
Note:Â TREC/AREC will not consider research studies for approval if the study has been carried out (retrospective).
CONSULTATIONS
Support
- Students should consult their supervisors for advice and assistance in the first instance.
- At the School/Faculty level, researchers, both staff and students, should be assisted to design ethically acceptable human research and assist them through the ethics approval process.
Further assistance can be obtained from the Secretariat:
Dr Tukiso Sewapa – Tel: 015 268 3935 email: tukiso.sewapa@ul.ac.za
Ms Moore Hutamo – Tel: 015 268 4713 email: moore.hutamo@ul.ac.za
Mr Evans Khalo    Tel: +27 15 268 4885/4279 email: evans.khalo@ul.ac.za
Mr Nyiko.Machavi Tel: 015 268 3839 email: nyiko.machavi@ul.ac.za
All applications and inquiries are to be submitted to relevant email addresses as follows:
Any application/enquiry relating to Human Ethics Committee (TREC) – email:Â trec@ul.ac.za
Any application/enquiry relating to Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) – Â Â email:Â arec@ul.ac.za
Application process for TREC and AREC
- Application form (available on the website)
- Faculty approval letter(obtained from faculty)
- Proposal with all necessary appendices as one word/pdf document (no multiple attachments)
- Abridged CV of Supervisor
 Responding to Feedback where amendments are required
- Amend the proposal as per comments and highlight changes with a red font colour
- Fill in the proposal resubmisson tool (available on the website)
- Submit to relevant email adress used during application
More about TREC
The Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) in a university oversees research involving human participants or animals, ensuring adherence to ethical standards. It reviews proposals, assesses risks and benefits, ensures informed consent, and monitors ongoing research for compliance. By upholding ethical principles, the REC maintains research integrity and promotes trust in the university’s research endeavours.
TREC Documents
TREC Documents
NHREC Guiding Documents
NHREC Guiding Documents
Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC)
Dr Thembinkosi Mabila
Dr Thembinkosi Mabila
Dr Thembinkosi E. Mabila is a senior academic and research leader with over ten years’ experience directing research administration, development, and innovation in higher education. As Director of Research Administration and Development at the University of Limpopo since 2017, he has a proven record in strategic leadership, resource management, and elevating research quality.
He has been instrumental in developing strategic research frameworks, managing major grants, and building research capacity. His leadership extends across key university committees, such as the Senate Research and Ethics Committee, where he has shaped institutional research policy.
An accomplished scholar, Dr Mabila holds a PhD in Translation and Linguistics from the University of Limpopo, with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and successful postgraduate supervision. His research interests include sociolinguistics and second language acquisition.
Nationally, he is a recognised figure, having served as Chair of the Limpopo Provincial Research Ethics Committee and as a panel member for the Council for Higher Education (CHE) Doctoral Standards Review.
With proven expertise in securing grants, research ethics, and mentoring emerging researchers, Dr Mabila is a strategic leader positioned to advance excellence in research, innovation, and partnerships.
Edwin Modiba
Edwin Modiba serves as a layperson on the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC). He brings extensive leadership and community engagement experience to these roles. Modiba is a PhD candidate at North-West University, driven by a passion for learning and community development.
He is a Pastor at Emmanuel Assemblies, Magnolia Street, Tzaneen, and previously served as the General Secretary of the Emmanuel Assemblies Executive in Bushbuckridge (2023). Additionally, he represented the Emmanuel Assemblies
(Bushbuckridge) in fostering mutual fellowship with the Independent Assemblies of Botswana, the Elim Pentecostal Churches of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya, as well as Elim UK. Professionally, Modiba is the Technical Manager at Schoflo Electrical Services CC, a company involved in construction work and the training of apprentices to address
national skills shortages. He has also been a long-standing member of the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (Letaba Branch), serving on its Board for over 18 years.
Beyond his professional and religious commitments, Modiba has served as Deputy Chairperson of the Letaba Hospital Board, representing the community as an external member. He has further enriched his academic and professional growth through participation in several conferences and short courses.
Prof Matshidiso Kanjere
Prof Matshidiso Kanjere
Professor Matshidiso Kanjere is a Full Professor in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at the Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, she brings a strong academic and leadership background to her ethics role, underpinned by her formal training in Research Ethics and Integrity from SARIMA at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Her distinguished academic qualifications include a PhD, MEd, and BEd in Education Management from the University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Africa, and an MBA from the Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership. She has further enhanced her expertise through international programmes, including a certificate in ‘Making Blended Training Work’ from iCRA Courses in Wageningen, Netherlands.
Professor Kanjere is a prolific author and scholar. She has published significant research articles and is the author of two books: Knowledge Management as a competitive edge in a global economy and Transformational leadership as a necessary style for gender parity in South African organisations: A Perspective of Covid-19 work environment. She has also contributed book chapters to prestigious publications, including Palgrave Macmillan. As an experienced supervisor and external examiner, she has guided more than 25 Master's students to graduation and examines PhD theses for other institutions, demonstrating her deep commitment to academic excellence and research integrity.
Professor Olawale Fatoki
Professor Olawale Fatoki
Professor Olawale Fatoki chairs the Faculty of Management and Law Research Ethics Committee, bringing his stature as a C2-rated NRF researcher and a distinguished scholar in Business Management to the role. He earned the title of Best Overall Established Researcher at the University of Limpopo in 2020, building his acclaimed career on a solid
academic foundation that includes a PhD from the University of the Free State. His professional journey spans a lectureship at the University of Fort Hare and an associate professorship at the University of Johannesburg before he joined the University of Limpopo as a Professor in 2013. He actively teaches Financial and Investment Strategies and mentors the next generation of scholars, having successfully supervised 25 Master's and 5 doctoral students to completion. His current research explores the critical intersection of green leadership, green strategy, and green entrepreneurship. As an active external examiner and journal reviewer, Professor Fatoki embeds himself deeply in the academic community, ensuring he brings a broad and rigorous understanding of scholarly standards to his leadership of the ethics committee.
Professor Daniel Maposa
Professor Daniel Maposa
Professor Daniel Maposa is the Chairperson of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture Research Ethics Committee (FSAREC) at the University of Limpopo. He brings to this role a distinguished academic career and a strong foundation in research ethics, holding a certificate in SARIMA Research Ethics and Integrity from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
An associate professor of statistics in the Department of Statistics and Operations Research, he also serves as the Head of Department and is the school representative for the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee (FHDC). Professor Maposa is an NRF C2-Rated researcher and a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) in both Statistical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. His academic qualifications include a PhD in Statistics, specialising in Extreme Value Theory (EVT), a Master of Science in Statistics and Operations Research, an Honours degree in Applied Mathematics, a certificate in Doctoral Supervision from Stellenbosch University (US), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Technology from Durban University of Technology (DUT).
He is the current President of the South African Statistical Association (SASA) and the Vice-Chairperson and co-founder of the Extreme Value Theory (EVT) special interest group under its auspices. With over a decade of membership in both SASA and the International Statistical Institute (ISI), Professor Maposa is a highly active member of the statistical community.
His prolific research output includes more than 50 journal articles in internationally accredited journals, including Springer Nature, 10 conference proceedings, two book chapters, and eight accredited conference proceedings. He has presented his research globally, with sponsored travels to countries such as New Zealand, Australia, China, Switzerland, Brazil, Morocco, Botswana, and Malaysia, often through the World Bank Trust Fund. As a dedicated supervisor, he has guided 2 PhD, 13 Masters, and 45 Honours students to completion. His research interests
encompass EVT Statistics, Quantile Regression, Time Series Analysis, and Machine Learning, and he maintains extensive international research collaborations with institutions in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Prof Shai Elliot Nkoana
Prof Shai Elliot Nkoana
As Deputy Chairperson of the Faculty of Humanities Research Ethics Committee, Professor Shai Elliot Nkoana leverages his dual expertise as a registered Clinical Psychologist and an Associate Professor. His advanced training in research ethics from SARIMA, combined with his PhD in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, provides a robust framework for his ethical oversight. Professor Nkoana, who also chairs the Department of Psychology Research Committee, is an active researcher with a focus on health psychology, African psychology, and mental health. Having published and presented his work extensively, he possesses a practical understanding of the research process from conception to dissemination. This, coupled with his experience in teaching and supervising postgraduate students,
allows him to contribute effectively to the committee's mission of ensuring ethical rigor in humanities research.
More about AREC
The Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) at a university serves a similar function to the TREC but specifically focuses on research involving animals. Its primary role is to review research proposals to ensure that they adhere to ethical standards and guidelines for the use of animals in research. This includes assessing the necessity of animal use, the potential harm or distress to animals, and the implementation of measures to minimise suffering. The AREC also monitors ongoing research activities involving animals to ensure compliance with approved protocols and investigates any ethical concerns or breaches. Overall, the AREC plays a crucial role in promoting the ethical and humane treatment of animals in university-conducted research.
AREC Documents
AREC
Animal Research and Ethics Committee (AREC)
Prof Lourens Johannes Christoffel Erasmus
Prof Lourens Johannes Christoffel Erasmus
Professor Lourens Erasmus serves as the Chairperson of the University of Limpopo Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC). In this vital role, he leads the Committee in reviewing all research and teaching proposals involving the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. He is responsible for facilitating discussions, fostering consensus
among members, and promoting a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility in animal care and use. He brings to this position a wealth of experience, with over 20 years dedicated to animal research and ethics. Employed within the Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, his primary research focus is on aquatic health, specifically the study of organ systems in feral populations of freshwater fish species.
As Chairperson, Prof Erasmus is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and promoting the responsible use of animals in research and education. His personal and professional goals are directly aligned with enhancing the committee's work, which includes cultivating emotional intelligence and a growth mindset to foster closer collaboration with other animal ethics committees. He is also dedicated to improving his leadership skills, aiming to mentor colleagues by sharing his skills and experience, and to continuously improve the efficiency and management of the AREC.
Fhatuwani Nndwambi
As the Facility and Farm Manager at the Experimental Farm, Mr Fhatuwani Nndwambi plays a vital role in ensuring that all environments where scientific studies involving animals are conducted are conducive and fully compliant with the
standards outlined in SANS 10386 (2021). He holds a Bachelor’s and Honours degree in Plant Production from the University of Venda, obtained in 2006 and 2008 respectively, and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Management (Plant Production) from the University of Limpopo, completed in 2015. Mr. Nndwambi has also attended several workshops and training sessions on animal research, ethics, and animal welfare. His expertise and commitment to maintaining ethical and regulatory standards make him a valuable member of the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC).
Prof. Mmaditshaba Rapatsa-Malatji
Professor Mmaditshaba Rapatsa-Malatji is an Associate Professor based at the Aquaculture Research Unit specialising in fish nutrition. Her work focuses particularly in developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly fish diets using alternative protein sources such as insect meals, periphyton, and bioseston. Her work aims to reduce reliance on commercial fish feeds, making aquaculture more accessible and sustainable. She holds a PhD in Aquaculture and her contributions to aquaculture have earned her a prestigious Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), recognising her as a leading young scientist in her field.
In addition to her research, Prof. Rapatsa-Malatji is an active member of the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) at the University of Limpopo, where she plays
Professor Busisiwe Gunya
Professor Busisiwe Gunya is an NRF Y2-rated researcher in Animal Science and an Associate Professor in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Her research specialises in poultry nutrition, meat science, and production, with a particular focus on digestive physiology, carcass quality, and the use of alternative protein sources and feed additives in poultry diets.
Her key projects have explored alternative protein supplements for both chicken and goat production. She has successfully supervised ten master's students and has published 23 research articles in internationally accredited, peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, she has presented seven papers at national conferences and three at
international conferences.
Her work has been cited 234 times, with an h-index of nine and an i10-index of nine, according to Google Scholar. In recognition of her contributions, she was honoured as the Best Overall Female Researcher at the University of Limpopo VC Awards in 2024.
Edwin Modiba
Edwin Modiba serves as a layperson on the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC). He brings extensive leadership and community engagement experience to these roles. Modiba is a PhD candidate at North-West University, driven by a passion for learning and community development.
He is a Pastor at Emmanuel Assemblies, Magnolia Street, Tzaneen, and previously served as the General Secretary of the Emmanuel Assemblies Executive in Bushbuckridge (2023). Additionally, he represented the Emmanuel Assemblies
(Bushbuckridge) in fostering mutual fellowship with the Independent Assemblies of Botswana, the Elim Pentecostal Churches of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya, as well as Elim UK. Professionally, Modiba is the Technical Manager at Schoflo Electrical Services CC, a company involved in construction work and the training of apprentices to address
national skills shortages. He has also been a long-standing member of the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (Letaba Branch), serving on its Board for over 18 years.
Beyond his professional and religious commitments, Modiba has served as Deputy Chairperson of the Letaba Hospital Board, representing the community as an external member. He has further enriched his academic and professional growth through participation in several conferences and short courses.
