Memberships explained

Why become a SAMRA Member

Esomar Global Network: Associated with the Global Research Network for international standards.

Free Ethics & Compliance: Access to free ethics advice and regular compliance webinars.

Networking & Savings: Exclusive conference discounts and invitations to networking events.

The only professional SAQA-recognised body for research in South Africa

SAMRA Accredited Partner Researcher Recognition Programme

Membership Categories

Organisation Membership

Voting – A juristic person.

Associate members

(non-voting, a SAMRA member based on being employed by an organisation member)

All researchers who are employees of an organisation with organisational membership are considered associate members. These members all qualify for SAMRA Professional Recognition.

Independent Membership

Voting member

Individual members

Market research professionals, whether consulting independently or employed within an organisation that is not registered as an Organisation Member, are eligible for this category of membership.

Access to all membership benefits and qualify for SAMRA Professional Recognition.

Skills
Recognition

All Associate and Individual SAMRA Members are eligible to apply for SAMRA Professional Recognition and obtain the following accreditations. These designations distinguish you from other research professionals, showcasing your research expertise and knowledge.

As the only SAQA-recognised professional body for market research in South Africa, these recognitions are highly regarded across the industry.

Tier 1 - SR

SR Entry level – Entry level researchers who are interested in recognising their skills.

Tier 2 - SAPR

SAMRA Accredited Partner Researchers with 3 subcategories: Qualitative, Generalist, Quantitative.

Tier 3

Experienced researchers who are interested in recognising their experience and skills: SAQA Accredited

Key benefits of SAMRA membership

SAMRA is the only professional body for research in South Africa. Being a member gives you credibility and sets you apart from researchers who are NOT SAMRA members.

SAMRA’s objectives are:
Grow the data, research and insights industry

Proactively market, advocate for and lobby on behalf of the industry; Strategically manage talent at the industry level to meet demand.

Highlights include:

SAMRA got a declaratory order from the DTIC that SAMRA members do not fall under the Consumer Protection Act.

SAMRA is currently preparing a submission to the DTIC regarding the opt-out list for direct marketing to protect the interests of SAMRA members.

SAMRA/ESOMAR’s Code of Conduct and guidelines are based on three pillars:

  • informed consent
  • do no harm
  • protection of privacy.

SAMRA members, by following the ethical codes, comply with POPIA and accepted international standards.

Enhance quality and professionalism

Promote the professional development of practitioners; Provide industry-specific input into the Southern African learning system; Protect the public, and monitor and self-regulate ethics in the industry.

Highlights include:

SAMRA is the only SAQA recognised professional body for marketing research.

SAMRA Accredited Researchers (as accredited at SAQA) are responsible for ensuring ethical and legal compliance within their organizations.

SAMRA members are assisted with complying with ethical, professional and legal requirements (as listed below).

Compliance with the law (Statutory responsibility)

Upholding scientific standards (Ethics of governance)

Management and avoidance of harm (Governance of ethics)

Prevention (Support and education [moral capital])

(Retha Visagie, Unisa, 2022)

The responsibility for enhancing quality and professionalism in research lies not only with research providers but also with research users. Achieving this requires a collaborative effort, where everyone shares accountability and adheres to a unified set of standards. Being members safeguards both those who supply and those who utilize research.

Deliver stakeholder value
Highlights include:

Opportunity to network

Exposure to industry events, e.g. POPIA workshops

Enjoy member-only rates for SAMRA Conferences, events, and professional development initiatives. 

Access to Advice on ethical issues

SAMRA can act on behalf of a SAMRA member for ethical transgressions

Access exclusive learning opportunities, industry updates, awards, and platforms that elevate your professional profile.

Be part of the conversations, standards, and leadership that influence the direction of marketing research in Southern Africa.

Website Support

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