OUR CAPITALS
Our Human Capital
Marion Vermeulen
Executive: Transfusion Medicine and Technical Services
In what ways have you personally experienced and witnessed growth and development since joining SANBS?
I joined SANBS as an 18-year-old matriculant and, for several years, focused on practical work, gradually taking on more responsibilities and becoming a supervisor. At 32, I pursued formal education through a bridging course in Biomedical Technology and with financial support from SANBS, I was able to study further.
Can you highlight any specific opportunities or challenges that have
contributed to your professional growth within the company?
I had numerous growth opportunities, but the most significant was attending a summer school course on research methodologies at the University of California, thanks to a Fogerty grant. I was offered a three-month sabbatical in San Francisco, which provided me with mentorship, networking opportunities, research collaborations, and lasting friendships, ultimately contributing to the introduction of a reference laboratory and Biorepository.
How has SANBS supported your career aspirations and provided avenues for advancement?
SANBS, especially Ravi Reddy, supported my career growth by connecting me with external opportunities. This led to my roles in ISBT working parties, including serving as the secretary of the Global Blood Safety Working Party and now as an elected executive of the Transfusion Transmitted Infectious Disease (TTID) Working Party. I am also the Chair of the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT) I TRY IT programme, which allows me to mentor young researchers in LMIC. Additionally, I'm a member of the African Society for Blood Transfusion, collaborate with their research working party, and hold positions in the South African Society for Blood Transfusion, including vice president and co-president of the upcoming ISBT conference.
Have there been any notable milestones or achievements in your career
journey at SANBS that you would like to mention?
My PhD stands out as a significant accomplishment, which I undertook while raising three children and working. Over 20 years, I earned my undergraduate diploma, degree, master's, and PhD.
I also take pride in my authored manuscripts and contributions to a book. Notable milestones include becoming a manager, my involvement in the seven-year REDS III research initiative, and my role as the principal investigator for the SARS-COV-2 convalescent plasma programme.
I am honoured to serve as the Executive for Transfusion Medicine and Technical Services, where I aim to guide the organisation's direction and mentor future leaders.
Letsie Strydom
Manager: Learning & Development Technical 1
In what ways have you personally experienced and witnessed growth and development since joining SANBS?
In 2005, I joined SANBS as a DCO on the MIDWIT branch's mobile team, later becoming Clinic Supervisor for a new clinic that my team and I built from the ground up. I also pursued my HR diploma and later joined the Learning & Development department as an L&D practitioner, which led to obtaining a certificate in Occupationally Directed Education, Training, and Development, funded by SANBS. I eventually advanced to becoming a manager of L&D Technical 1and achieved dual registration with both SANC and HPCSA. I also enhanced my change management expertise by becoming a Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner.
I collaborated on significant projects, such as developing a short course on Patient Blood Management with the University of the Free State.
I had the privilege of being seconded into the role of L&D Senior Manager, marking a significant learning curve, and I'm deeply grateful to SANBS for the incredible opportunities and growth I've experienced.
Can you highlight any specific opportunities or challenges that have
contributed to your professional growth within the company?
Navigating donor collection targets and lockdown challenges transformed into opportunities, pushing me to innovate, meet goals, and keep the L&D department adaptable during the pandemic. Managing a virtual team, unfamiliar with online training, prompted resourceful solutions like using YouTube and receiving valuable leadership coaching.
How has SANBS supported your career aspirations and provided avenues for advancement?
SANBS recognised my potential and invested in my development. Various short courses, including HIRA, GLP, GMP, Udemy, Game Changer, Supervisory Development, and Wits Digital, all contributed to my career growth, and I seized every opportunity presented.
Have there been any notable milestones or achievements in your career
journey at SANBS that you would like to mention?
Being a member of the SMLTSA phlebotomy scientific advisory committee has been a significant highlight. Joining SANBS was one of the best decisions I've ever made, as it allowed me to expand my skills through experiences like the Change Management team on the BECS project.
Thomas Moroene
HR Business Partner
In what ways have you personally experienced and witnessed growth and development since joining SANBS?
Since joining SANBS in 1986, I've experienced significant personal growth and career development. Beginning as a Blood Bank Medical Tech and later transitioning to the role of Blood Bank Shift Senior, I led a dedicated team in this vital department.
Over my tenure, I rotated across all departments, gaining valuable experience in Technical Services and working in all SANBS laboratories, providing me with a holistic understanding of the organisation's operations.
I currently serve as an HR Business Partner (HRBP), a role that has provided me with invaluable insights into SANBS's core business and made the organisation feel like a second family to me.
Can you highlight any specific opportunities or challenges that have
contributed to your professional growth within the company?
I started as a Student Blood Bank Medical Tech at SANBS and advanced to become a Senior Blood Bank Tech, gaining extensive experience across all Technical Divisions.
SANBS recognised my potential and supported my further education, for which I am grateful. As an HR Business Partner (HRBP), I've played a key role in enhancing customer service, fostering strong internal relationships, attracting new clients, and retaining top talent which have kept SANBS competitive.
How has SANBS supported your career aspirations and provided avenues for advancement?
SANBS has been instrumental in supporting my career aspirations. With the assistance from SANBS, I successfully completed several academic qualifications, including a National Diploma in HR, a B.Tech Degree in Labour Relations Management from UNISA, a B.Tech Degree in Human Resource Management (also from UNISA), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law from UJ.
Have there been any notable milestones or achievements in your career
journey at SANBS that you would like to mention?
During my career at SANBS, I've achieved several notable milestones: a Certificate of Outstanding Personal Achievement for exceptional accomplishments, nearly 40 years of dedicated service with SANBS, the role of Employee Trustee for the SANBS Provident Fund in collaboration with Alexander Forbes, and recognition in the SANBS Wellness Wall of Fame for contributing over 165 units of blood.
