Sam is an experienced research funding professional and is currently a professional officer in the International Grants and Partnerships Directorate of the National Research Foundation of South Africa. With over nine years of experience across national and international funding environments, Sam supports the administration of international research grants and manages strategic partnerships. 

Sam's role in the u'GOOD research programme involves overseeing funding processes while liaising with stakeholders to ensure effective grant implementation and compliance. Prior to this position, Sam spent four years as a grants and bursary coordinator at Armscor, where his responsibilities included managing grant administration and funding disbursements. 

Previously, Sam served for five years at the National Research Foundation of South Africa as a professional officer in the reviews and evaluation portfolio, supporting peer-review processes and coordinating evaluations. 

Sam holds a BSc Honours in Environmental Management from the University of South Africa and a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Limpopo. His professional strengths include research funding administration and international grants management,stakeholder coordination and public sector compliance.