The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has welcomed the increase in government funding for research and development (R&D) activities. However, he expressed concern about the general decline in R&D funding from other stakeholders, as reflected in the latest national survey. According to the latest results contained in the 2019/20 National Research and Experimental Development (R&D) survey, the main sources of funding for R&D in South Africa are government, including science councils and university own funds, and business sectors. Whereas government funding of R&D increased by R1.942 billion from the previous year, business funding dropped by R5.175 billion. "We have witnessed and continue to see the value that past investment in scientific research and development has had for South Africa and the world in fighting COVID-19.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 20, 2021 22:05 UTC