Neuma was the engine of SAIIA’s research department for almost two decades. Her journey at the Institute began in February 2001 as a senior researcher focused on demining in Southern Africa. Her dedication and talent quickly led to her promotion to Deputy Director of Studies, where she spearheaded a multi-year project exploring South African business expansion into the continent. By 2005, she had become Director of Studies, which was later renamed Director of Research – a role she held with distinction until October 2024.
Neuma has made a tremendous contribution to SAIIA over the years. She had an intuitive grasp of the zeitgeist which allowed her to anticipate the most pressing questions of our time. Her forward-thinking approach had an enduring effect on SAIIA’s research agenda. Under Neuma’s leadership, the Institute moved beyond its traditional focus to champion critical emerging areas like foresight and strengthening Africa’s economic resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, at her initiative, SAIIA successfully undertook work on the macro-economic policy responses of several African countries to the crisis and examined the interlinkages with climate change and social vulnerability. Most recently, Neuma drove SAIIA’s research on South Africa’s preparations for the G20 presidency in 2025.
A widely published researcher, Neuma’s expertise reflected her intellectual curiosity and willingness to explore and see the interconnectedness of a broad range of international and development themes – from South Africa’s foreign policy to Africa’s economic development and the role of the private sector, to global economic governance, climate change and the energy transition. She produced numerous policy reports at SAIIA while also writing and co-authoring several books. Her insights were influential in policy discussions both within South Africa and the continent and beyond.
As the Director of Research, Neuma was meticulous in ensuring that the quality of SAIIA’s outputs was of a consistently high standard. She reviewed nearly everything that SAIIA published, and her editing, coupled with probing questions to authors, always resulted in an improved product.
Beyond these achievements, Neuma was known as a builder of bridges. She fostered collaborations with regional and international partners and cultivated a vibrant intellectual community within SAIIA. As manager of the joint Konrad Adenauer Foundation-SAIIA scholarship programme, she mentored scores of Masters students and early-career researchers who have come through SAIIA’s doors over the past 20 years. She nurtured their potential with patience and thoughtfulness, always willing to guide them with her sharp but constructive feedback.
We will remember Neuma for her quiet strength: she could command a room without raising her voice; was passionate about open dialogue and debate; and could find common ground even in the midst of disagreement.
As part of the senior management of SAIIA, she played a key role in the overall direction and management of the Institute. Ever the consummate professional, Neuma’s dedication and commitment, even through her stoical battle with illness, served as a constant source of inspiration for us all.
Neuma embodied the values that SAIIA holds dear: intellectual rigour, a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a positive change in this world. Always structured, methodical and diplomatic, she provided a steady hand as the Institute navigated both fair weather and turbulence over the years.
Neuma’s legacy will endure in the work of SAIIA, in the careers of the many she mentored and in the hearts of all who knew her. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
May she rest in peace.
Neuma was widely respected and admired by colleagues in the research community and beyond. To honour her legacy and offer condolences, please visit SAIIA’s tribute page: https://saiia.org.za/in-memory-of-neuma/