Declaration letter

As part of the contract approval process, a declaration letter needs to be signed by the researcher, the departmental chair/director and the dean.

Explanation of specific wording

"Financial accountability" entails that the relevant OU (Operational Unit) will manage the research project within the budget as approved by die research sponsor. Where over spending occurs, the OU will be responsible for the financial loss, unless special arrangements are made with the SU Finance or the research sponsor.

"Operational accountability" entails that the relevant OU (Operational Unit) will manage the operational aspects of the research project, such as the logistics, complying to the research protocol (where applicable), complying to the internal SU-policies, complying to the contractual terms and conditions and complying to the agreed timeframe and deliverables.

SU personnel are covered by the SU-insurance where the performance of the tasks was done bona fide. Therefore, in a situation where a person makes an error which leads to a claim against the University, such a person will NOT be held accountable in his/her personal capacity, because the error was made while performing the tasks in a bona fide manner. Where the person acts beyond its normal capacity, or performs consultation in his/her private capacity, leading the client to believe that the work is performed by the university, the SU-insurance will not cover such a person.

For additional information, please contact

Cornelia Malherbe
Manager: Research Contracts

Phone: +27 (0)21 808 3546
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