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Nzimande urges research funding beyond leading universities

sanews.gov.za · 11dShare

Nzimande urges research funding beyond leading universities Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has flagged the continued concentration of public research funding at South Africa’s leading universities, saying institutional inequality limits the country’s ability to draw on talent across the entire higher education system. Speaking at the 2026 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards in Gqeberha on Thursday, Nzimande disclosed that about 63% of NRF funding goes to the 10 universities producing the most research, while 83% of South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) chairs are hosted by top-output universities. The ceremony, held under the theme: “Building an Inclusive, Impactful and Transformed Research Future”, recognised researchers whose work had advanced science for society’s benefit. The Minister will on Friday conclude his two-day programme in the Eastern Cape with a visit to the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ). At the SEZ, discussio

First report: Minister Nzimande to embark on strategic visit to Gqeberha — sanews.gov.za, 12d