SAMRA was established in 1963 and is a non-profit, voluntary membership association of more than 1500 research organisations and researchers who are suppliers and users of market research, social research, opinion polling, data analytics and advisory services. SAMRA is recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as the professional body representing the industry and is the largest professional membership association for the insights industry in Africa.
SAMRA aims to:
1. Grow the market research, social research, opinion polling and data analytics industry, by proactively marketing, advocating for and lobbying on behalf of the industry; strategically managing talent at industry level to meet demand.
2. Enhance quality and professionalism, by promoting the professional development of practitioners; providing industry-specific input into the Southern African learning system; protecting the public, and monitoring and regulating ethics in the industry.
3. Deliver stakeholder value, by offering value-adding products and services to the industry; ensuring adequate representation of the industry with governments; maintaining effective systems and processes to manage operations.
Our stakeholders include members of the public, suppliers and clients/users of research (including our members), the media, legislators, related industries and associations, and education and training providers.