1. The number of A and B rated researchers is 831 and not 2 000. The restructuring of the Incentive Funding for Rated Researchers (IFRR) instrument will benefit emerging and early career researchers as well as established researchers through the following instruments, viz., (i) Competitive programme for Rated Researchers (CPRR); (ii) Competitive Support for Unrated Researchers (CSUR); and (iii) Thuthuka.
Based on the current MTEF budget, it is estimated the approximately R30 million per annum will be re-directed and used to supplement the above funding instruments.
2. Yes, all areas of possible savings were considered in terms of the NRF's operational and financial sustainability plans. However, only the IFRR programme was deemed relevant in terms of the directive from the National Treasury that the NRF must implement measures to increase cost savings without compromising its core mandate of research support and advancement.
3. The IFRR programme was never intended to be a primary instrument of the allocating research grants and driving student education or research output. The R30 million released from restructuring the IFRR constitutes only 1.25% of the R2.4 billion annual allocations for researcher and postgraduate and student support. The released funds will be re-allocated for researcher and student support through other funding instruments.