NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1272
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11/09/09
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 16-2009)
Ms N Y Vukuza-Linda (Cope) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and
Training:
(1) Whether he has any plans to fast-track research capacity development at
universities of technology; if not, why not; if so, what plans;
NW1619E
REPLY:
The Department assists higher education institutions through earmarked
funds (research development grants) to develop research capacity. Thus, if
institutions fall short of their research output targets there are
initiatives within the department to monitor the usage of the research
development grants to ensure that there is due accountability. The purpose
of the research development grant is for institutions to improve and
develop their research output.
Funds must be used for research capacity building initiatives specifically
for technology transfer and innovation and postgraduate development and
support, development of teaching materials, strengthening tutorials,
curriculum development and mentoring and professional development
programmes for staff. These funds are currently accessed via research
development proposals submitted by institutions which have research output
shortfalls. The Minister approves the research development grant proposal
of institutions and the institution will be allocated an amount equal to
the research output shortfall.
Compiler: C Mabizela/C Sehoole
Ext: 5252
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION
DATE:
DIRECTOR âGENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS: APPROVED
DATE:
QUESTION 1272 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
DR B NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS: APPROVED
DATE:
