Ethics

Protecting participants. Strengthening research. Building trust.

DataLit Ethics Clearance provides an independent, professional ethics review service for researchers, filmmakers, government entities, and organisations conducting research involving human participants, their data, or biological materials
Our review process is guided by the fundamental principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice as articulated in South Africa's Ethics in Health Research Guidelines: Principles, Processes and Structures . We are committed to protecting the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of all research participants. DataLit does not accept or review research applications for health related research.

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Ethics

Research Ethics & Ethical Clearance

Protecting participants. Strengthening research. Building trust.

DATALIT supports organisations and researchers in designing and conducting research that meets rigorous standards of ethical integrity, methodological quality and responsible data governance.
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Considerations and steps for applicants:

1) Participant Age Restriction & POPIA Compliance Statement

DataLit Research Ethics Committee (REC) does not review research involving participants under the age of 18. Any application proposing research with minors will be returned without review.
Some personal information may be requested as part of an application to the DataLit REC. Should you agree to provide relevant personal information, it will be processed andsafeguarded in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that they have obtainedappropriate consent from participants and that all data handling complies with POPIA requirements

2) Determine Your Research Ethic Risk Category

3) Register for Research Ethics Proposal and Research Methodology Training

This course equips participants to design, conduct, and ethically review societal impact assessments for educational qualifications, public programmes, corporate social investments, and community development interventions. It addresses the critical national need for reliable data on graduate employability and community impact, not only to illuminate youth unemployment but also to equip participants with practical toolkits for designing interventions that restore pride, dignity, and social cohesion in fractured societies. This training will position candidates to successfully complete the research application form to position ethical clearance for research objectives
Course Outline

APPLICATION CYCLE

1
APPLICATION FORM AND TRAINING
  • Request Research Ethics Application through a form on our website or by sending an email to ethics@datalit.co.za
  • We will acknowledge receipt of all applications within five (5) working days
  • Completion of training is a prerequisite for application processing.
  • Incomplete applications will be returned for amendment
2
QUOTATION AND PAYMENT
  • Once a complete application form has been received, a quotation for the ethical clearance review process will be issued.
  • The review process will proceed only once the quotation has been accepted and payment received.
3
REVIEW AND DELIBERATION
  • Following acceptance and payment of the quotation, the Chairperson assigns at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise to the proposal. 
  • The reviewers will evaluate and deliberate on the proposal using the established review checklist, with feedback provided to the applicant within twenty-one (21) working days.
4
DECISIONS AND NOTIFICATION
  • Approval – Research may proceed as described.
  • Approval with Conditions – Research may proceed subject to specified modifications
  • Resubmission – Substantial revision required; application may be resubmitted
  • Rejection – Application not approved; no retrospective approvals granted
  • Decisions may be appealed in writing to the Chairperson
5
POST-APPROVAL MONITORING
  • Approved research is subject to ongoing monitoring
  • Researchers must:
    - Submit progress reports periodically (minimum annually),
    - Report protocol deviations or adverse events- Request renewal for research extending beyond one year
All committee documentation is dated, filed, and archived securely for a minimum of five years to safeguard information and ensure confidentiality 

Why Choose DATALIT Ethics Clearance?

  • Independent and objective review – Our committee operates free from institutional or commercial pressure
  • Experienced reviewers – Our panel includes qualified academics, legal experts, and sector specialists
  • POPIA-compliant – Our review process aligns with the Protection of Personal Information Act, ensuring your research data is handled lawfully and ethically
  • Transparent and accountable – We follow the transparency requirements central to South Africa's constitutional and ethical framework
Course Outline

Research Ethics Review and Ethical Clearance Support