Nzimande: US funding withdrawal cost SA research system R2.5bn

Minister Blade Nzimande revealed that the US withdrawal of research funding had inflicted a financial toll of R2.5 billion on South Africa's science system. This reduction has jeopardized research positions and student degrees, while also underscoring the nation's reliance on foreign support and flaws in funding crucial research programs.

The Ministerial Working Group on Science, Technology and Innovation Funding, convened in response to the US cutting ties with South African health research initiatives, including those targeting HIV and tuberculosis, will present its report for public examination in Pretoria. The working group's findings indicate that the University of Cape Town, Wits University, the University of Pretoria, the South African Medical Research Council, and CAPRISA were among the institutions impacted.

According to the South African Medical Research Council, a R1.6 billion loss due to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) withdrawal threatens 1,930 research positions and 108 student degrees. The HIV vaccine trial, which secured a $45 million five-year grant, was among the programs affected. The NIH has indicated potential reinstatement of funding, provided it does not qualify as foreign aid.

The report proposes more stable domestic funding for strategic research, safeguards for key health, genomics, biotechnology and public health initiatives, and an increase in public and private investments in research and development. Presently, South Africa allocates roughly 0.62% of its GDP to research and development, falling short of the national aim of 1.5%.

Notably, about 17.3% of the country's research and development financing hinges on foreign donors, with health research being particularly vulnerable. To mitigate dependency on foreign funding, the report urges South Africa to concentrate on core priorities without relying on foreign assistance. Diversifying international funding sources away from the US and Europe is also advised.

Nzimande emphasized scientific sovereignty, which involves establishing South Africa's research priorities, maintaining strategic capabilities, and protecting intellectual assets while continuing international collaborations. The report also underscores the necessity of stronger conditions within international research agreements regarding data, intellectual property, technology transfer, local manufacturing, and skills development.

With Cabinet to endorse the report's core recommendations and release it for public feedback by December 31, 2026, a Science, Technology and Innovation Sovereign Risk Advisory Council will be established by the Presidency to oversee the implementation of accepted recommendations.