Annual Report 2002 - National Research Foundation

Transcription

BRINGING KNOWLEDGE TO LIFE
Annual Report 2002/3
Annual Report of the
National Research Foundation (NRF)
PO Box 2600
Pretoria
0001
Tel: +27 12 481 4003
Fax: +27 12 481 4134
Email: info@nrf.ac.za
www.nrf.ac.za
contents
VISION
1
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS
2
CHAIRPERSON’S OVERVIEW
4
PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT
6
BOARD REPORT
CORPORATE OVERVIEW
10
Clustering of corporate activities
11
Corporate governance
12
Corporate finance
13
Corporate human resources and transformation
15
PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW OF NRF BUSINESS UNITS
17
Research and Innovation Support Agency (RISA)
18
Project Portfolio (some examples)
28
South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)
36
National Research Facilities:
39
●
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO)
40
●
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO)
43
●
South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)
45
●
South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)
48
●
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)
49
●
iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences (iThemba LABS)
52
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR REPORT
54
NRF approach to KPIs and benchmarks
55
FINANCIAL REPORT
57
Statement of responsibility by the Board of Directors
58
Report of the Auditor-General
60
Income statement
62
Balance sheet
63
Statement of changes in funds
64
Cash flow statement
65
Accounting policies
66
Notes to the annual financial statements
69
board members
(as at 31 March 2003)
Professor B D Reddy (Chairperson)
Dean of Science: University of Cape Town
Professor S F Coetzee
Centre for Leadership Studies: University of Stellenbosch
Mr W W Cooper
CEO: Dorbyl Ltd
Professor C A Hamilton
Director: Graduate School for Humanities and Social Sciences,
University of the Witwatersrand
Dr J L Job
Chairman: SAPPI SA
Dr T Mdaka
Nuclear Physician
Professor C C Mokadi
Vice-Chancellor and Principal: Technikon Witwatersrand
Professor P E Ngoepe
Director: Materials Modelling Centre, University of the North
Mr M M Nxumalo
Director: Global Industries
Mrs B D Radebe
Executive Chairperson: Mmakau Mining
Professor J van Zyl
CEO: Sanlam
Professor H W Vilakazi
Independent Electoral Commission
Dr K Mokhele
NRF President (ex-officio)
4
vision
The NRF aims for
a prosperous South Africa and African continent
steeped in a knowledge culture,
free of widespread diseases and poverty,
and proud contributors to the well-being of humanity.
Fundamental to this vision is quality education, wealth creation and an improvement in
the quality of life for all. In modern economies these achievements are dependent on
innovation, research and development (ie knowledge creation and utilisation).
The CORPORATE CORE MISSIONS of the NRF are to develop and support:
●
high-quality human resources in aggressively increasing quantities;
●
the generation of high-quality knowledge in prioritised areas that respond to
national and continental development needs;
●
the utilisation of knowledge, technology transfer and innovation to ensure tangible
benefits to society from the knowledge created; and
●
the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure that is so essential to
facilitating the development of high-quality human resources and knowledge.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES include:
●
redressing and ensuring equity in race and gender;
●
adhering to quality;
●
focusing on Africa;
●
internationalising research;
●
positioning the NRF within the National System of Innovation; and
●
transforming the NRF organisationally.
1
corporate highlights
for 2002/03
Output of researchers
supported by RISA
through its Focus Area
Programmes equals
close to half of the
total research output
of higher education
subsidised by the
Department of
ON CD
Education.
For more information on our
highlights, kindly refer to the
The NRF’s strategic
KPI report on CD.
planning process was
concluded, and the
corporate vision and
mission adopted.
The first round of
evaluation and rating
of researchers in the
social sciences and
humanities was
The launch of the National
implemented.
Astrophysics and Space Science
Programme (NASSP) took place
at the University of Cape Town
An agreement was reached with
with major input from facilities.
the Department of Labour to
manage the Scarce Skills Fund.
30%
There was a 30% increase
in the number of researchers
supported by RISA, mostly
in development programmes.
2
FEST was incorporated
within the NRF by Minister
Ngubane in December
2002.
Staff development
efforts at the National
Research Facilities
resulted in 24 higher
degrees completed,
with 7 doctoral and
14 master’s degrees.
The construction of SALT
is advancing on time and
on schedule with the first
of the 91 mirror segments
installed.
The National Research
17%
Facilities increased their
support of postgraduate
training by 17% to 183.
The official launch
Cabinet gave support for
of the Coelacanth
SA’s bid to host the Square
Project took place
Kilometre Array (SKA).
at Sodwana in April
2002.
3
104
The first three President Awardees
in social sciences and humanities
were identified and honoured.
Research output of
the National Research
Facilities include
104 refereed ISI-listed
publications.
3
chairperson’s overview
T
he past year has seen some significant developments in the research
and development landscape in this country, particularly in areas of
relevance to the NRF. Chief among these has been the adoption by
government of the National Research and Development Strategy
(R&D Strategy); this provides the context in which researchers, working
with others in industry, government, and agencies such as the NRF,
will address challenges that are of national importance. The NRF’s own strategic plan
is well aligned with the R&D Strategy, and envisages for the organisation a central role
in giving substance to the national strategy.
Government has in the recent past adopted various other strategies for the
achievement of national goals in the areas of economic growth, job creation, and
social upliftment. The successful implementation of these strategies depends critically
on the close involvement of highly skilled researchers and other professionals, and
on the ability to address in an innovative manner the research issues that have a
direct impact on these areas. It is in this domain that the NRF together with the
higher education sector play a major role.
TRENDS CAUSE CONCERN
There are some serious concerns, though, about the country’s readiness to respond to
these needs.
More particularly, some disturbing trends make clear the magnitude of the challenge
facing us all.
We have an ageing research community. Around half of the research produced in
Prof BD Reddy
South Africa may be attributed to researchers who are over 50 years of age; ten years
Chairperson: NRF Board
ago the proportion was of the order of 30%. In addition, data in the annual report shows
that there has been a decline for two consecutive years in the number of rated scientists
in the natural sciences and engineering, a phenomenon which can be ascribed largely
to ageing. And, to give further emphasis to the nature of this trend, half of our A-rated
researchers are 60 years and over in age, and will therefore formally have left the
system within the next five years.
These worrying trends indicate an inability to ensure replenishment of the
community of researchers in sufficient numbers, and of sufficiently high quality, to
ensure satisfactory levels of growth in research activity in the country. As it is, within
the higher education sector fewer than 15% of approximately 15 000 academic and
professional staff can be classified as active researchers.
MAKE RESEARCH ATTRACTIVE
Bold and decisive action is required to reverse these adverse trends. In the shorter
term it is vital that conditions for the pursuit of research, both fundamental and
applied, be made more attractive. For students, and for postdoctoral researchers too,
a key factor will be the value of bursaries and fellowships enabling them to pursue
a research career.
4
Success in retaining researchers, and in attracting young people into academia and
research, will require that the conditions for carrying out scholarly work are improved.
In this regard, an area that requires urgent attention is that of renewal and growth of
the equipment base in the country.
A further development that will serve as a catalyst to growth in research is the
implementation of the system for establishing Centres of Excellence, which has been
proposed in the national R&D Strategy.
The NRF will be calling for the first round of proposals for the establishment of such
centres in August 2003, with a view to funding these from 2004 onwards. The amount
available for this first round – R24m – is a first step toward the goal expressed in the
R&D Strategy of ultimately investing Rl50m in this way.
EDUCATION IS THE KEY
In the medium to longer term, by far the biggest challenge lies in the promotion
of Mathematics and Science in our schools. It will require further concerted and
imaginative steps by government, NGOs, and the private sector, working in
collaboration, to ensure that we make real progress. Significant in this regard is the
decision by government to transfer FEST (now SAASTA) to the NRF, which identifies
the NRF as a key participant in the promotion of Science and Mathematics in schools,
and also in the process of improving the understanding of the importance of Science
and Technology within the broader community. This places a significant responsibility
on the shoulders of the NRF. But it is a challenge that the NRF will approach
effectively and enthusiastically, working with researchers in higher education, the
national facilities, science councils, and others.
APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the commitment and diligence shown by the staff
members of the NRF, both within the Research and Innovation Support Agency (RISA)
and in the National Research Facilities. It is due to their efforts that so much
has been achieved, in circumstances that are at times not easy.
I would also single out for special mention Dr Khotso Mokhele and his executive
team, who in carrying out their responsibilities have displayed decisive and imaginative
leadership.
To the members of the NRF Board, my indebtedness for the commitment and enthusiasm that they have displayed in executing their responsibilities. Their combined
wisdom, and the generosity with which they have given of their time and expertise, have
all contributed in no small measure to the successes of the NRF.
Finally, my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Minister BS Ngubane, Minister of
Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, for several fruitful interactions and his guidance
during my first year as chairperson of the NRF Board.
5
“Economic growth,
job creation, and social
upliftment depend
critically on the close
involvement of highly
skilled researchers
and other professionals,
and on the ability to
address in an innovative
manner the research
issues that impact on
these areas. ”
president’s statement
T
he strategic planning process which commenced soon after the
promulgation of the NRF and my appointment as its first President
and CEO in July 1999, culminated in a vision and mission for the new
organisation which is closely aligned with the Research & Development
imperatives of the nation.
The strategic plan aims at increasing the impact of the NRF. The
business plans for the Research and Innovation Support Agency (RISA) and the National
Research Facilities of the NRF have therefore been closely aligned to four core missions,
thereby enabling the organisation to report more effectively on the collective contributions
to achieving corporate goals.
ENTER THE SOUTH AFRICAN AGENCY
FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT (SAASTA)
A major development during the year under review was the request by the Minister of Arts,
Culture, Science and Technology that the erstwhile Foundation for Education, Science and
Technology (FEST) be incorporated into the NRF. The repositioning of FEST within the
NRF necessitated a change of name of the entity from FEST to the South African Agency for
Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA). Having SAASTA within the NRF as from
1 December 2002 also brings major strategic and operational advantages which will
strengthen the ability of the NRF to discharge its mandate with even greater effect. The
success in achieving the object of the mandate of the NRF is critically dependant on an
understanding by, and an acceptance within, the broader society of the importance of science
Dr K Mokhele
and technology for our nation’s advancement. We intend to maximise the strategic advantage
President: NRF
of having this entity in the NRF. As such it will also be the logical home for all corporate
communications and public relations activities of the NRF. The young and dynamic Mrs
Beverley Damonse has been appointed as the first Managing Director of SAASTA.
THE LOSS OF A STELLAR MAN
We were all saddened by the sudden and untimely death of Dr Bob Stobie, Managing Director
of the SAAO, in May last year. Bob had been leading the SAAO since 1992 and was a major
driving force to secure the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). It was largely his
commitment and standing as a scientist which persuaded many foreign institutions to join
South Africa in this unique venture. This project is progressing exceptionally well with the
construction phase expected to be completed on time in December 2004. It was through
Bob’s sense of judgement that the project was able to attract Mr Kobus Meiring, an incredibly
competent project manager, for SALT. Without any doubt the Executive Management team
of the NRF as well as the Boards of both the NRF and the SALT Foundation (Pty) Ltd have
lost one of the most competent, committed and dedicated managers and colleagues.
THE SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE?
A significant development, which could have a major impact on science in South Africa for
many decades to come, is Cabinet’s full support of South Africa’s bid to host the core array
of the revolutionary Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope. Preparation for South
Africa’s bid of this US$1 billion mega-science project commenced late in the financial year
6
under guidance of a small and very agile steering committee of representatives of
the Department of Science and Technology (DST), NRF, Rhodes University and the
Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), with Dr Rob Adam, Director-general of DST,
as chair. Dr Bernie Fanaroff, himself a former astronomer of note, was contracted as project
manager, and drove the initial bid to a very successful conclusion under an extremely
tight schedule. The SKA will enable astronomers to probe the so-called “Dark Ages” – a
period from about 300 000 years till one billion years after the big bang – when the early
universe was in a gaseous form before the formation of stars and galaxies.
The competition to host this facility whose construction is expected to commence in
2010 will be stiff indeed but South Africa would be the ideal site owing to its location,
its capabilities and its record of accomplishments. (The success of the SALT project
can be counted among these accomplishments). The success of this bid will not only
hold scientific benefits for South Africa but will also bring enormous economic and
reputational benefits. The decision on the siting of the SKA will be made by the
International SKA Steering Committee in 2005.
NICOLSON RETIRES BUT AN ABLE SUCCESSOR STEPS IN
Dr George Nicolson, Managing Director of HartRAO, retired at the end of April 2003.
George was a key figure in the South African decision to host the SKA radio telescope.
The SALT project is progressing
We are deeply indebted to George for his significant contributions to the advancement
exceptionally well with the
of science in South Africa in general, and radio astronomy in particular, over the past
construction phase expected
27 years as director of HartRAO. George is credited by many as the person who started
to be completed on time in
radio astronomy in South Africa when the US National Space Agency (NASA) decided
December 2004. See page 46
to stop tracking their deep space probes from the Hartebeesthoek facility. We are
for full details.
delighted that he has agreed to remain involved in South Africa’s bid for the SKA
for the foreseeable future. I am also delighted that George has accepted the offer of a
position of Astronomer Emeritus at the HartRAO for a five-year period ending in 2008.
In this context I would like to welcome Professor Justin Jonas, Head of the Department
of Physics and Electronics at Rhodes University, and member of the South African SKA
steering committee, as Managing Director of HartRAO from 1 June 2003. Justin will
enjoy a joint appointment between the NRF and Rhodes University for a two-year period
(2003 to 2005) which is directly linked to the conclusion of the adjudication on the siting
of the SKA by the International SKA Steering Committee.
ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCIES IN RISA
RISA has also seen some significant changes because of the new research support
framework for research funding that was implemented from 2003 onwards. Late in the
financial year, a critical review was conducted to assess whether structures and processes
implemented were appropriate and allowed RISA to fulfil its role as a value-adding agency
efficiently and effectively. What became evident is that RISA has been very inwardly
focused over the past year or two and hence neglected in several ways to provide the
intellectual leadership and direction required within the National System of Innovation
(NSI). This is being addressed very forcefully with a reorientation of RISA, through some
reorganisation of its activities and the development of a marketing orientation.
7
Photograph by Nick Aldridge.
The filling of two posts within RISA, which have been vacant for some time, will
go a long way in achieving these objectives and I would like to welcome Dr Tessa
Marcus and Dr Andrew Kaniki on my executive team. Both have had active research
careers and bring with them a wealth of experience in higher education. Tessa, as a
social scientist, has taken responsibility for the Focus Area Programmes, whereas
Andrew, with his solid background in information sciences, is taking charge of
Knowledge Management and Strategy.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN RISA
Of the many positive achievements within RISA over the past year, I would like to
highlight the following:
●
THRIP has made considerable strides in the past year or so to improve its
performance and image. Gone are the days of lengthy delays in announcing the
outcomes of funding applications, thanks to a significantly reworked memorandum of
agreement with the dti. In addition, a considerably more professional approach in
communicating with stakeholders has now paid handsome dividends. The introduction
of an award ceremony which was linked to the launch of its previous annual report, in
addition to some very attractive features of the annual report, were rewarded with the
Gold Quill Award of Excellence for 2002 by the International Association of Business
Communicators. This is a singularly significant achievement, given the very tough
international competition for this award.
●
The first round of evaluation and rating of individual researchers in the social
sciences and humanities was concluded. This process went extremely well, owing
to strong support by top scientists within these disciplines, leaders of higher
education institutions in South Africa, as well as the commitment and dedication
of staff at the Evaluation Centre. We are firm in our resolve to proceed with and
improve this process, as we are convinced that it will have as positive an impact
on social sciences and humanities scholarship as the introduction of the system
almost 20 years ago had for the natural sciences and engineering disciplines.
●
The Innovation Fund, managed on behalf of the Innovation Fund Board of
Trustees by way of an agreement, has made considerable advances. Not only
was a significant inherited backlog erased, but a new evaluation and selection
procedure has shortened the process of selection of projects for funding. Through
an international peer review process of the fund and a subsequent strategic
planning process, several new initiatives to enhance and facilitate innovation in
South Africa have been launched and will be managed by the NRF on behalf of
The International Association of Business
Communicators’ Gold Quill Award of
the Trust.
●
Particularly rewarding is the substantial increase in the number of researchers
Excellence was awarded to the
that could be supported, particularly in the development programmes of RISA.
THRIP 2002 annual report.
This suggests that the effort to build research capacity among the previously
disadvantaged is now paying off. This is also evident in the 67 staff members (mostly
black) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who have completed their research
degrees with the aid of staff development grants to their respective supervisors.
8
SOME MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
I would also like to draw attention to issues of some concern:
●
At the end of every financial year, several million rands are returned by researchers
and institutions as unused and then reflect as unspent funds on our books at year end.
The past year was no exception. It has become imperative that the NRF tighten the
management of its resources so that it can anticipate well in advance of the
financial year end, where allocated resources are not being utilised maximally so
that funds can be channelled to other support programmes with burning needs.
●
The steady state (no growth) in the number of students supported by RISA is also
of concern. Given the prevailing small intake of students with suitable qualifications
in Mathematics and Science in higher education, a demand pull needs to be created
to draw students into research in order to meet strategic objectives of both the NRF
and the National R&D Strategy. This will be achieved by a significant increase in
the number and values of the postgraduate bursaries provided by RISA and will
therefore require a larger proportion of RISA funds to be allocated for this purpose.
OPPORTUNITIES BECKON
Amidst the challenges of scarce human resources and ageing equipment, the NRF
finds itself in a unique position of being an important intermediary between the higher
education sector and government. Examples are:
The National Department of Education
The restructuring of higher education allows the NRF to seek new synergies with the
Department of Education (DoE), and two initiatives have already commenced:
●
developing a National Mentoring Programme in the higher education sector;
●
developing acceptable criteria and processes for the evaluation of research outputs
to measure research productivity linked to the subsequent research subsidies from
DoE to HEIs.
The Department of Labour
An agreement has been reached with the Department of Labour for the NRF to manage
the Scarce Skills Fund.
The Department of Science and Technology
The adoption of the National R&D Strategy by the Cabinet in July 2002 also resulted
in the splitting of the erstwhile Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
(DACST) into the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the Department of Science
and Technology (DST). We expect the NRF to be a major agency for the new DST in
implementing the National R&D Strategy. This expectation is based on the strong
alignment between the strategic orientation of the NRF that was approved by the
Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in July 2002 and the National R&D
Strategy.
The vision and mission of the NRF provide direction on the fascinating path
of service delivery and discovery that lies ahead for all who are motivated to raise
the competitiveness profile of our nation. The NRF has taken the first step …
9
The NRF’s responsibility
is to make South Africa
a winning nation
through training highly
skilled human resources,
generating new
knowledge and
stimulating innovation
for social upliftment
and international
competitiveness.
BOARD REPORT
corporate
overview
Clustering of corporate
activities
Corporate finance
Corporate human resources
and transformation
10
NRF operation structure and clustering of activities
NRF BOARD
CORP SEC
PRES/CEO NRF
ED
HR
VICE-PRES/MD
RISA
ED
FINANCE
ED
Business &
Industry Partnership
Programmes
ED
Research
Development
& Support
ED
Innovation
Fund
ED: Executive Director
MD
SAASTA
MD
iTHEMBA
LABS
ED
Research
Promotion
& Support
MD: Managing Director
ED
Knowledge
Management
& Strategy
GM: General Manager
Clustering of corporate activities
The operations of the NRF fall broadly into three categories: the Agency Function,
SAASTA and the National Research Facilities.
The Agency Function
Research and innovation support is provided by the following means:
●
Parliamentary Core Grant Funding;
●
Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP); and the
●
Innovation Fund.
Public understanding and appreciation of science are supported by:
●
South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
Corporate support functions are provided by:
●
Human resources;
●
Finance; and
●
Corporate Communications and Public Relations.
In-depth investigations have commenced to obtain economies of scale and greater
impact in the performance of the individual business units through the corporatisation
of the following activities:
●
IT (standardisation of equipment, purchasing, maintenance, etc);
●
International Science Liaison as enabling function;
●
Corporate Communications and Public Relations within the mandate of SAASTA.
National Research Facilities
The Astro/Space/Geo Sciences are served by:
●
South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO);
●
Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Foundation (Pty) Ltd;
●
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO); and
●
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO).
11
MD
HartRAO
MD
SAIAB
GM
South African
Environmental
Observation
Network
MD
SAAO
GM
Hermanus
Magnetic
Observatory
Biodiversity/Conservation are addressed by:
●
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB); and
●
South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON).
Nuclear Sciences are served by:
●
iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences (iThemba LABS).
The NRF receives its mandate from the National Research Foundation Act, No 23
of 1998, which came into effect on 1 April 1999 and established the NRF as an
autonomous statutory body. According to the Act, the object of the NRF is to support
and promote research through funding, human resource development and the provision
of the necessary research facilities in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge,
innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous
knowledge, and thereby to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all the
people of the Republic.
The NRF Board, appointed by the Minister responsible for Science and Technology,
provides strategic direction and monitors the compliance of the NRF with legal and
regulatory obligations which govern statutory bodies. The Board appointed an Audit
Committee and Remuneration and Human Resources Committee to deal with relevant
issues on a regular basis. These committees comprise:
Audit Committee:
Remuneration
and Human Resources Committee:
Dr JL Job (chairperson)
Prof PE Ngoepe (chairperson)
Prof SF Coetzee
Prof CA Hamilton
Mrs BD Radebe
Prof J van Zyl (resigned 20/01/03)
Mr WW Cooper (resigned 20/01/03)
Mr M Nxumalo (appointed 20/01/03)
Prof J van Zyl (appointed 20/01/03)
Prof HW Vilakazi
Prof BD Reddy (ex-officio)
Prof BD Reddy (ex-officio)
Dr K Mokhele (ex-officio)
Dr K Mokhele (ex-officio)
In accordance with the Act, the NRF performs an agency function on behalf of its
line department, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), as well as for the
following functions and government departments:
●
Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) for THRIP;
●
Department of Labour (DoL) for the Scarce Skills Fund;
●
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) for marine research;
●
DST for the Science and Technology Agreement Committee (STAC) and through the
Innovation Fund Board of Trustees for the Innovation Fund.
The relationship between the NRF and departments that choose the NRF as agency is
usually managed through Memoranda of Understanding containing specific service level
agreements, some of which still have to be put into place.
In accordance with, or in addition to, these formal agreements, the following
12
governance structures are in place:
●
A steering committee for the Innovation Fund;
●
the THRIP Board, appointed jointly by the NRF President and the Director-General,
the dti; and
●
various advisory boards/committees for the National Research Facilities.
The role definitions of all governance structures are reviewed from time to time to
streamline operations according to best practice.
Corporate finance
The detailed financial results of the NRF are set out in the annual financial statements
which appear on pages 62 to 81.
During the financial year under review the following amounts were allocated to the
NRF from DST to enable the NRF to achieve its objectives:
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Research and Innovation Support Agency .......................... 236 309
225 068
iThemba LABS ...................................................................... 63 697
61 357
South African Astronomical Observatory .............................. 14 853
13 761
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory ........................ 9 205
8 402
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity ...................... 4 151
3 690
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory .............................................. 3 710
4 000
Foundation for Education, Science and Technology ................ 2 559
–
TOTAL (Refer Note 4 to the AFS) ...................................... 334 484
316 278
The NRF’s total expenditure increased from R475m in 2002 to R606m in 2003, with
detail concerning expenditure per facility as follows:
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Research and Innovation Support Agency ........................ 467 788
361 891
iThemba LABS .................................................................... 85 716
74 132
South African Astronomical Observatory .............................. 19 720
17 114
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory .................... 10 218
9 337
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity .................... 9 913
6 855
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory ............................................ 5 417
5 584
Foundation for Education, Science and Technology ................ 7 455
–
TOTAL EXPENDITURE PER INCOME STATEMENT ...... 606 227
474 913
Within RISA the increase in programme expenditure is mainly attributable to the
increase in Agency grants of 24%, as well as a 17% increase in expenses relating to
the operations of the Innovation Fund, which were not included in the previous year.
13
After elimination of these expense increases, the increase in RISA programme
expenditure is 4,8%.
The unspent funds for the year was R19,8m (2002: R23,8m) which were made up as
follows:
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Research and Innovation Support Agency ................................ 32 587
29 275
iThemba LABS ........................................................................ (12 438)
(2 809)
South African Astronomical Observatory .................................... (2 223)
(2 041)
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory .............................. (506)
(759)
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity .............................. 652
(424)
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory .................................................... 828
598
Foundation for Education, Science and Technology ........................ 855
–
TOTAL ...................................................................................... 19 755
23 840
The total accumulated funds of the NRF at the end of the year amounted to R125,5m
(2002: R97,1m), which were made up as follows:
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Accumulated unspent funds ...................................................... 60 138
40 875
Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) funds ...................... 58 250
52 500
Contingency funds ........................................................................ 5 195
3 465
General capital funds .................................................................. 1 903
273
TOTAL .................................................................................... 125 486
97 113
The accumulated unspent funds of R60,1m (2002: R40,9m) were made up as follows:
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Research and Innovation Support Agency ................................ 67 384
40 548
iThemba LABS ........................................................................ (10 766)
1 673
South African Astronomical Observatory .................................... (3 434)
(1 211)
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory .............................. (874)
(369)
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity .............................. 288
(364)
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory ................................................ 1 426
598
Foundation for Education, Science and Technology .................... 6 114
–
TOTAL ...................................................................................... 60 138
40 875
14
The accumulated unspent funds of R67,4m of RISA mainly comprise grants and
bursaries awarded during the financial year under review, as well as the following
expenditure, which will only be accounted for in the financial year ending 31 March 2004:
R’000
Ring-fenced funds:
IKS ............................................................................................................ 12 944
STAC ............................................................................................................ 6 478
Key International Science Capacity ............................................................ 4 540
Provisions:
Grant Management System .......................................................................... 3 000
Business Process Review ................................................................................ 670
Grant Appeals .............................................................................................. 1 500
Pension Fund Conversion ............................................................................ 5 000
SAIAB Health and Safety ............................................................................ 4 000
Budgeted Deficit for 2004 ............................................................................ 8 386
TOTAL .......................................................................................................... 46 518
Also included in the accumulated unspent funds of RISA is the share of the Post
Retirement Medical Benefit Provision, amounting to R17,3m, which is distributed to
the National Research Facilities.
Acquisitions
The NRF holds a 45,49% of the issued shares in the SALT Foundation (Pty) Ltd, an
unlisted company. In terms of the SALT Shareholders Agreement, the NRF will have
a 34% shareholding in the company once all the partners have purchased their share
capital. Details of the investment are included in Note 6 to the annual financial
statements. The investment has not been consolidated, nor equity accounted, as the
NRF holds only two out of 11 seats on the Board, which controls the SALT Foundation.
This results in an effective 18% control.
The Foundation for Education, Science and Technology was placed under the
management of the NRF from 1 December 2002.
Corporate human resources and transformation
The reporting period (2002/03) saw a more focused implementation and consolidation
of the longer-term strategic objectives for human resources and transformation. These
objectives are to:
●
ensure that the organisation has the right number and quality of people;
●
manage change in the context of the vision, mission and mandate of the organisation
in a manner that encourages employee participation and commitment;
●
encourage the delivery of results through outstanding performance by providing
a remuneration structure and practices that employees recognise as fair and
competitive; and
15
●
ensure that organisational culture and other practices demonstrate care and concern
for the well-being of employees.
The following progress and achievements were obtained in the 2002/03 financial year:
Organisational demographics
The overall representation by previously disadvantaged individuals (57%) and females
(41,2%) within the organisation has remained stable. However, the NRF will pay more
attention to improving these statistics as it strives to become representative of the
ON CD
national demographics at all levels.
Race and gender representation as at 31 March 2003
Full details of organisational
demographics by level, race
report which is on CD.
BAR CHART:
and gender appear in the KPI
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
0
Male
Female
African
Coloured
Indian
White
BAR CHART
Some 66 new employees joined the organisation in the period under review while a
total of 49 terminated employment. Of the 49 terminations, 31 were resignations,
eight retirements, nine contracts coming to an end and one dismissal. The overall
organisational staff turnover was 7,8% (lower than the national average of 11%), and
the recruitment rate was 10,6%. Special mechanisms have been put into place to
address the alarming turnover rate in RISA (18%).
Training and development
The training and development activity increased significantly in the year under review.
More than 1 000 person-days were spent on training employees across all levels of
the organisation. Further investments in staff were made through the NRF Education
Assistance Scheme designed to encourage staff to improve their qualifications through
part-time study. An investment of some R232 000 was made, benefiting 42 staff
members pursuing diplomas, first degrees and postgraduate studies.
The above initiatives will continue in 2003/04 to ensure that staff have the
competencies and skills required to contribute to the objectives and mandate of the NRF.
While there are still challenges resulting from the change in the conditions of
employment negotiated and agreed with the representative unions, no adverse IR
situations were experienced in the year under review. Negotiations on package/salary
improvements were conducted and concluded within mandate.
16
BOARD REPORT
ON CD
The detailed KPI report can be
found on the CD
performance
overview of
business
units
Research and Innovation Support Agency
Project Portfolio (some examples)
South African Agency for Science and
Technology Advancement
HartRAO
HMO
SAAO
SAEON
SAIAB
iThemba LABS
17
The NRF has the following business units:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
The core competency of RISA is the ability to manage research and innovation support.
This competency entails, among others:
●
the capacity to continuously assess the state of the nation’s ability to deliver highly
skilled human resources and the strategic knowledge required within the National
System of Innovation (NSI), and to successfully steer research and innovation
promotion in the stakeholder community in accordance with identified needs;
●
the capacity to assess and satisfy the requirements of local and international research
and innovation sponsors that wish to invest in South Africa and the rest of the African
continent, thereby leveraging funds to complement research and innovation funding
available within higher education and industry;
●
appropriate decision-making mechanisms based on the principle of peer review to
ensure quality and sound investment of research funds;
●
grant management skills and infrastructure;
●
knowledge management facilities and skills, such as databases, provision of research
information, and provision of PR advice and support (currently being developed);
●
local and international networking and cooperation;
●
sound governance structures and procedures;
●
a management approach that is outcomes-based and driven by performance criteria.
RISA approach
RISA adopts a three-pronged approach to its operations:
●
Programmes that build human resource capacity and the knowledge base.
These programmes are largely funded from the parliamentary core grant, but also
include programmes where the NRF has been chosen as agency to address scarce
skills, facilitate international research and innovation collaboration, and so forth.
●
Programmes focusing on technology and innovation. These programmes are largely
in support of the missions of specific government departments such as DST and the dti.
●
A set of enabling support functions.
Human resource capacity and knowledge development
RISA allocates its parliamentary core grant mainly to granting functions built around
nine focus areas.
18
These focus areas, each addressing national needs and priorities, are:
●
Unlocking the Future: Advancing and Strengthening Strategic Knowledge;
●
Distinct South African Research Opportunities;
●
Conservation and Management of Ecosystems and Biodiversity;
●
Economic Growth and International Competitiveness;
●
Education and the Challenges for Change;
●
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS);
●
Information and Communication Technology and the Information Society in South
Africa;
●
Socio-political Impact of Globalisation: The Challenge for South Africa; and
●
Sustainable Livelihoods: The Eradication of Poverty.
The focus areas form the landscape for interventions addressing the uniquely South
African requirements for human resource development, knowledge generation, research
utilisation, technology transfer and innovation, and the provision of research equipment
and infrastructure. Interventions include:
●
Institutional Development Programmes to develop research capacity at Technikons
and Historically Black Universities;
●
Thuthuka, which offers opportunities for researchers in training, women in research,
and the training of black staff (REDIBA);
●
Focus Area Programmes, which provide grants to researchers and grantholder-linked
students;
●
Science liaison grants to enable the internationalisation of science;
●
Equipment and mobility grants; and
●
Free-standing scholarships and bursaries to address scarce skills, for example.
Technology and innovation
The NRF is the agency of choice in assisting government departments to fulfil their
mandates. It has been chosen to facilitate the utilisation of research technology
development, technology transfer and innovation through the management of the
following two programmes:
Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP)
THRIP is a dti-funded programme which supports projects addressing the technology
and human resources needs of industrial partners on a cost-sharing basis with industry.
Its primary purpose is to improve the competitiveness of South Africa.
The Innovation Fund (IF)
The Innovation Fund, a policy instrument of DST, was created to promote
●
technological innovation;
●
increased networking and cross-sectoral collaboration; as well as
●
the key issues of
competitiveness,
quality of life,
environmental sustainability, and
the harnessing of information technology.
19
The NRF is the
agency of choice
in assisting government
departments to fulfil
their mandates.
Enabling functions
The granting support functions provide services to all RISA programmes and include
functions such as Central Grants Administration and Knowledge Management (including
Evaluation, Research Information, Strategic Advice and Information Technology).
RISA achievements
RISA made a meaningful impact on all the core missions of the NRF and most of its
strategic priorities.
Human resource development
ON CD
RISA supports human resource development through:
●
grantholder support;
The text alongside is
●
student support;
extracted from the
●
the development of human resources for industry through THRIP; and
more substantive
●
staff development grants.
performance information
Grantholders
The number of grantholders who received research grants (excluding THRIP) has shown
a significant increase of 32% from 1 104 in 2001/02 to 1 457 in 2002/03. This increase
is largely due to the growth in the number of black (55%) and women (52%) researchers.
Most of this growth was in the development programmes.
Growth in number of supported researchers
1600
1457
2001/2002
2002/2003
1400
847
800
476
600
Black
257
321
350
Women
207
0
231
400
200
981
1000
1104
1200
BAR CHART:
contained on the CD.
Development Focus Area
Programmes Programmes
BAR CHART:
Total
These results indicate that the effort by RISA to build capacity among the previously
disadvantaged is beginning to show handsome dividends. This 32% growth was achieved
with a budget increase of about 9%, implying that the average grant size within the
developmental programmes decreased substantially.
Students
The total number of students supported decreased marginally by 0,8% from 4 365 in
2001/02 to 4 330 in 2002/03. This decline is the result of fewer students supported at
3rd or 4th year and honours level, while the total number at master’s and doctoral level
training remained constant. The number of free-standing bursaries has declined by more
than 250, which is in accordance with policy to focus within the Bursary and Fellowship
20
Programme on prestigious scholarships, and to phase out the free-standing bursaries for
the social sciences and humanities in favour of grantholder-linked bursaries within these
disciplines. This policy led to a 7% increase in the number of grantholder-linked
bursaries which led to a 5% increase for grantholder-linked bursaries to R41,0m. The
total value of student support, however, declined by 4% (R2,5m) from R65,0m in
2001/02 to R62,4m in 2002/03. This discrepancy can be explained by the low take-up
of allocated free-standing student support at Higher Education Institutions for which
Student support per programme type:
2001/2002 and 2002/2003
R23,7m was approved, but only R21,0m was claimed.
Trends in student support
Total
Black
Women
5362
6000
2465
1184
922
954
943
Focus Area Programmes
Development grants
Free-standing bursaries
and scholarships
2051
4330
2514
2012
1000
2507
2000
2175
2815
3000
2568
3225
4365
4785
4000
4561
BAR CHART:
5000
0
2002/2003
demand pull.
500
2001/2002
a substantive increase in the value and number of bursaries, thereby creating a
1000
2002/2003
to eligible students will have to be made. This, however, will only be achieved by
2001/2002
natural sciences and engineering). Concerted efforts to improving provision of access
1500
2002/2003
humanities from former Centre for Science Development (CSD) values to those for the
2000
2001/2002
levelled off (precipitated by elevating the bursary values for the social sciences and
Number of students supported
illustrated by the chart below. The sharp downward trend of the previous year has
2174
2500
The total number of students supported annually over the past five years is
0
1998/1999
1999/2000
2000/2001
2001/2002
2002/2003
BAR CHART
In areas of scarce skills 520 students were supported for the first time from funding
provided by the DoL’s Scarce Skills Fund. Of these students, 180 have already received
funds through NRF grantholder-linked bursaries, and their NRF bursary grants were
DoL Scarce Skills Fund – level of study
topped up to the level of the scarce skills bursaries.
Of all these bursaries, 67% were awarded to black students and 42% to women. Students
who successfully completed their studies during the year numbered 294.
The number of students who participated in THRIP declined for a second
consecutive year from the all-time high of 2 504 in 2000/01 to 2 246 in 2002/03.
The percentage of black students (36%) has also declined from the high of 38%
in 2000/01, and the number of women students has also declined in number but
remained 30% of total. These trends are of great concern to THRIP management
as active student participation is a prerequisite for funding, and because black
and women student participation is one of the priorities of the programme.
Encouraging, though, is the growth in the number of researchers by 48 (6%) to 815.
Of these, 17% were black and 27% were women. (Further information on the
performance of THRIP is provided in the Annual Report of THRIP).
21
PhD
Honours
Master’s
BAR CHART:
Staff Development Grants
Substantial assistance was again provided to staff members of higher education
institutions to improve their qualifications, in the form of staff development grants
within the research grants of grantholders. The amount has increased steadily from
R1,0m in 2000/01 to R1,2m in 2001/02 to R1,5m in 2002/03. In the year under review,
153 staff members were supported. Of the R1,5m, 69% was claimed by black staff
members and 53% by women staff members.
It is pleasing to note that 67 staff members who benefited from staff development
grants to their supervisors over the past years have completed their studies:
28 completed a master’s degree and 39 a doctorate.
Knowledge generation in prioritised areas
The focus area framework for research support enables knowledge generation in areas
that respond to societal needs, as well as a framework within which disciplinary-based
and multidisciplinary research (both basic and applied) is accommodated. The focus
area framework is continually reviewed to strengthen weak disciplines and to provide
support for new and strategic research areas. This is particularly critical in a healthy
and functional innovation system.
Within the Focus Area Programmes there has been a 10% increase in funding
(to R87,0m). The number of grantholders has increased by close to 14%, the effect of
which has been a small decline in the average grant size. This is bound to change as
the policy directive based on the RISA strategy is to provide more substantial grants
in the future, albeit to a smaller number of grantholders.
Of greater concern is the decline in funding of 21,6% and 31% in the Information
and Communication Technology and the Sustainable Livelihoods programmes (see chart
on page 23). Special efforts will have to be put into these important focus areas to
recover lost ground.
There has been a substantial increase in the uptake of ring-fenced funds in the IKS
Focus Area Programme. This is largely attributable to students benefiting by the way of
grantholder-linked bursaries which increased from 101 in 2001/02 to 248 in 2002/03.
Of these students 82,6% were black.
Research funded by RISA through its Focus Area Programmes has resulted in
2 620 peer reviewed publications, 273 books and chapters in books, as well as
1 022 conference proceedings. This is close to half the total Department of
Education-subsidised research output of higher education.
22
Focus Area Grants: Amounts awarded
16 409
Sustainable Livelhoods:
The Eradication of Poverty
Socio-political impact
of Globalisation: The
Challenge for South Africa
Unlocking the Future:
Advancing and Strengthening
Strategic Knowledge
8 642
5 954
1 556
862
3 409
2 673
Information and Communication
Technology and the Information
Society in South Africa
Indigenous
Knowledge
Systems
Economic Growth
and International
Competitiveness
Education and
the Challenges
for Change
Distinct South
African Research
opportunities
0
Conservation and
Management of Ecosystems
and Biodiversity
16 246
2001/2002
2002/2003
5 198
20 678
4 990
4 380
4 923
5 000
7 467
10 000
13 546
15 000
15 706
20 000
7 427
25 000
25 201
30 000
With R31,9m, total funding to the social sciences and humanities has remained
virtually constant from the previous financial year, but represents a decline of 3% of
total grant funding in all RISA programmes. This stagnation after a substantial growth
in earlier years is of concern and will require concerted effort to ensure that these
disciplines retain their rightful position within the science system of the country.
Funding trends in SSH in R value and as % of total grants
35000
10000
31895
27347
20000
19744
R million
25000
15000
31795
30000
THRIP – Funding (R million) per SIC code
15%
19%
23%
20%
5000
0
1999/2000
2000/2001
2001/2002
2002/2003
BAR CHART
It is now widely acknowledged that THRIP is a total economy programme that serves
the technology and human resource development needs of all industrial sectors. The
manufacturing sector, however, continues to dominate, and constituted 55,6 % of all
the projects funded. The diagrams (on this page and overleaf) illustrate THRIP support
according to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code in terms of both funding and
number of projects supported.
Utilisation of research results, technology transfer and innovation
The utilisation of research results, technology transfer and innovation are primarily
vested in the THRIP and Innovation Fund programmes, although elements of these are
also pursued in RISA’s support of International Chairs in Entrepreneurship.
23
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Mining
Energy and water supply
Transport and communication
Social and personal services
Others
Details of the outcomes of THRIP and the Innovation Fund programmes in terms of
THRIP – Number of projects per SIC Code
technology development and innovation are contained in their respective detailed
annual reports. The NRF manages these two funds by way of agreements with the dti
and the Innovation Fund Board of Trustees respectively which regulate the management
of these funds in accordance with specific performance agreements. Such an agreement
is in place with the dti, but a similar agreement still needs to be concluded with the
Innovation Fund Trust.
Great advances have been made in the management of the Innovation Fund since
its transfer to the NRF. All backlogs have been eliminated and calls for proposals and
selection procedures were completed for Round 5 and nearly completed for Round 6
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Mining
Energy and water supply
Transport and communication
Social and personal services
Others
during the financial year. In the year under consideration, the Innovation Fund was
reviewed by an international panel of experts. On the basis of this review and a
subsequent strategic planning process, the scope of the Innovation Fund has expanded
considerably. In addition to funding projects in its four priority areas, the Innovation
Fund Board of Trustees has approved the following new thrusts:
●
Technology Platforms in support of the Technology Missions identified in the National R&D
Strategy. This entails longer term support for early stage technology development which
has potential for economic benefit;
●
Technology Advancement Programme (TAP): Open call for proposals that fall outside
the priority areas but which are at the forefront of technology developments;
●
Initiative for Developing Enterprising Activities (IDEA): To promote entrepreneurship
by supporting the innovative ideas of young researchers;
●
The Innovation Fund Commercialisation Office (IFCO): To facilitate the protection of
intellectual property, patenting and commercialisation.
The design of business processes as well as the call for proposals under the first two
new programmes commenced towards the end of the year under review.
During 2002/03 RISA supported three International Chairs in Entrepreneurship
(ICE): at the Port Elizabeth Technikon/Rhodes University, the University of Natal,
and the Technikons Northern Gauteng/Pretoria. International partner universities
are Limerick University in Ireland and the University of Twente in the Netherlands.
The ICE engaged in various activities to enhance entrepreneurial understanding,
culture, initiative and practice. These took the form of courses, research, support for
new business development, and networking, and engaged students, academics and
non-academics.
Provision of state-of-the-art research equipment and infrastructure
Research equipment
RISA has over the past years not been in a position to arrest, let alone reverse, the
rapidly ageing state of research equipment. Efforts to utilise the existing equipment
infrastructure optimally resulted in the introduction of the mobility grant scheme several
years ago. Unprecedented demand for support from this scheme to access state-of-the-art
equipment, both locally and abroad, necessitated more than a doubling of the resources for
this scheme in the financial year.
24
Given the critical state of equipment, RISA made available R4,5m during the
Innovation Fund: No of applications
received and grants awarded
of at least some of the more critical pieces of equipment in higher education. This
300
amount, although awarded, will be taken up in the 2003/04 financial year. A call for
250
proposals elicited a response in excess of R40m which underscores the urgency of
200
209
financial year for urgent equipment upgrades and repairs to ensure the serviceability
a sustainable investment in research equipment.
100
Strategy by way of wide stakeholder consultation. It is hoped that this strategy will
50
Apart from the initiatives referred to above, some of the equipment needs are
being addressed through other programes of RISA. An amount of R3,3m was
spent on equipment through the Institutional Programmes, whereas both THRIP and
the Innovation Fund make provision for research equipment purchases within their
respective granting categories which could ultimately be available for the benefit of
the broader research community. Systems will be put in place to report more fully on
the placement of equipment in higher education through these programmes.
Research infrastructure
The research information databases maintained by RISA for the benefit of the
research community show a steady increase in usage of Nexus, SANSA and SADA.
This can be ascribed firstly to the growth of the databases, making them of greater
value to a larger community and, secondly, to concerted efforts in marketing this
facility among researchers and other potential users. A new database of active
researchers, both locally and abroad, has been created within Nexus to assist RISA
programme management in the selection of appropriate reviewers for project proposals.
This will assist greatly in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of peer review
processes.
Internationalisation of research and research capacity
Internationalisation of research is one of the strategic priorities of the NRF. Currently,
the facilitation of strategic partnerships, collaboration and knowledge networks is a
cross-cutting enabling function within RISA, handled by the International Science
Liaison unit (ISL). It is foreseen that these activities will be extended to become a
corporate service that makes opportunities accessible to the national research community
through all the mechanisms entrusted to the NRF.
During 2002/03 there was a 9% increase in ISL grants with growth of demand
primarily in international conference attendance and within STAC (S&T bilateral
agreements managed by the NRF on behalf of DST). The increase is due to the
growth in the number of bi-national agreements from 11 in 2000/01 to 14 in 2002/03.
Through membership dues to continental and/or international scientific
bodies such as CODESRIA, OSSREA, IBRO or ICSU, ISL provides access for
South African scientists and postgraduate students to continental bodies, research
25
12
16
11
18
0
Round 4
once funds become available for this purpose.
18
provide useful suggestions to DST on how to implement such a renewal strategy
85
R&D Strategy, RISA has embarked on the development of an Equipment Renewal
127
150
126
As equipment renewal has been recognised as a strategic objective in the National
Round 5
Round 6
Pre-proposal applications received
Full proposal applications received
Grants awarded
R Millions
STAC Allocations (R million)
training opportunities, research grants and disciplinary meetings and workshops.
14
In this context, ISL supported 630 national ICSU committee members and other
12
South Africans who are members of international or regional scientific committees
10
to meet their obligations within these important international initiatives.
8
6
Africa interaction
4
A further strategic priority of ISL is to promote and facilitate research networks
2
and partnerships on the African continent. Grants are therefore primarily directed
towards networks which have a tangible “multiplier effect”, which are sustainable and
0
2000/
2001
2001/
2002
2002/
2003
of strategic importance to the continent. Therefore, it should be noted that of the
29 grants amounting to R622 000, 13 grants benefited over 88 African scientists
within networks such as the Animal Traction Network, Society for Conservation Biology
in Africa, the African Association of Political Science, SADC Network of Media
Researchers, and so forth.
An example of the success of these initiatives is the funding of the University of the
North proposal to OSSREA’s HIV/AIDS programme for which an amount of US$75 000
over two years was granted.
Adherence to quality
In accordance with the principle that quality must drive research and research capacity
development, strict peer and panel review procedures were adhered to in all RISA
programmes.
Within the main funding framework of the Focus Area Programmes, national and
international peers were approached to review all 1 143 research proposals submitted
for longer term funding from 2003 onwards. Close to 6 000 reviewers’ reports were
received. This enhanced the ability of the 41 panels that convened to assist with the
selection of the 894 projects which were approved for funding. A review of the process
has indicated that the instructions to peer reviewers can be simplified, which should
also improve reviewers’ responses and the quality of the reports.
During the financial year the Evaluation Centre implemented the first full process
of evaluating and rating of scholars in the social sciences and humanities. A total of
395 applications were received, of which 59 could not be processed for a variety of
reasons. Thirty-three applications had not been finalised by 31 March 2003, with the
outcome of the remaining 303 applications as follows:
A
B
C
P
Y
L
No Rating
Total
5
54
160
4
14
5
61
303
Within the natural sciences and engineering 269 applications were received, eight of
which could not be accepted for further processing. The outcome of this process resulted
in a total of 998 researchers within these disciplines with a valid rating at the end of
March 2003. This reflects a decline in the number of rated researchers for the second
consecutive year, and is of grave concern to the NRF. It reflects in all likelihood the
26
rapidly ageing profile of the dominant white male academics in higher education, and a
lack in growth of the number of young active researchers to fill this gap. Should this
trend continue, the capacity of higher education to grow the knowledge base – let alone
train the next generation of researchers – will be seriously compromised.
Number of rated researchers
1040
1020
1000
980
960
940
920
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Rated black and female researchers in the natural sciences and engineering have only
increased marginally (3,2%) from 2001 to 2002. Figures for the social sciences are not
much better and only 10 black and 65 female researchers obtained a rating of the 242
rated researchers within these disciplines.
27
A decline in the
number of rated
researchers for the
second consecutive
year is of concern
to the NRF.
Scientific and
traditional knowledge
make for good
neighbours
L
and, like any scarce resource, is closely protected by those who have it and
fiercely coveted by those who do not. In South Africa this is exacerbated by
land disputes stemming from forced removals, and the disparity of poor
communities living in the shadow of high-return game parks.
Inadequate land management has one main casualty: the environment.
However, ongoing land reform processes in South Africa raise important
questions as to how natural resources should be managed, used and accessed in the
communities that are affected.
As part of her thesis research with the University of Pretoria, postgraduate student
Jennifer L. Jones has focused on the need to assimilate “local” knowledge, attitudes and
perceptions of communities regarding land-use decisions, with “expert”, scientific data
as mapped by conventional Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This approach is
known as Community-Integrated Geographic Information Systems (CIGIS), and is
designed to sensitise traditional GIS to the needs of communities and provide new
insight into how they perceive and seek to use their space.
Traditionally, GIS has been used as a tool for environmental assessment for urban
and regional planning. The “expert” knowledge it incorporates comprises measurable
(quantitative) data, such as population, environment and infrastructure. Its approach is
top-down and elitist, often resulting in the marginalisation of the communities being
studied. CIGIS, however, employs a bottom-up or democratic approach by collecting
“local” knowledge (qualitative data) from all social strata within a community
(community leaders, residents, conservation workers and municipal representatives),
Jennifer Jones and Vicente Buque from
The Centre for Investigation and
and engaging them in participatory fact-finding exercises.
Data from both ends of the spectrum are then assimilated into one CIGIS in order to
Documentation of Integral Development-
relate and explain the quantitative and qualitative forces at work. It not only provides a
GIS, Catholic University of Mocambique,
frame of reference for equitable and environmentally sound decisions to be reached: a
discuss the tapping of ilala palms to
platform is created for the articulation of viewpoints at all levels of the decision-making
make traditional palm wine, which is
process, be they local, regional or global.
an important economic, cultural and
Jones’ project investigated two rural communities – Sibonisweni and Mbangweni –
nutritional product derived from local
situated within the greater Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu Natal. Both fall
natural resources.
under the governance of the Tembe Tribal Authority where land is used communally
at mostly subsistence level. The fact that both communities share borders with the
Tembe Elephant Park is critically important as the region is a globally recognised centre
of endemism. Environmental factors – such as the land’s low agricultural potential –
28
impact directly on social factors, most significantly the communities’ high reliance on
natural resources.
Research commenced in early 2002 and continued into 2003, with numerous site
visits to the area. Using existing data, initial reviews of the Maputaland site were
conducted to generate a natural resource inventory. Prevailing political and land
management strategies were also taken into account. Original data collection
(quantitative and qualitative) by way of in-depth geo-referenced surveys, investigated
170 households in Sibonisweni and 118 in Mbangweni.
Using global positioning systems (GPS), a household is given a specific land
co-ordinate showing its proximity to a conservation area (the quantitative factor). The
attitude of that household towards bush meat (the qualitative factor) would then be
examined in order to determine whether it is related to the household’s distance from
A resident assists with language
a conservation area. Does the attitude of a family living nearby a conservation area
translation and interpretation.
differ to that of a family living further away?
The research methodology further included workshops where locals were asked to
interpret their world using aerial photographs, or to participate in mental mapping
exercises (drawing maps based on their experience of the land). All data was then
integrated with new and existing GIS datasets using GIS mapping software, to result in
a holistic, spatial representation of what driving forces lie behind land-use decisions.
Although additional analysis is still to be done, respondents’ feedback identified water
and fuel wood resources (their access to, and the quality thereof) as focal issues.
However, less than a third of survey respondents identified potential future scarcity of
resources as an issue of concern, despite a rapidly growing population. Only 38% of
respondents identified the correlation between diminished future resources and
increased population.
Qualitative data
suggests that community
members do not deem
the future planning
and management of
resources a priority …
and that resources in
conservation areas are
perceived to be “better”.
Overall, qualitative data suggests that community members do not deem the future
planning and management of resources a priority, the notion being that resources have
an inexhaustible supply. In addition, resources in conservation areas are perceived to be
“better” and this serves to aggravate ongoing conflicts over issues of land ownership and
limited access to parks and the resources they contain. A case in point is the community
of Mbangweni, finding itself wedged between Tembe Elephant Park as well as Ndumu
Game Reserve. Having fallen prey to forced removals in the 1940s and 1950s, this
community is currently involved in land claim disputes with the latter, and has naturally
been opposed to any conservation efforts in areas once inhabited by its people.
It has been said that good fences make good neighbours. In the context of land
disputes, where conservation efforts clash with the perceived rights of a community, a
CIGIS study could prove to be the starting point for tackling problems faced by either
side, bridging the gap between the powers-that-be and grassroots communities. CIGIS
engenders forums for discussion and negotiation where scientific and indigenous
knowledge complement each other rather than oppose one another. Understanding
Using aerial photographs, residents
and knowing one’s neighbour indeed makes it easier to respect his boundaries.
provide researchers with the location of
resource areas and activities, as well as
relate knowledge of historical forced
removals from Ndumu Game Reserve.
29
Small in scale,
large in impact
Nothing is wasted at Ukulinga, the
University of Natal’s reseach farm, where
ideas for sustainable, integrated and
productive farming systems are hatched
for small-scale farmers.
S
mall-scale farming is the only lifeline between survival and death for many
rural communities. It is estimated that there are at least 400 000 smallscale farmers in South Africa. These are mostly women, each of whom is
responsible for a number of dependants.
Sadly, many impoverished communities, and the unemployed, do not
regard farming as a means to a better future. Rural men, in particular, do
not believe that farming is worthy of their efforts.
A research project headed by Prof Frits Rijkenberg of the Centre for Rural
Development Systems (CERDES) at the University of Natal, aims to change these
perceptions.
Ukulinga, the University’s research farm, is the incubator for much-needed ideas
on sustainable, integrated and productive farming systems for areas under two hectares
in size. As most small-scale farmers have precious few resources other than their
physical labour and land, these systems optimise these two resources by considering the
integrated use of crops, livestock, trees, energy, organic fertilisers and soil amendments
in order to increase soil fertility and food production, and reduce soil erosion. In
addition, they add value to the produce so as to meet the nutritional needs of the families
Photographs courtesy of Farmers Weekly
(including those coping with HIV/AIDS), and enable them to sell any surplus produced.
30
The emphasis is on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources and
Norman Mkhize, the CERDES agricultural
relies heavily on solar energy, recycling of nutrients, maintenance of soil quality,
project manager, in the experimental
efficient harvesting and use of water, reduction of environmental pollution, and minimal
garden that grows solutions for meeting
use of fossil fuel and agrochemicals. This is all achieved through the synergy of
the nutritional needs of families who rely
innovative research contributions and the indigenous knowledge of the communities.
on their small patch of land for survival.
Experiments look at crop combinations and crop sequences, the livestock type
and numbers that can be supported by fodder and waste produced on a small plot,
the manure/compost that can be used to fertilise the crops organically, the water that
can be harvested, the prevention of soil erosion, the nutritional needs of families, the
production and use of bio-gas, and other forms of alternative energy, and the use of
trees for fruit, nuts, fodder and fuel production and atmospheric nitrogen fixation.
This facility is also being intensively used to inform lecturers and to involve students,
ensuring that the graduates from this programme leave with a sound understanding of
the challenges of rural development and some of the solutions. For instance, students
are taught that the commonly practised cultivation of nutrient-deficient maize on one
hectare of home garden does not address family food security. Maize should be bought.
Instead, the area should carry manure-producing livestock and be planted with more
nutritious vegetables.
This programme has sustainable impact on the environment, holds economic
and social benefits for the resource-poor families and their communities, and vital
significance in re-fashioning small-scale farming systems. CERDES aims to establish
pilot Community Centres which will involve three local communities. Universities
can marshal expertise over a wide front, so the University of Natal is anxious to ensure
that such Centres will assist not only with agriculture, but also with primary and
secondary education, health needs, youth programmes, and adult education. The
envisaged effect is one of a one-stop upliftment package, a novel approach to
integrated rural development in South Africa.
31
Seeds for Africa
Prof Patricia Berjak and Dr Joseph Kioko,
with two young pepper-bark plants,
which have been raised from
cryopreserved seeds.
C
onsidering the lush vegetation and vast rural tracts of Africa, it seems
incongruous that a solution for plant genetic resources preservation
should be a focus of a South African research team. But it is. And not
just species preservation, but pioneering work on seed storage too.
Despite the country having among the highest recorded species
diversity, little is known about their reproductive biology and even less
about appropriate means to conserve the gene pools. While it may seem that plant genetic
resources conservation is a mere matter of seed collection and conventional storage, this is
far from reality.
The work of Professor Patricia Berjak and her team at the University of Natal is
concentrated on seeds that do not behave in a predictable (orthodox) manner; that is, on
those that are unstorable by conventional means (intermediate or recalcitrant seeds).
Examples of non-storable seeds include – among many others – those of avocado, natural
rubber, mango, litchi, various oaks and the important local muti tree, the pepper-bark.
All recalcitrant seeds are seeds that need to remain wet, and because many start
germinating as soon as they are shed, retaining the moisture is essential for their
metabolic functions. Slow drying, the normal prerequisite for orthodox seed storage,
would obviously kill these seeds.
32
Berjak pioneered a method she named “flash-drying” whereby water is removed
as quickly as possible from the embryonic axes after cutting them out of the seeds.
The process reduces the dehydration time to a fraction of that taken during slow seed
drying which is the period during which lethal damage will occur. The germplasm is
then stored in a frozen state, usually in liquid nitrogen – a manipulation called
cryostorage. Flash-drying is now routinely used in many other laboratories worldwide.
Storage of partially-hydrated living tissue has hitherto been the subject matter of many a
science fiction film, but in reality this biotechnological achievement stands to benefit every
individual on Earth. In particular, it offers a high-tech solution – in the many cases where
the seeds are non-storable by conventional means – to Africa’s challenges of sustainable
food production, agro-forestry growth and demand for plant-based traditional medicines.
Plants are the basis of any ecosystem one cares to define. However, there is an
abysmal lack of knowledge about the reproductive biology of the great majority of
indigenous plant species in southern Africa – and particularly, about the production,
behaviour and hence ecology, of their seeds. Therefore, Berjak’s research group is
characterising seed behaviour of as many local species as possible. Significantly,
the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute has estimated that as many as
70% of tropical species produce non-orthodox seeds.
Berjak’s research is not only helping fill the considerable information and
knowledge gaps, but is making significant inroads towards protecting and conserving
South Africa’s plant biodiversity and genetic resources.
Ultimately, this research aims to establish cryobanking of plant genetic resources
as a national facility, particularly for the broad spectrum of indigenous species not
Dr Joseph Kioko measures up to a
considered as agricultural commodities. An envisaged linked activity could encompass
young pepper-bark tree 18 months
cryoconservation for genetically-modified plant material.
after it had been planted out in the
This research programme has gained international recognition as being among
the most successful – if not the most successful – of its kind worldwide. This is
a consequence of the seminal work of Berjak’s team in characterising the basis
of recalcitrant seed behaviour, which provided the foundation for scientific exploration
of storage possibilities.
Just what the [traditional] doctor ordered
Warburgia salutaris, the pepper-bark tree, is practically extinct because of its
popularity among traditional healers as a natural treatment for a wide variety of
health problems. Despite the species being protected by law in South Africa, it
is still heavily exploited. In Zimbabwe it is recorded as “locally extinct”.
This situation is further compounded because its seeds are both non-orthodox
and are very susceptible to destructive insects and micro-organisms. Pepper-bark
trees can be propagated by cuttings but only from the local genetic base, which
is narrow.
Dr Joseph Kioko – previously a PhD student with Berjak – successfully froze
entire seeds which are soft and small enough to dry rapidly. These seeds can
now be cryoconserved for planting programmes … allowing this indigenous
resource to be re-established and eventually again harvested, this time sustainably.
33
field. This tree too was grown from
a cryopreserved seed.
Bats change their
tune to survive
E
volution has produced many amazing and even bizarre life forms on Earth.
Arguably one of the most amazing groups of mammals to have evolved
on this planet is bats. Bats are marvels of adaptation and are the only
mammals capable of flight.
Some of man’s most sophisticated technologies pale in comparison to
mechanisms used by bats to pursue their lifestyles. This is especially
true when one considers the bat’s highly-developed use of sonar, or echolocation, when
hunting prey. Echolocation is more efficient and sensitive than any radar or sonar
developed by humans. A cruising bat emits pulses, each pulse being about 10 to 15
thousandths of a second’s duration and different in pitch. When the sound strikes an
insect, it bounces off in the form of an echo which the bat in turn uses to home in on its
prey. The bat then begins to shorten the length of the pulses to less than a thousandth
of a second, increasing their emission rate to 200 sound pulses a second, thereby
continuously updating the picture it receives as it nears its prey. Echolocation also
allows bats to locate targets of varying sizes, and enables them to tell from the echo if
an object is edible or not.
Dr David Jacobs, an evolutionary biologist – working in collaboration with
colleagues and postgraduate students at the Universities of Cape Town and
Stellenbosch – is conducting research that will allow us to understand not only how
and when echolocation evolved but also how and when bats as a group originated.
This is done by combining genetics with ecological and morphological data. For
example, a recent study by one of Jacobs’ PhD students, Cassandra Miller-Butterworth,
shows that a species of bat having a wide distribution in South Africa actually consists
Dr David Jacobs (centre with bat) taking
of three subpopulations that are genetically distinct. This genetic differentiation is
a digital photo of the wing of a bat,
mediated by habitat and behavioural differences, possibly representing the first
assisted by graduate students Corrie
example of the process of speciation in a mammal.
Schoeman (University of Cape Town)
Presently, Jacobs’ research team is focusing on the evolutionary arms race between
on the left (with camera) and Benoit
bats and their insect prey, particularly moths which are consumed in large quantities.
Stedelman (University of Geneva,
In this research they are investigating whether bat echolocation co-evolved with moth
Switzerland).
hearing. One of the hypotheses being tested is the Allotonic Frequency Hypothesis
(AFH). The AFH proposes that insectivorous bats, preying on tympanate (hearing)
moths capable of hearing the echolocation signals they emit, use echolocation calls
outside the range of moth hearing to “outwit” the moths’ early warning systems.
Furthermore, it contends that peak frequencies of bat echolocation calls correlate with
the proportion of hearing moths in the diets of these bats.
An evolutionary arms race between predator and prey species has apparently resulted.
Nocturnal insects, including moths, seem to have evolved tympanic ears as a defence
mechanism against bat predation, and in so doing have exerted selection pressure on
Photo by Dr Manuel Ruedi
(Natural History Museum of Geneva, Switzerland)
bats to refine their call frequencies so that they fall outside the moth’s auditory range.
Predators and prey are therefore involved in a process of co-evolution.
34
Although tympanate moths are 40% more successful
at avoiding bat predation than non-tympanate moths,
their ears are tuned to the frequencies of the echolocation
calls of the most common bats (between 20 and 60 kHz).
This raises the possibility that some species of bat are
using calls at frequencies outside this range to negate
moth hearing. If so, bats with calls outside this range
should be able to prey on eared moths. Jacobs’ research
has shown that this is indeed the case. Bats that echolocate outside this range catch more moths, as reflected
by their diet, than bats that echolocate within this range.
This suggests that these bats use these echolocation
frequencies to circumvent moth hearing.
This research can have valuable applications for
agriculture because predatory bats using echolocation that
Dr David Jacobs, assisted by an
cannot be heard by moths can prove to be invaluable for
undergraduate student from the USA,
natural agricultural pest management. For example, in a study
taking a tissue sample for genetic
conducted in California in 1999, pear farmers suffered crop
analysis from a bat in Costa Rica.
losses of less than 5% due to the corn-ear moth when a bat
Photo taken by Deedra McClearn
of the Organization of Tropical Studies.
colony was situated within 2km. When the bat colony was
situated over 4km away, crop losses of 60% were reported.
Locally, Jacobs and his students are investigating whether
or not local bats eat two moth pests, namely the codling
(Cydia pomonella) and the false codling moth (Cryptophlebia
leucotreta). These pests cost deciduous and citrus farmers
millions of rands annually in crop damage. If it is found that
Above: Dr David Jacobs
bats do prey on these pests, artificial bat roosts would be
with a bat detector
erected in an effort to attract bats to farms.
listening to bat
Considering that there are approximately 1 000 species of
bats in the world, comprising 25% of all mammalian species
echolocation calls
in a cave.
on Earth, research on bats has been much neglected in the
past. Traditionally, research has been targeted at the more
“glamorous” species such as elephants, whales and other large
mammals. Jacobs’ work is changing this, and apart from
enriching our knowledge of all mammalian species, his
research could prove to be an invaluable tool for future
environmentally-friendly strategies for pest-management in
the agricultural sector.
35
Jacobs and his students
are investigating
whether local bats eat
two moth pests, the
codling and the false
codling moth. These
pests cost deciduous
and citrus farmers
millions of rands
annually in crop
damage.
formerly Foundation for Education, Science and Technology (FEST)
FEST was mandated and positioned as an agency of DST to promote public awareness,
understanding and engagement of science, engineering and technology in South Africa.
This responsibility in offering public programmes, is vast, and entails:
●
SAASTA relishes the
challenge ahead of
illustrating the essential
and beneficial role of
science, engineering
and technology in the
everyday lives of all
South Africans, while
generating interest in
science among young
people.
Coordinating the various public understanding of science, engineering and technology
(PUSET) activities in the country, identifying leverage points and supporting them
to their optimum;
●
Urging and assisting scientists to more effectively communicate with lay audiences;
●
Demystifying science for people so that they can use science to make informed
decisions and improve their quality of life;
●
Encouraging scientific and technological literacy that will promote
greater engagement of issues related to science and the usage of technology
in society;
●
Generating interest in young people to pursue career opportunities that will ensure
●
Encouraging more women in the fields of science, engineering and technology.
the growth of the science and technology skills base in the country; and
Achievements
During the year under review FEST offered several successful programmes for young
people, the public and decision-makers.
Igniting interest in young people
●
During 2002/2003, FEST was responsible for engaging 9 143 learners in its
National Science Olympiad and 13 200 participants in its Afrikaans Olympiad.
An ongoing challenge is to broaden the participation base of previously
disadvantaged learners in the aforementioned projects. A thrilling addition
to the basket of Olympiads was the African Languages Olympiad, a project
undertaken in 2002 (in partnership with the Pan South African Language
Board and the Department of Arts and Culture), whereby pride and excellence
in local languages are fostered.
●
Bringing together young mathematicians from about 11 African countries enabled FEST
to use a science event to contribute to regional and continental cooperation. FEST’s role
in hosting the 12th Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in April 2002, was one
of its most exciting regional integration endeavours yet. The South African team took
top honours and walked away with four gold medals and the overall team prize.
The Solar Eclipse in December 2002
enabled FEST to promote understanding,
●
National Science and Technology Programme for Young Women 2002
appreciation and excitement around this
This DST initiative offers an exciting and interactive programme for girls in grades
magnificent scientific phenomenon.
6 – 10, and represented FEST’s key project in inspiring more girls to consider science
at school level and as possible careers. About 360 girls from around the country had
the opportunity to be engaged with science in a stimulating, dynamic and interactive
manner during early December 2002. The programme was held in two host provinces,
the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
36
●
FEST participated in The National Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Week
and technology interactive exhibits and SET organisations.
Science for
rural communities
●
FEST published its two popular science magazines, Archimedes and EasyScience and
When your classroom is an open
efforts were raised to market the products to a broader beneficiary base.
space under the largest tree, or your
●
In its quest to promote awareness of biotechnology, FEST collaborated with the
science laboratory consists of only a
International Plant and Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and AfricaBio, to
few faded photographs, how foreign
coordinate a schools competition that focused on the relationship between
the concepts of periodic tables and
biotechnology and biodiversity.
chemical reactions must be.
which took place in May 2002 and saw thousands of young people exposed to science
●
●
FEST, in response to a tender by the Department of Environmental Affairs and
A new funding programme
Tourism, developed resource material for schools in the form of a 20-page booklet
at SAASTA, Science for Rural
aimed at raising awareness of the issues that were addressed by the World Summit on
Communities, provides support
Sustainable Development.
for projects with a scientific
A project partnership with Eskom supported 18 schools which show potential for
content that will have an impact
increasing the number of successful higher grade learners in mathematics and science
on communities.
at matric level. These adopted schools were supported with infrastructure, learning
support materials and opportunities to participate in informal science activities.
In the year under review, this
programme has benefited rural
communities from the Western
Cape, villages in the Eastern Cape
Engaging the broader public
●
The Solar Eclipse in December 2002 enabled FEST to promote understanding,
appreciation and excitement around this magnificent scientific phenomenon.
●
●
●
the Improvement of Mathematics,
A new funding programme within FEST, Science for Rural Communities, benefited
Science and Technology Education
rural communities nationwide. Six projects were funded during 2002 in the Western
(CIMSTE) at the University of South
Province, Eastern Cape, Limpopo Province and KwaZulu-Natal.
Africa received funding for one-year
SA Science Lens is a photographic competition for professional and amateur
distance education courses. The
photographers alike. The competition was organised by FEST in collaboration with
courses are designed for grades 10
the Mail & Guardian, and attracted numerous entries from around the country. This
to 12 educators who teach science
successful project will see even broader audience participation in the future.
and mathematics in poorly-resourced
FEST was privileged to host the 7th International Public Communication of Science
rural communities near Hoxani in
and Technology (PCST) Conference in Cape Town in December 2002. The conference
the Limpopo Province.
Teachers registered for one or more
strong emphasis on enriching exchanges between developed and developing countries.
of CIMSTE’s four modules – physics,
During December 2002, FEST played a pivotal role in the revival of the South African
biology, mathematics and chemistry –
Science Communication Network (SASCON), a network that
and CIMSTE staff ran workshops for
serves as a convenient access point and discussion
teachers or made classroom visits.
As a result of these workshops,
forum for local scientists, journalists and science
teachers believed they improved
enthusiasts.
●
As an example, The Centre for
Countrywide activities were held to celebrate this event.
provided a forum for science communicators from around the world, and placed a
●
and schools and KwaZulu-Natal.
Early in 2003, DST commissioned FEST to
their content knowledge and
implement its Public Understanding of
their teaching approaches. In
Biotechnology (PUB) programme. This
the sciences, particularly,
will run for three years and intends
they also improved their
ensuring broad public awareness,
practical skills.
dialogue and debate on the current and
37
future applications and risks of biotechnology.
●
FEST’s Museum of Science and Technology focused on delivering a quality service
to its principal client base, namely scholars, educators and the general public.
The museum has several general and focused (Indigenous Technology, Innovation SA)
exhibits. In addition, it offered travelling exhibitions such as SciQuest (science
education) and StarLab (a portable inflatable planetarium) for use by SET
organisations or schools around the country. The museum’s outreach programme
targets both learners and educators.
●
Towards the end of the financial year, FEST got involved in the public communication
component of the Square Kilometre Array project for which South Africa is bidding to
host the giant radio telescope.
Partnerships
FEST has a well-established relationship with DST in promoting public understanding
and engagement of science, and during the period under review managed key projects in
DST’s PUSET outreach programme. Some of the entities with whom FEST has built
relations are the South African Council for the Blind, the Shuttleworth Foundation, the
Federation for Science, Engineering and Technology (FEDSET), several of the Sector
Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Eskom, the British Council, the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the German Technical
Cooperation Agency (GTZ). There are ongoing efforts to establish both project and
funding partnerships to expand the project offerings within FEST.
Through activities such as SET Week (top)
New Challenges
and visits by the Fantastic Fish Tank,
On 13 December 2002, FEST was deproclaimed under the Cultural Institutions
SAASTA managed to motivate learners to
Act and placed under the National Research Foundation Act of 1999. The NRF
learn more about science and technology.
welcomed an additional arm (promotion and communication of science to the public)
to its business operations under the name South African Agency for Science and
Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
The merger represents a strengthening of FEST’s/SAASTA’s position as the key facilitator
of science and technology engagement with the public. It is expected that it will play an
even greater role in the critical interface between science and society in the future. In
order to bring about continuity and promote sustainability of projects, the business unit is
encouraging longer term PUSET contracts with DST, and other government departments
and SET organisations. SAASTA in its reconstituted form remains committed to
high-quality delivery. It will continue to target relevant audiences so that all citizens
can engage in science and technology, the science and technology skills base in the
country is enhanced, and the quality of life of South African citizens is improved.
38
National Research Facilities are regarded as important elements of the research
infrastructure of the country. In the past, they were mainly seen as institutions with
substantial instrumentation and equipment that required considerable amounts of
government resources. Currently, a key operational issue for facilities is access to
researchers based entirely on open and transparent competition. This includes the
National Research Facilities’ own research staff, except in those areas where research is
needed for maintaining or upgrading the facility. Recent developments, however, also
require the creation of multi-locational networks of institutions that collaboratively
contribute to the provision of an urgently needed research infrastructure and are
accessible to the research community on a competitive basis.
Core competencies
The core competency of the National Research Facilities is to provide unique research
infrastructure and create multi-locational networks of institutions that collaboratively
contribute to making infrastructure accessible to the research community. This main
competency has several characteristics:
●
having a unique position in South African knowledge production;
●
core technologies, research methods, and/or data pools and collections that live up to
international standards;
●
critical mass of equipment, skills and users, especially with regard to researchers from
universities and technikons, but also from Science, Engineering and Technology
Institutions (SETIs) and, where appropriate, from industry;
●
alignment with the overall objectives of the NSI, especially with regard to the diffusion
of new knowledge;
●
the ability to network and to attract international collaborators to South Africa; and
●
the ability to make the best use of the opportunity for human resource development,
especially with regard to efforts being made to get disadvantaged researchers involved.
Clustering of National Research Facilities
The facilities are clustered in terms of the area of knowledge production that is being
serviced, namely:
●
Astro/Space/Geo sciences
●
Biodiversity/Conservation
●
Nuclear sciences
The alignment of this clustering with the important themes identified in South Africa’s
National R&D Strategy – the Southern Oceans, Islands and Antarctic; Bio-resources/
sciences; Astronomy and Earth Observation – is evident. In terms of the strategic
framework, the National Research Facilities are in a very good position to make an
impact on the national research and innovation agenda.
39
The core competency
of the National Research
Facilities is to provide
unique research
infrastructure and
create multi-locational
networks of institutions
that collaboratively
contribute to making
infrastructure accessible
to the research
community.
The major resources provided by HartRAO are:
Space Geodesy
brought down to Earth
●
observing time on the 26m radio telescope;
●
tracking time on the MOBLAS-6 satellite laser ranging system;
When the reality of poverty, hunger
●
the regional network of dual-channel GPS stations; and
and disease bear down too heavily
●
professional expertise in the scientific and technical fields associated with
on a nation, it is easy to cast one’s
the Observatory.
eyes downwards. Yet, a multidisciplinary earth science project,
Its key objectives are to:
based on space geodetic
●
techniques, will cause people to
to meet the needs of a national and international user base in the fields of radio
look towards space geodesy for
down-to-earth solutions.
astronomy and space geodesy;
●
Space geodesy is a branch of
applied mathematics which studies
initiate, conduct and support research programmes that address relevant problems in
contemporary astronomy, astrophysics and space geodesy;
●
the shape and gravity field of the
Earth, in a three-dimensional time-
provide, operate, maintain and develop a research facility of an international standard
collaborate in international projects, especially those where the unique geographic
location of the Observatory offers niche opportunities and advantages;
●
extend the user base of the facility, particularly to historically black universities and
varying space. Of the three major
to other countries in Africa, and to a broader range of the national SET community;
space geodetic measuring
and
techniques in use at HartRAO, the
●
encourage an interest in, and awareness of, science and technology among school
Global Positioning System (GPS)
learners, tertiary level students and the public through visits to the Observatory and
has a significant scientific, social,
by organising training workshops for educators.
economical and educational
impact. GPS is used throughout
Achievements
the world for a multitude of
●
Continuation of the telescope surface upgrade to extend the wavelength range of the
applications, including precision
instrument. The surface upgrade, which is done using a technique developed
farming, land management, public
in-house, exceeds the original specifications by a wide margin.
safety, and oceanography.
●
Using GPS, the Space Geodesy
Programme at HartRAO aims to
Development of software for single-telescope observing, using the New Control
Computer System, which is based on an open source computing platform.
●
Ensuring optimal performance of both the astronomical and geodetic programmes at
equip each SADC country (there
the Observatory. Special effort was devoted to the extension of the regional GPS net-
are 14 countries) with at least one
work, with the addition of two stations: one in Botswana and one in the Northern Cape.
geodetic-quality GPS receiver
The GPS stations in Botswana and Zambia are the first GPS stations established in the
within the next five years. Two
SADC region outside South Africa as part of a programme to establish a SADC-wide
stations (Zambia and Botswana)
co-ordinate reference frame. This will enable each country to have a reference point
have already been installed.
for surveying and cartographic purposes that is tied to the International Terrestrial
Many of the objectives of the
Reference Frame. This will allow modernisation of SADC country maps and improved
African Renaissance are dependent
use and interpretation of satellite imagery, geographical information systems and land
on a reliable and sound geospatial
management tools, which are essential for sustainable development.
information framework – or
●
Geographic Information System
(GIS). Such a framework is
Restructuring of the administrative and management structure of the Observatory to
ensure a smooth transition after the retirement of the Director in May 2003.
●
Participation in the establishment of the new National Astrophysics and Space
Science Programme (NASSP), a combined national honours/master’s programme
40
hosted at the University of Cape Town. The objective of NASSP is to significantly
●
increase the number of postgraduate and, ultimately, PhD students in these fields to
essential for the effective spatial
satisfy the staffing needs of universities and the National Research Facilities.
planning and execution of all land-
Use of the 4 December 2002 solar eclipse by the Science Awareness Programme to
related projects, be they for
promote astronomy through educator workshops, leaflets, web pages, TV advertorials
agriculture and land reform pro-
and media inserts.
grammes, or the development of
infrastructure such as roads, rail-
Outcomes
●
●
●
●
●
ways, electricity and water supply.
HartRAO is the only facility in Africa providing a broad base for training and skills
The fundamental infrastructure
development in radio astronomy and related science and technologies. Two recent PhD
on which all geospatial information
degrees – one in 2001 and the other in 2002 – were awarded by the University of
is based is, in turn, a sound geo-
Nigeria at Nsukka to two Nigerian postgraduate students whose theses were based on
detic reference system. For example,
work carried out at HartRAO with studentships provided by the Observatory.
many environmental issues
Recent and continuing upgrades at HartRAO have positioned the Observatory as a
transcend international boundaries
principal member of the various international VLBI networks, as well as ensuring that
and require cross-border
the 26m telescope can continue with competitive single telescope research.
management of river catchment
HartRAO plays a vital role in preparing South Africa for participation in international
basins, spread of diseases, and so
projects such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), and for the possible hosting of the
forth. This requires the integration
SKA in South Africa.
of trans-national spatial information,
In recent years geodetic research has declined significantly in South African
which will only be possible if all the
universities and HartRAO is the only institution in the region that is actively involved
information is standardised on the
in space geodesy, which is key to all modern geodetic research.
same geodetic reference system.
A major outcome of the HartRAO space geodesy programme will be the development
It is within this context that the
of a SADC co-ordinate reference frame, which will provide continuity across borders
HartRAO project aims to establish
for the various SADC cartographic agencies. HartRAO is the only institution in the
a unified datum throughout the
region that has the capacity to actively promote this work. The results will have a
SADC region, and be instrumental
significant impact on sustainable development and the application of space technology
in bringing the benefits of space
thereto.
geodesy to the SADC region and
its people.
Research outputs
Recent research output is limited because the scientific staff members are heavily
involved in the upgrade programme at the Observatory, and because of the development
status of the instrumentation. Nevertheless, several new international collaborations and
renewed effort of developing ties with local universities and technikons have helped to
sustain the publication rate and show promise of facilitating a substantial increase.
A significant new astronomical result was the discovery of periodic variations in
methanol masers inside dense clouds in which high mass stars are forming. Such behaviour
is probably due to the orbiting of a smaller body around the star exciting the masers.
Opportunities
In early 2003, Cabinet agreed to support a South African offer to host the Core Array of
The GPS antenna at the government
the SKA in the Northern Cape. This will have a major impact on the development of
building where the Surveyor General of
radio astronomy in South Africa over the next few years, and it will be vital for the
Zambia has his offices, in Lusaka, Zambia.
Observatory to be involved in the South African hosting initiative, as it will present
41
A major outcome of
the HartRAO Space
Geodesy Programme
will be the development
of a SADC co-ordinate
reference frame, which
will have a significant
impact on sustainable
development and the
application of space
technology thereto.
HartRAO and the stakeholder community with exceptional opportunities. This will
require that developments at the facility are not carried out in isolation but will need to
be aligned with development of new technologies being developed for the SKA at
international level. In particular, the development of new capabilities that have been
under discussion (such as a dedicated pulsar telescope) could be realised with the
possible construction of the European SKA Consortium (ESKAC) technology
demonstrator in the Northern Cape.
In several years the NASA MOBLAS-6 satellite laser ranging system will be replaced
with a highly automated SLR 2000 system. The HartRAO Space Geodesy Programme has
proposed an international project to convert MOBLAS-6 into a lunar laser ranging system
(LLR), possibly using the 0,75m telescope at Sutherland, should this become available.
This LLR will provide exciting new opportunities for engineering and physics students
and will provide data with which major issues in fundamental physics can be addressed.
42
The HMO functions as part of the worldwide network of magnetic observatories. Its
core function is to monitor and model variations of the Earth’s magnetic field.
Strategic planning
As a result of the transfer of the HMO from the CSIR to the NRF during 2001, a
strategic planning process was started in March 2002. Particular objectives were to:
●
align the HMO with the National System of Innovation;
●
clearly define the HMO’s international role and obligations as a magnetic observatory;
●
develop strategies for the development of research capacity, high level manpower, and
science awareness;
●
promote the development of science and technology in Africa;
●
keep up to date with technological developments and user requirements in order to
continue providing quality-controlled services and carrying out contract-based
research and development work, in HMO’s traditional core competency areas; and
●
identify a flagship project of international scientific importance that will contribute
towards the stimulation of research and development and the promotion of science
awareness in South Africa.
This strategic planning process resulted in a much clearer understanding and
realisation of the importance of the NRF’s core missions with regard to human resources
development. Whereas the HMO was previously structured into three focus areas with
the prime goal of service provision, the shift in emphasis necessitated restructuring
into four groups with expanded mandates:
●
A Geomagnetism Group which incorporates research and the training of students on
geomagnetism.
●
A Space Physics Group which includes, for example, theoretical and experimental
studies of space plasmas. This group will develop working relationships with other
space physics groups in order to promote research and the training of students.
●
A Technology Group with the added mandate to assist with the training of electronic
engineers at universities and technologists at technikons.
●
A Science Outreach Group was established to develop science awareness programmes
for school teachers and pupils, an activity which is new to the HMO but of paramount
importance for the development of science in South Africa.
Highlights and successes
A highlight for the HMO was the organisation and hosting of the Xth IAGA Workshop on
Geomagnetic Observatory Instruments, Data Acquisition and Processing, which was held in
Hermanus from 15 – 24 April 2002. This was the first workshop of its kind to be held in
Africa and was attended by 40 delegates from 24 countries. It was also the first time that
delegates from African countries other than South Africa attended such a workshop. African
delegates came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast,
Morocco and Mozambique.
43
The HMO is one of
only four geomagnetic
observatories worldwide
whose data are used
for the computation of
the Dst-index, which
serves as a measure
of magnetic-storm
ring-current intensity.
The HMO has made significant progress in developing and implementing its objectives
Science Outreach
at the HMO
with regard to science outreach. Some of the particular highlights in this area were:
●
The setting up of a magnetometer museum and interactive science centre at the HMO;
The HMO has made significant
●
Visits by officials from the Western Cape Education Department to discuss how the
HMO can assist with science outreach;
progress in developing and
implementing its objectives with
regard to science outreach. Some
●
A workshop for high school science teachers at the HMO to learn about the HMO’s
plans for science outreach.
of the particular highlights in this
Another highlight was that a number of researchers spent sabbatical visits at the HMO
direction were the setting up of a
for the first time in many years.
magnetometer museum and interactive science centre at the HMO.
The magnetometer museum
Some outcomes and impacts
The HMO is one of only four geomagnetic observatories worldwide whose data are used
houses a variety of magnetic field
for the computation of the Dst-index, which serves as a measure of magnetic-storm ring-
measuring instruments that were
current intensity. At present, the HMO sends the required data once a day to the World
previously used at the HMO. These
Data Centre (WDC) in Kyoto, Japan, where the Dst-index is computed. This index is used,
instruments have been set up to
among others, for space weather forecasting by the Communications Research Laboratory
fully demonstrate their operation.
(CRL) in Japan, information which is of critical importance in satellite communications
The interactive science centre
and for manned space flights. In future, CRL would like to receive the index in near
contains a wide range of interactive
real-time. As a result, the CRL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the HMO,
exhibits, some of which were
in terms of which the HMO will provide higher time resolution data in near real-time to
developed at the HMO. These
the Kyoto WDC. CRL covered the costs of the necessary instrumentation upgrades. This
exhibits are primarily used to
agreement will, however, have a much wider impact, since the international space physics
develop an understanding of
community will in future be able to access the Dst-index in near real-time.
geomagnetism and space physics.
Learners are afforded an opportunity
New opportunities
to interact with the exhibits as
The HMO took part in recent efforts to establish research collaborations between
part of hands-on workshops
German and South African geoscientists. These efforts commenced with the Geodynamic
coordinated by the HMO.
South Africa workshop held in Cape Town in November 2002 and the follow-up System
Some of the equipment in the
Earth: South Africa Mantle to Environment workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, in
science centre was made available
March 2003. The HMO and the Magnetotellurics and Geomagnetism Section of the
courtesy of the PhysMovan project,
GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) have agreed on a collaborative project, the main focus of
which was run in collaboration with
which is to study the rapid decrease of the geomagnetic field in the southern African
teams from Universities of
region, which potentially could have significant societal impact. A recent report based
Columbia and Pittsburg in the
on satellite data indicates that a reverse dynamo may be developing below South Africa
United States. This project reached
and suggests that it could eventually lead to a geomagnetic field reversal similar to the
out to a considerable number of
last known reversal 780 000 years ago. The main objective of this collaborative project
schools in the Overberg/Breede
is to study this phenomenon using satellite and ground-based data.
River Region. This is an important
collaboration which the HMO seeks
to sustain and fully exploit for the
benefit of South Africa’s schools in
particular.
44
The SAAO’s primary function is to provide top-class international facilities in Africa for
research in astronomy, to perform research, and to educate and inform the community.
It maintains a number of telescopes at Sutherland in the Northern Cape, where the
Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is being built as a collaborative project
between the NRF and several international partners.
The National
Astrophysics and Space
Science Programme
South Africa has a long history
Achievements
of excellence in astronomy, and
The construction of SALT is progressing well, with less than two of the total of five years
its geographical position, good
remaining. In the past financial year all the major milestones that were planned have
climate, and modern infrastructure,
been achieved, the most notable being:
not least the new Southern African
●
Completion of the telescope structure with its associated drives and controls;
Large Telescope (SALT), ensure
●
Completion of the mirror truss;
that southern Africa is strategically
●
Completion of the dome and its drives and controls;
placed to play a major role in the
●
Completion of all mechanical, electrical and civil aspects of the facility;
astronomy of the 21st Century.
●
Delivery of more than half of the mirror segments from its Russian supplier;
●
Figuring and coating of the first batch of mirrors;
will also depend on astronomy’s
●
Installing the first batch of mirrors in the telescope, and starting the alignment process;
ability to have a positive impact
●
Assembly and factory testing of the tracker;
on social needs and problems,
●
Initial installation of the telescope control system.
and in particular to contribute
However, the long-term future
to sustainable development in
All of these milestones were achieved on schedule and within budget, and most of this
science and technology beyond
work was executed by South African contractors.
the boundaries of astronomy itself.
SALTICAM is the first-light camera for SALT, which was designed by the SAAO and
Capacity-building in the sciences
who is now also constructing it. During 2002 it
is of immediate importance,
passed its various design reviews with flying colours
not only to ensure that the users
and construction is on schedule. The instrument
of SALT and other facilities
will be tested on the 1,0m telescope at Sutherland
do not have to be imported
during 2003.
from the north, but also to
provide graduates with the broad
The National Astrophysics and Space Science
Programme (NASSP) is a unique collaboration which
science skills demanded in a
enables students from anywhere in Africa to be taught
modern technological society.
Many graduates in physical
by South Africa’s top researchers. The lecturers are
drawn from eight universities and three National
sciences leave the university
Research Facilities (SAAO, HartRAO and HMO).
system at the end of their first
The students are based at the University of Cape
degree. Poverty is widespread
Town, and realistic bursaries – thanks to the Ford
even among graduates and their
families, and the pressure to
Foundation and NRF – allow them to concentrate on
their studies. NASSP was an outcome of the NRF’s
Honours students participating
find a job with real earning power
strategic planning exercise for astronomy and space
in the NASSP get the inside story
can be overwhelming.
science initiated in February 2001. The programme
on SALT.
NASSP was born out of an attempt
got under way remarkably rapidly and in its first year
by the South African astronomical
(2003) 15 honours and six MSc students enrolled.
community to address these key
45
Outside view: April 2002
Outside view: April 2003
Inside view: April 2002
Inside view: April 2003
The collateral benefits, which have been an essential component of the vision for SALT
issues. The main objective of the
since its inception, received a major boost with the appointment of a manager in October
joint honours/master’s programme is
2002. The SAAO continued to develop plans to construct a Visitor Centre at Sutherland in
to attract bright students, particularly
partnership with the local community and the Northern Cape Province. Work during 2003
those from designated groups,
focused on a joint tourism development strategy, and on cooperation around issues such as
into postgraduate study, to ensure
tourism and education capacity-building in the area. In particular, tour opportunities to the
that they receive adequate financial
Observatory were expanded through the appointment of a new full-time education officer in
support during their studies, and
Sutherland, and through a joint appointment with the Northern Cape Education Department
that their career prospects are
of a full-time science teacher at the Sutherland High School. The Observatory worked
assured.
closely with the local community on issues related to the availability of accommodation for
After a lengthy exploratory and
the SAAO/SALT in the area, with a view to maximising integration of the SAAO into the
planning process, the University of
local community. The Observatory was also instrumental in the establishment of a job
Cape Town (UCT) won the privilege to
creation project to manufacture 1,25 million eclipse viewers for the total solar eclipse on
serve as the primary host institution
4 December 2002. This provided a source of income to 40 households in Sutherland.
for NASSP. Students complete their
honours and coursework master’s
Outcomes
components at UCT, after which
An international conference on stellar magnetic fields, organised mainly by the SAAO,
they go on to complete the thesis
was held in Mmabatho, at the University of the North West, during November/December
component of their programme at
2002. It was attended by over 50 astronomers from all over the world, including the
one of the partner institutions. The
foremost experts in the field.
teaching programme is thoroughly
One of the highlights was a contribution by Dr LA Balona from the SAAO. The origin
collaborative, with lecturers from
of mass outflow from certain types of young star, which are surrounded by discs of
all partner institutions involved.
hot plasma, has remained a puzzle for many years. Dr Balona’s observations made at
The NASSP programme
Sutherland, suggest that the outflow originates in a flare on the surface of the star caused
addresses a number of national
by magnetic reconnection of field lines. A very similar effect, albeit on a much smaller
strategic drivers, most particularly
scale, is seen in the sun.
those associated with raising the
Africa’s traditions, legends and stories about the sky will reach a world audience
research and postgraduate profile
with “Cosmic Africa”, a film which premiered at the Carnegie Institute in Washington
of South African institutions, and
during January 2003 to huge acclaim. It presents Dr Thebe Medupe’s (now a staff
transformation in the physical
member at the SAAO) introduction to the universe via traditional Setswana stories in
sciences.
his rural village outside Mmabatho, and also explores the richness of African traditions
On completing their degrees it is
expected that half of the NASSP
and achievements, following Dr Medupe through Mali, Egypt and Namibia as he learns
from the local people and shares with them his perspective as an astronomer.
46
Challenges
The future of the SAAO centres on making SALT a first-class international research
graduates will go on to study for
facility and an icon of the African Renaissance. In 2005 the SALT project team will
PhDs. Some will do so within the
“hand over” the telescope and the SAAO will run it on behalf of the international
universities collaborating in NASSP
consortium – the SALT Foundation (Pty) Ltd. During the commissioning phase,
while others will be eligible for the
which will take place in 2003/04, the various telescope systems will be tested and
prestige scholarships being offered
put together. The current structure of the SAAO is ill-suited to the “SALT era”, so major
by the SALT or HESS partners.
restructuring will take place over the coming months. The major challenge for the
As SALT and HESS come into use
SAAO is to re-prioritise activities and to acquire the essential new resources for
the opportunities for real collaborative
achieving the vision of SALT as a first-rate research facility, equipped with state-of-
PhD training with partner countries
the-art instrumentation, so as to have a major impact on the science and education
will grow, and maximal use will be
system in South Africa.
made of these for South African
and other African students.
Those students who do not
continue in research will go into
industry or commerce, where
problem-solving skills obtained as
part of their astrophysics and space
science education should serve
them well. Astrophysics has proven
good preparation for working in
fields ranging from stock market
forecasting to oil exploration.
Those who stay in astrophysics
and space science will obtain
positions in African universities and
research establishments. They would
form the nuclei of research groups
who will be users of facilities such
as SALT and HESS, as well as
participants in the broader space
science activities currently under
discussion in southern Africa.
The long-term vision sees the
region as a hub for space science in
Africa that will include participation
in the Square Kilometre Array, as
well as links to the International
Virtual Observatory.
47
SAEON is a South African observation and research network that provides the
understanding, based on long-term information, needed to address environmental issues.
The inherent short-term variability of ecosystems and their complexity in terms of
their structure and functioning is increased by human activity and requires research
and monitoring over longer time scales and larger spatial scales. South Africa’s economy
rests heavily on the natural environment being kept in a competitive state and hence
SAEON is a crucial development to ensure that environmental needs are addressed.
These needs relate to environmental risks, conditions, goods and services, which are
South Africa’s
economy rests heavily
on the natural
environment being
kept in a competitive
state and SAEON is
a crucial development
to ensure that
environmental needs
are addressed.
key aspects for sustainable development in South Africa.
SAEON’s role is to inform government and society of longer term and larger scale
environmental changes. Government requires this information for policy-making and
reporting to international conventions and treaties as a basic human right. Society
requires information on significant environmental changes, how they are caused
and might even be mitigated.
SAEON will contribute to human capacity-building in the environmental science field
through postgraduate training and education programmes aimed at high school learners.
Strategic planning
SAEON is advised at both the policy and technical levels. A SAEON Advisory Board,
consisting of government and industry representatives, was constituted by the NRF
President to advise SAEON at the policy level. A larger SAEON Technical Steering
Committee was also constituted by the NRF President to advise on scientific and
operational issues. The appointment process of both committees included an invitation
to stakeholder organisations to nominate appropriate representatives. An appointments
committee assessed all nominations and balanced the committees in terms of gender, race,
expertise and geographical representation through nomination of representatives of the
higher education sector.
Achievements
●
An appointments committee was established and completed its function;
●
A Head of SAEON was appointed and continued with network conceptualisation and
promotion;
●
A SAEON Advisory Board and a Technical Steering Committee were appointed;
●
SAEON petitioned successfully for membership of the International Long-Term
Ecological Research Network (ILTER);
●
SAEON was instrumental in founding the Environmental Long-Term Observatories of
Southern Africa (ELTOSA), the SADC LTER network.
Outcomes and impacts
●
Although there cannot be any direct research outputs in this start-up phase of
SAEON, the existence and activities of SAEON stimulate alignment of the larger
48
research community’s thinking and initiatives to the concept of Long-Term Ecological
Research (LTER);
●
Through its advisory structures, SAEON has representation in terms of stakeholder
organisations, race, gender and geographical area. This means that the full spectrum
of stakeholders influence the development of SAEON.
●
SAEON’s membership of international networks raises the status of South African
ecology and this leads to increasing regional and international networking
opportunities for ecologists and socio-ecologists.
SAIAB serves as a research hub for aquatic biodiversity in southern Africa by:
●
housing and developing the National Fish Collection and associated resource
collections as research tools and sources of aquatic biodiversity data;
●
generating knowledge on aquatic biodiversity through interactive and collaborative
scientific research; and
●
disseminating scientific knowledge at all levels in a variety of ways.
Achievements
The more significant achievements of SAIAB in 2002/03 were:
●
Initiating the Coelacanth Programme and conducting two marine expeditions;
●
Completing the Lesotho Highlands Fisheries Development Project;
●
Initiating a project of fisheries training and a fish survey of Swaziland;
●
Initiating a survey of the aquatic biodiversity in the Upper Zambezi River as part
of an African Wildlife Foundation Four Corners Transfrontier Natural Resources
Management Area project;
●
Initiating a collaborative project that employed advanced telemetry technology to
monitor the movements of estuarine game fishes;
●
Transferring the National Fish Collection database to Specify collection management
software;
●
Conducting an inter-African library document provision and delivery project for the
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO);
●
Recording a record number of postgraduate students in training through SAIAB; and
●
Attaining the first phase of salary equity for staff.
Outcomes
●
The Coelacanth Programme has provided SAIAB with an important vehicle to function
as a facilitating hub for marine science in South Africa. The programme conducted
two marine expeditions using the SA research vessel ‘FRS Algoa’ off the south-east
coast of Africa. Several South African and international institutions were united in
common purpose through the programme and a number of scientific, training and
public awareness goals were achieved. Progress was made towards providing vital
physical and biological environmental information for a conservation management
plan for the South African population of coelacanths. In consequence, Marine and
49
The Coelacanth
Programme has
provided SAIAB with
an important vehicle
to function as a
facilitating hub for
marine science in
South Africa.
Coastal Management of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is
The Coelacanth
Programme
reviewing its research commitments to East Coast ecosystems. The programme has
been a major instrument in forging a South African-led marine scientific thrust within
the context of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Mozambique,
Tanzania, Comoros and Madagascar have all become partners and formed action
committees. The second expedition focused on training and exposing learners from
these countries to the excitement of marine sciences.
●
SAIAB is conducting several biodiversity projects in different SADC countries, thus
further contributing to a scientific edge to the NEPAD initiative. Biodiversity surveys
in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia (Four Corners Project), Mozambique
(Chimanimani Transboundary Resource Management Area) and Swaziland (fisheries
training and survey) all include a training and upliftment component for local
participants. These projects are being conducted in response to requests from the host
The Coelacanth programme was
countries to address noteworthy gaps in scientific knowledge. Consequently, they
launched by Minister Dr Ben
Ngubane in February 2002 and
contribute significantly to increasing local knowledge of aquatic biodiversity.
●
SAIAB is achieving notable success with providing practical solutions to aquatic
is a flagship programme for SAIAB
conservation problems in southern Africa. In partnership with Ecosun cc, SAIAB has
and the NRF. The programme
conducted a project on the conservation of the Critically Endangered Maloti Minnow in
seeks to promote research and
Lesotho. This unique endemic species has declined to only six small populations in the
knowledge generation, human
face of sustained environmental impacts from alien invasive predators, and the
resource capacity, and innovation
development of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The conservation project is
and development in science and
pioneering techniques of conservation evaluation and of devising solutions to ensuring
technology. It explores “inner
space” – the deep oceans, the
the long-term survival of such threatened stream fishes in Africa.
●
In partnership with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), SAIAB
seabed, its oceanography and
has initiated advanced telemetry studies on estuarine fishes in order to provide
diversity of life.
understanding of the dynamics of their populations. The project will advance
Following a preliminary mapping
exercise, the first expedition
management solutions needed to counter the declining populations of estuarine
and coastal fish species in southern Africa.
set off in March-April
●
2002 to explore the
The development of SAIAB collection resources aims to
improve the scope and accessibility of such resources for
canyons off the Greater
users. The FAO-library project is a significant outreach
St Lucia Wetland Park
exercise within the context of SAIAB becoming a
in KwaZulu-Natal. This
knowledge hub for aquatic biodiversity in Africa.
resulted in the first
●
detailed mapping of
SAIAB’s commitment to training extends to both formal
education programmes (students) as well as to informal
underwater canyons
training of fieldworkers involved with projects. SAIAB
in the area and the
researchers supervised 21 postgraduate students in
filming and recording
2002/03, reflecting a relatively major contribution
of the coelacanth
and commitment to skills development and
population.
knowledge generation.
A second expedition
in July included
partner countries of
●
SAIAB is presently operating within a five-year
strategic development plan. Staff development has progressed to the point of
meeting equity targets. As part of employment equity, two young black researchers were
appointed to the staff. Two staff members also received higher degrees during the year.
50
Scientific performance
The general performance record of SAIAB scientists over the past three years reveals
an increase in productivity over this period. The number of full-time scientists
(or equivalents) at the institute is seven in 2002. In 2002 performance indicators were
as follows:
SAIAB: Research outputs
41
40
43
45
35
31
30
21
19
14
13
12
10
12
15
18
20
20
19
25
5
Refereed
scientific
publications
Books, reports
and theses
Conference
and other
presentations
Postgraduate
students
0
2000
2001
2002
Mozambique and Tanzania in
BAR CHART:
the programme through training
Opportunities
●
●
The need to develop new facilities for housing the National Fish Collection has been
and public awareness of marine
evident for some time, and a project to install mobile shelving in the collection store
science.
has been initiated. Off-site storage of the collection has also become an important
The expedition opened the
consideration to ensure that the required conditions for Occupational Health and
German submersible, Jago, (see
Safety are met. The development of new collection facilities will provide SAIAB with
left and above) to over 400 visiting
the opportunity to develop its planned genetic tissue bank and to expand office and
scholars, students and educators
laboratory space.
in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East
The new National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill will provide
London, Durban, Richards Bay,
opportunities for SAIAB to contribute to the research and planning needs for
and Maputo.
conserving aquatic ecosystems, species and the control of aquatic alien invasive
An exciting public awareness
organisms in South Africa. The Bill will also establish a new South African National
programme has been conducted
Biodiversity Institute which presents an opportunity for SAIAB to establish an
through TV programmes, radio
active working partnership with this proposed institute.
broadcasts, public lectures and
numerous media releases.
The Coelacanth Programme has
integrated physical and biological
sciences, harnessed engineering
and technology and has built an
impressive collaborative network
of institutions, scientists, and
educators nationally and
internationally.
It is a fitting scientific thrust
for NEPAD.
Coelacanth photographs by SAIAB, James Stapley and Hans Fricke, and Primal Films
51
iThemba LABS focuses on providing scientifically and medically useful radiation
There is an international
scarcity of radioisotopes
creating a market into
which iThemba LABS’
products have had
speedy access due
to their quality and
innovative nature.
through the acceleration of charged particles using the Separated Sector Cyclotron,
the Van de Graaff Accelerator and other appropriate technologies. iThemba LABS is
to be the primary centre of expertise in radiation medicine and nuclear science and
technologies to advance the knowledge and health of the people of Africa.
Strategic objectives
The basic skills and facilities at iThemba LABS are in the applied and pure sub-atomic
sciences and associated technologies. Worldwide, these basic sciences are growing
strongly. The applications of these sciences to technology are also growing rapidly indeed.
For example, there is an international scarcity of radioisotopes creating a market into
which iThemba LABS’ products have had speedy access due to their quality and
innovative nature. There is also a shortage of the skills and human resources required
to satisfy these growing markets and economic requirements. The training programmes
Teacher Information
Technology Training
at iThemba LABS are essential both for transforming the South African science and
technology (S&T) workforce and for growing the skills required to build a successful
economy in which there are sufficient resources to eradicate poverty.
Computer literacy and wider access
to information can greatly assist
teachers in making maths and
As a national research facility working within the National System of Innovation it
is the intention of iThemba LABS to achieve the following strategic objectives:
●
Grow the research facilities to increase training, human resource development,
science more accessible to young
international collaborations (especially with Africa) and the Science and Technology
learners. During the year under
profile of South Africa.
review, iThemba LABS engaged in
●
To spin off economic units that are self-sustaining and benefit from the skills,
a pilot project with the Western
sciences and technologies developed and available at iThemba LABS.
Cape Education Department and
To these ends the following should be achieved:
the ICDL Foundation to train 20
●
realise the Major Radiation Medical Centre (MRMC) project;
teachers from schools in previously
●
grow radionuclide production into a substantial business;
disadvantaged communities.
●
substantially improve training and research outputs;
Training included aspects of
●
strengthen beneficial collaborations with the higher education sector;
everyday software computing, with
●
forge closer ties with South African and African S&T institutions;
subjects covering word-processing,
●
position to have the skills and capacity to respond to the sub-atomic technology
spread-sheets, databases, presenta-
needs of 2005–2010. For example, in this period fourth-generation synchrotron
tion software, operating systems, as
radiation sources and accelerator-based free electron lasers may well be needed by
well as internet and email. In the
the African S&T community to impact advances in chemistry and biology;
process teachers could obtain an
●
internationally recognised computer
current capacity barely meets basic needs. Skills and capacity in these disciplines
qualification (International
Computer Drivers License - ICDL).
quickly expand the IT/electronics/instrumentation capacity at iThemba LABS. The
are vital to the national interest;
●
As the Western Cape Education
acquire the capacity to technically and scientifically service university research
groups that wish to use international facilities such as CERN, ILL, ESRS,
Department had already initiated
SESEME, CEBAF Spring 8, and so forth. This servicing activity is one of the key
its Khanya project to supply
functions of national research laboratories internationally;
●
substantially expand the number of post-doctoral fellowship and research assistant
52
posts to increase opportunities for young South Africans to establish international
research reputations.
Performance review
Beam availability from the Separated Sector Cyclotron (SSC) reached a record high
of approximately 71%. However, this effort was not maximised by all potential users,
especially the Proton/Neutron Therapy Programme and Radionuclide Production. The
consistency of the beam quality, coupled with its high availability, is a commendable effort
given the ageing equipment which is now prone to more frequent technical breakdowns.
In contrast, availability of the Van de Graaff Accelerator decreased to less than 50% over
the previous year, which has had a marked impact on collaborations, research and post-
schools with computer laboratories,
graduates within the Materials Research Group that historically had the majority of
this programme encouraged
researchers/collaborators and postgraduates. The ageing equipment was again the reason for
teachers to use technology in
the decline in available hours, and a comprehensive maintenance programme is planned for
their own methods of teaching.
2003 to reduce technical failures and improve both beam quality and availability on a
An important facet of the Khanya
project is the use of facilitators at
consistent basis.
Radionuclide production, although receiving 50% of beam time, was adversely affected
each school. Once a computer
by an unplanned shutdown of a further two months for essential facilities’ maintenance and
laboratory is operational a facilitator
upgrade of Radiation Protection Systems. The strong Rand also affected export orders
is appointed to the school to teach
together with in-transit damages of several relatively large orders. A negative exchange
the educators how to use the com-
rate difference of R0,6m at the end of the financial year was necessitated by the consistent
puters and the educational software
performance of the local currency against the US$ during March 2003. Local demand for
as a new tool to aid their delivery of
short-lived isotopes remains sluggish due mainly to the lack of funds at State hospitals.
curriculum. These facilitators are
However, demand for long-lived radionuclides remains volatile.
trained at iThemba LABS.
The Therapy programme lacked a resident oncologist throughout the year while referrals
The iThemba LABS Computer
from both the Western Cape Teaching Hospitals declined. Recruitment of a Medical
Training Centre was chosen
Director is a priority.
because of its resources which are
The Major Radiation Medicine Centre (MRMC) project remained a core initiative within
offered readily to the community,
iThemba LABS and the revised business plan, which confirmed a financially viable
and because iThemba had built up
project, was accepted by the NRF Board in March 2003. The focus in 2003/04 will be on
a reputation in another project
securing project financing and finalising the implementation plan.
training teachers from Khayelitsha
Good progress has been made on the project to increase SSC beam current intensity by a
factor of at least three. The higher beam current will be available from April 2004. Linked
earlier in the year.
The computer training centre at
to this, design work is in progress to upgrade the Radionuclide Production Facilities to
iThemba LABS has been upgraded
utilise the higher beam current. A vertical target station is the major element of the
to accommodate the larger number
upgrade and will afford iThemba LABS the opportunity of increasing its product portfolio
of educators who were chosen to
and thereby market penetration. Outside the MRMC, these projects represent the major
attend the training session and
new development initiatives within iThemba LABS.
is well placed to cope with the
The initial reviews of the IAEA-sponsored Robotic Patient Positioning System and
the SPG system has been extremely positive. This project has provided excellent research
material for postgraduate Engineering/Applied Mathematics students.
The Science and Technology Awareness Programme continues to grow with previously
disadvantaged schools within the precinct of iThemba LABS being targeted. Workshops at
science expos and festivals were extremely successful with some 2 000 learners attending.
53
interest that has been shown in
this kind of training.
Due to its considerable success,
this programme may well be
implemented in other regions.
BOARD REPORT
key
performance
indicator
report
ON CD
The detailed KPI report appears
on CD.
54
NRF approach to
KPIs and benchmarks
During 2002/03 the NRF refined the alignment of its corporate core missions and
strategic priorities with the Balanced Scorecard reporting framework required from
the Science Councils by DST (see table below). The NRF identified the stakeholder/
customer perspective as the category that captures the performance of the NRF
(ie outputs and, where available, outcomes and impacts of activities) with regard to all
its core missions and strategic priorities within the stakeholder community. The NRF
regards the other perspectives – financial/investment, organisational learning, business
processes and human resources and transformation – as internal NRF performance
areas that support the NRF’s ability to fulfil its mission.
Alignment of the corporate core missions and strategic priorities
and the Balanced Scorecard reporting framework for Science Councils
Performance Areas
Key Performance Indicators
Stakeholder/Customer Perspective
Financials/Investment Perspective
Organisational learning
Business processes
Human Resources and Transformation
KPIs linked to the corporate core missions and high level
objectives of the NRF and all the corporate strategic priorities
with the exception of Organisational Transformation
KPIs linked specifically to corporate strategic priority
Organisational Transformation: financial report
KPIs linked to the corporate strategic priority
Organisational Transformation: organisational innovation
and learning
KPIs linked to corporate strategic priority
Organisational Transformation: business processes and
procedures
KPIs linked to corporate strategic priority
Organisational Transformation: corporate human resources
and transformation
Especially with regard to RISA reporting, the outcomes of NRF activities
(eg research that was conducted through the funding provided by RISA) are
achieved within the ambit of the stakeholder community. As regards the National
Research Facilities, which has research as one of its in-house activities, some core
missions and strategic priority performance measures (eg knowledge generation) are
achieved by the facility itself, and some by members of the stakeholder community,
based on the interventions by the facility.
Benchmarks for core missions and strategic priorities
Within the National System of Innovation benchmarks are used at a systemic level
as indicators of the health of the system. The core missions and strategic priorities
of the NRF aim at contributing to improving on the system, and indicators of the
success of the interventions of the NRF are therefore aligned to the systemic
indicators.
55
The following benchmarks are used for the core missions of the NRF:
Human resource development
●
Number of South Africa’s professional R&D workforce (currently around 30 000
people or seven researchers per 10 000 members of the population – NACI Report,
2002:9);
●
PhDs per million of population graduates in South Africa;
●
The ageing profile of active researchers;
●
Race and gender inequity in the human resource capacity;
●
The secondary school pass rates with university exemptions in science and
mathematics and the enrolment in these disciplines at tertiary education institutions;
●
Completion rates in relation to enrolments for both master’s and doctoral degrees;
●
Information on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the current and the potential human
resource capacity for research and innovation.
Knowledge generation (research and development in prioritised areas)
●
Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) indexed articles from South Africa, about
0,5% of the global output.
Utilisation of research results, technology transfer and innovation
●
South African-registered patents with the United States Patent Office;
●
Percentage of economic growth attributable to technical progress;
●
High and medium technology exports as a percentage of all exports;
●
South Africa’s score on the Technology Achievement Index (TAI) developed by the
United Nations Development Programme as a measure of technology development
(eg number of patents, royalties/licences, tertiary science enrolments, internet hosts,
and so forth).
Provision of state-of-the-art research equipment infrastructure
●
Equipment renewal;
●
State-of-the-art research equipment acquisition.
56
financial
report
Statement of Responsibility by the Board
of Directors
Report of the Auditor-General
Income statement
Balance sheet
Statement of changes in funds
Cash flow statement
Accounting policies
Notes to the annual financial
statements
57
statement of
responsibility by
the board of directors
T
he Board is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair
presentation of the annual financial statements of the National
Research Foundation (NRF). The Auditor-General is responsible for
independently reviewing and reporting on these financial statements
to Parliament.
The annual financial statements have been audited by the
Auditor-General. The Auditor-General was given unrestricted access to all financial
records and related data, including minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors and
committees of the Board. The Board believes that all the representations made to the
independent auditors during their audit were valid and appropriate. The report of the
Auditor-General is presented on page 60. As reported, the NRF is complying with the
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 in all material aspects.
The annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2003 presented on
pages 62 to 81 have been prepared in accordance with South African Statements of
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. They are based on appropriate accounting
policies which have been consistently applied and which are supported by reasonable
and prudent judgements and estimates. The going concern basis has been adopted in
preparing the annual financial statements. The Board has no reason to believe that
the NRF will not be a going concern in the foreseeable future based on forecasts and
available cash resources.
The Board is also responsible for the NRF’s system of internal controls. These
are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance as to the reliability
of the annual financial statements and to adequately safeguard, verify and maintain
accountability of assets. These controls are monitored throughout the NRF by
management and employees with the necessary segregation of authority and duties.
Processes are in place to monitor internal controls, to identify material breakdowns
and implement timely corrective action.
An internal audit function is in operation to assist members of executive management
in the effective discharge of their responsibilities, including compliance with the Public
Finance Management Act, 1999. During the financial year under review internal audits
were conducted to promote the safeguarding and control of the NRF’s assets, and of the
economical and efficient management of the organisation’s resources and the effective
performance of its functions.
A materiality and significant framework has been developed for reporting losses
through criminal conduct and irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, as well as
for significant transactions envisaged per section 54(2) of the PFMA that requires
ministerial approval. The framework was finalised after consultation with the external
58
auditors and will be formally approved by the NRF Board.
The NRF Board endorses, and during the period under review, has applied the Code of
Corporate Practices and Conduct as set out in the King II Report, as far as possible. The
NRF is unable to comply with some of the sections of the Code of Corporate Practices and
Conduct, which are in conflict with the National Research Foundation Act (Act No 23 of
1998). These sections relate to the Board of Directors and associated issues. The NRF has
developed and implemented an Employment Equity and Redress Policy. The NRF’s Code
of Ethics commits the organisation to the highest standards of behaviour and ethics in
dealing with all its stakeholders. By supporting the Code of Corporate Practices and
Conduct the NRF Board has recognised the need to conduct the enterprise with integrity
and in accordance with South African Generally Accepted Corporate Practices.
Audit Committee meetings were held on 30 May 2002, 31 October 2002 and 13 March
2003.
The external auditors have free access to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee
meets periodically with management and the external auditors to review the financial
statements and accounting policies, the effectiveness of management information and
other systems of internal control, the effectiveness of the internal audit, and to discuss
the auditors’ findings.
The annual financial statements were approved by the Board on 24 June 2003 and are
signed on its behalf by:
Prof BD
Reddy
CHAIRPERSON
Dr K Mokhele
PRESIDENT
59
report of the
auditor-general
to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology on the financial statements
of the National Research Foundation for the year ended 31 March 2003
1. AUDIT ASSIGNMENT
The financial statements as set out on pages 62 to 81, as well as the Key Performance
Indicators on pages 54 to 56 (of which the full report is available on CD), for the year
ended 31 March 2003, have been audited in terms of section 188 of the Constitution
of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996), read with section 3 and 5
of the Auditor–General Act, 1995 (Act No. 12 of 1995) and section 18 of the National
Research Foundation Act, 1998 (Act No. 23 of 1998). These financial statements, the
maintenance of effective control measures and compliance with relevant laws and
regulations, are the responsibility of the accounting authority of the National Research
Foundation. My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
the compliance with relevant laws and regulations, applicable to financial matters, based
on the audit.
2. NATURE AND SCOPE
The audit was conducted in accordance with Statements of South African Auditing
Standards. Those standards require the audit to be planned and performed to obtain
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free of material misstatement.
An audit includes:
●
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements,
●
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and
●
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
I believe that the audit provides a reasonable basis for my opinion.
3. AUDIT OPINION
In my opinion, the financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the
financial position of the NRF at 31 March 2003 and the results of its operations and
cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Statements of Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice and in the manner required by the Public Finance Management
Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999).
60
4. EMPHASIS OF MATTER
Without qualifying the audit opinion expressed above, attention is drawn to the
following matter:
4.1 Audit certificates supporting grant claims – Research and Innovation
Support Agency
A number of institutions have not submitted audit certificates supporting grant
claims for the financial year ended 31 March 2003. The total value of grants for
which no audit certificates have been obtained amounts to R8,0m, compared to
R18,0m and R8,0m in 2001/2002 and 2000/2001 financial years respectively.
Audit certificates relating to the 2001/2002 financial year still outstanding, amount
to R65 000. All certificates for the 2000/2001 financial year were subsequently
obtained.
5. APPRECIATION
The assistance rendered by the staff of the NRF during the audit is sincerely appreciated.
N MANIK
for Auditor-General
16 July 2003
61
income statement
for the year ended 31 March 2003
Notes
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Government grants
336 431
290 733
Other income
289 551
208 020
1
625 982
498 753
Grants and bursaries
1
(396 965)
(307 441)
Salaries
1
(106 942)
(89 585)
(102 320)
(77 887)
19 755
23 840
Total income
Other expenses
Net unspent funds for the year
62
1
balance sheet
as at 31 March 2003
Notes
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
ASSETS
206 334
201 198
Property and equipment
5
131 282
130 360
Investment
6
58 250
52 500
16 544
18 138
258
200
435 122
346 539
1 846
1 600
119 317
186 219
35 309
17 625
Non-current assets
Retirement benefit fund deficit
Staff loans
7
Current assets
Inventory
8
Grants and bursaries paid in advance
Trade and other receivables
Short-term portion of staff loans
9
7
765
722
10
277 885
140 373
641 456
547 737
Funds and reserves
253 625
227 199
Income funds
123 583
96 840
Bank balances and cash
TOTAL ASSETS
FUNDS AND LIABILITIES
General capital fund
1 903
273
Deferred income
128 139
130 086
Non-current liabilities
134 950
50 469
134 950
50 469
Current liabilities
252 881
270 069
Accrued grants and bursaries
198 345
222 900
Grants and bursaries payable
209
244
Trust funds
11
Trade and other payables
12
23 124
28 561
Provisions
13
31 203
18 364
641 456
547 737
TOTAL FUNDS AND LIABILITIES
63
statement of
changes in funds
Accumulated
Contingency
SALT
General
Deferred
*Fund
*Fund
*Fund
Capital Fund
Income
Total
R’000
R’000
R’000
R’000
R’000
R’000
Balance as at 31 March 2001
17 035
3 480
30 000
273
127 026
177 814
23 840
-
-
-
-
23 840
Transfer to SALT fund
-
-
22 500
-
-
22 500
Transfer from contingency fund
-
(15)
-
-
-
(15)
Acquisition of fixed assets (Note 4)
-
-
-
12 346
12 346
-
-
-
-
(9 286)
(9 286)
40 875
3 465
273
130 086
227 199
19 755
-
-
-
-
19 755
Funds transferred from FEST
5 258
1 730
-
1 630
-
8 618
(5 750)
-
5 750
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12 751
12 751
Allocated to income (Note 4)
Transfer to SALT fund
Acquisition of fixed assets (Note 4)
Allocated to income (Note 4)
52 500
-
-
-
-
(14 698)
(14 698)
60 138
5 195
58 250
1 903
128 139
253 625
* These balances are included under income funds totalling R123,6m (2002: R96,8m).
64
cash flow statement
Notes
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
334 484
316 278
Operating activities
Cash receipts from government
Cash receipts from other sources
256 352
210 437
Cash paid to grant-holders
(354 653)
(309 106)
(185 728)
(154 642)
50 455
62 967
15 515
12 118
Cash paid to suppliers and employees
Cash generated by operations
20
Interest received
Interest paid
(112)
Funds transferred from FEST
Increase (decrease) in trust funds
Net cash from operating activities
(94)
8 618
–
84 481
(34 158)
158 957
40 833
Investing activities
Increase in investments
Acquisition of property and equipment
Replacement of property and equipment
Additions to property and equipment
Transferred from FEST
(5 750)
(22 500)
(15 750)
(12 313)
(1 931)
(3 430)
(10 986)
(8 883)
(2 833)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
–
156
273
(101)
(181)
Net cash used in investing activities
(21 445)
(34 721)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
137 512
6 112
140 373
134 261
277 885
140 373
Increase in staff loans
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the year
21
65
accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The annual financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis and incorporate
the following principal accounting policies, which have been consistently applied in all
material respects unless stated otherwise. The annual financial statements comply with
Statements of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in all material respects.
Government grants and contributions
Government grants and contributions are recognised in the income statement in the
period to which the grant or contribution relates. The portion of government grants
utilised to acquire non-depreciable property and equipment is transferred to the
general capital fund. The portion of government grants utilised to acquire depreciable
property and equipment is allocated to income over the periods and in the proportions
in which depreciation on those properties and equipment is charged.
Property and equipment and depreciation
Property and equipment are shown at cost and, where appropriate, are depreciated
on the straight-line basis at rates which are deemed reasonable for the asset to be
written off over its estimated useful life. Land is stated at cost and provision is made
to recognise any permanent decline in value. All assets costing R1 000 or less, as well
as computer software, are written off when purchased. Self-constructed property and
equipment are stated at cost, which includes all costs necessarily incurred to bring
the assets to the condition and location essential for their intended use. Costs, which
include salaries and overhead expenses, have been capitalised as from 1 October 1993.
No retrospective adjustments were made as no reasonable estimates of costs incurred
prior to 1 October 1993 could be made. The depreciation rates are:
Buildings
2% - 4%
Research equipment
2% - 20%
Administrative computer equipment
33%
Office equipment
20%
Office furniture
10%
Motor vehicles
20%
Inventories
Inventories are valued on the first-in-first-out basis at the lower of cost and net
realisable value.
66
Financial instruments
Financial assets
The NRF’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade receivables and
equity investments. Trade receivables are stated at their nominal value as reduced by
appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.
Investments, where the NRF is not in a position to exercise significant influence or
joint control, are stated at cost less impairment losses recognised, where the investment’s
carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of
the contractual arrangements entered into. Significant financial liabilities include trade
and other payables.
Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are accounted for at the rates of exchange ruling on
the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are accounted for
at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising
from conversion are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they
occur.
Grants and bursaries are recognised in the income statement in the period to which the
commitments relate.
Retirement benefit costs
The cost of providing retirement benefits under the defined benefit plans is determined
by using an accrued benefit valuation method. Current service cost is recognised as an
expense in the current period. Past service costs, experience adjustments, the effects of
changes in actuarial assumptions and the effects of plan amendments in respect of
existing employees are recognised as an expense or as income systematically over the
expected remaining working lives of those employees. The effects of plan amendments in
respect of retired employees, are measured as the present value of the effect of the
amended benefits and are recognised as an expense or as income in the period in which
the plan amendment is made.
67
accounting policies
Investments
Investments are carried in the balance sheet at cost less any provisions for permanent
diminution in value.
Segments
All segment revenue and expenses are directly attributable to the segments. Segment
assets include all operating assets used by a segment and consist principally of property
and equipment, as well as current assets. Segment liabilities include all operating
liabilities and consist principally of trade creditors. These assets and liabilities are
all directly attributable to the segments. Segment revenue, expenses and results
include transfers between business segments and between geographical segments.
Such transfers are accounted for at competitive market prices charged to unaffiliated
customers for similar goods. These transfers are eliminated on consolidation.
Taxation
The NRF is exempt from paying normal taxation.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the following conditions have been met:
●
The NRF has a present legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefits
as a result of past events.
●
A reasonable estimate of the obligation can be made.
A present obligation is considered to exist when the NRF has no realistic alternative
but to make the transfer of economic benefits. The amount recognised as a provision
is the best estimate at the balance sheet date of the expenditure required to settle the
obligation. Only expenditure related to the purpose for which the provision is raised
is charged against the provision.
68
notes to the annual
financial statements
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Government grants (refer Note 4)
336 431
290 733
Contributions
265 584
187 414
15 143
11 980
–
948
8 824
7 465
–
213
625 982
498 753
876
590
1. Net unspent funds for the year
Income
Interest received
Abnormal income (refer Note 2)
Other income
Profit on foreign exchange transactions
Total income
Expenditure
Audit fees
Regularity auditing
837
647
39
(57)
Books and journals
2 045
1 748
Computer requisites
2 191
3 317
14 535
9 080
1 636
1 408
Under (over) provision previous year
Depreciation (refer Note 5)
Buildings
Research equipment
9 209
4 936
2 453
1 700
Office furniture and equipment
767
556
Motor vehicles
470
480
Electricity
Fees for services
Technical
3 998
3 691
15 796
9 901
14 807
9 438
989
463
Administrative
396 965
307 441
Interest paid
112
94
Loss on foreign exchange transactions
199
–
Loss (profit) on disposal of property and equipment
167
(68)
Research equipment
256
2
(7)
Motor vehicles
(84)
–
(27)
5
(46)
Printing and stationery
2 853
1 946
Purchases
5 694
3 662
Repairs and maintenance
Salaries
6 521
6 696
106 942
89 585
69
notes to the annual financial statements
Subsistence and travel
Telephone, data lines, faxes and postage
Uninet data lines
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
11 107
8 807
2 843
2 427
803
778
Post-retirement healthcare benefits
15 443
9 366
Other expenditure
17 521
16 254
Salaries and overheads capitalised
Salaries
Accommodation costs, insurance
Computer requisites
Depreciation
Printing and stationery
Purchases
Telephone, data lines, faxes and postage
Total expenditure
(384)
(402)
(243)
(223)
(11)
(3)
(1)
(6)
(30)
(33)
–
(2)
(92)
(133)
(7)
(2)
606 227
474 913
19 755
23 840
–
948
2. Abnormal income
Insurance claim (refer Note 1)
Abnormal income in the previous year consisted of an insurance claim payout under
the NRF’s fidelity insurance policy, relating to fraudulent expenditure incurred on
the Masifunde Project as reported in previous years.
3. Board members’ and Executive
members’ remuneration
Non-executive Board members’ fees
76
81
Executive Board members’ and Executive
members’ remuneration
7 360
7 265
Salaries
5 993
5 616
Benefits
1 088
1 079
279
570
7 436
7 346
334 484
316 278
–
(22 485)
(12 947)
(12 346)
Bonuses (13th cheque)
Total
4. Government grants
Government grants received
Transfer to capital reserve
Portion of government grants utilised to acquire
depreciable property and equipment during the
year allocated to deferred income (refer Note 5)
Portion of deferred income recognised in the income statement
Government grants (refer Note 1)
70
14 894
9 286
336 431
290 733
5. Property and equipment
Cost Accumulated
Carrying
depreciation
amount
R’000
R’000
R’000
2003
Land and buildings
Research equipment
41 557
5 790
35 767
107 517
22 837
84 680
11 379
5 789
5 590
5 998
2 575
3 423
Motor vehicles
3 487
1 665
1 822
169 938
38 656
131 282
Land and buildings
39 710
4 154
35 556
Research equipment
2002
100 203
13 666
86 537
7 402
2 987
4 415
4 106
1 473
2 633
Motor vehicles
2 391
1 172
1 219
153 812
23 452
130 360
Land and
buildings
Research Administrative Office furniture
equipment
computer and equipment
Motor
Total
vehicles
equipment
R’000
R’000
R’000
R’000
R’000
R’000
39 710
100 203
7 402
4 106
2 391
153 812
1 630
-
1 082
1 076
98
3 886
217
7 607
3 208
834
1 081
12 947
-
(293)
(313)
(18)
(83)
(707)
41 557
107 517
11 379
5 998
3 487
169 938
At the beginning of the year
4 154
13 666
2 987
1 473
1 172
23 452
Transferred during the year
-
-
607
348
98
1 053
1 636
9 209
2 453
767
470
14 535
-
(38)
(258)
(13)
(75)
(384)
Cost
At the beginning of the year
Transfers during the year
Additions during the year (refer Note 4)
Disposals during the year
At the end of the year
Accumulated depreciation
Depreciation for the year (refer Note 1)
Disposals during the year
At the end of the year
Carrying amount
5 790
22 837
5 789
2 575
1 665
38 656
35 767
84 680
5 590
3 423
1 822
131 282
71
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Pretoria, with buildings thereon
7 057
6 893
At cost on 1 October 1990
6 244
6 244
Improvements – 1991 to 2001
1 751
1 751
Land and buildings
Portion 1 of the farm Scientia No 627,
(1 186)
(1 186)
Improvements – 2002
Write-off – 2000
84
84
164
_
Stellenbosch, with buildings thereon
29 796
29 796
At cost on 1 April 1991
39 120
39 120
3 123
3 123
(12 447)
(12 447)
Sutherland, with buildings thereon
1 603
1 603
2 854
2 854
182
182
Portion 4 of the farm No 996, Blue Downs,
Improvements – 1992 to 1999
Write-off – 2000
Portion 6 of the farm Kuilenburg No 96,
Write-off – 1995 to 2000
(1 436)
(1 436)
3
3
Cape Town, with buildings thereon
1 106
1 106
1 964
1 964
Erf 26423, Observatory,
Write-off – 2000
(858)
(858)
Leasehold premises
38
38
50
50
(12)
(12)
Hermanus, with buildings thereon
327
274
274
274
53
–
Stand No 2859, Pretoria, with buildings thereon
1 630
–
At cost on 1 December 2002
1 630
–
41 557
39 710
Write-off – 2000
Erf 252, 5365 and 5298,
Total land and buildings
72
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Shares at cost
58 250
52 500
Directors’ valuation of investment
58 250
52 500
The land and buildings situated in Pretoria are subject
to a pre-emptive right in favour of the CSIR should the NRF
decide to sell the property and will revert to the CSIR for no
consideration should the NRF be disbanded.
6. Investment
Unlisted:
SALT Foundation (Pty) Ltd (7 127 410
ordinary shares, 45,49 % shareholding)
(2002: 6 573 447 ordinary shares,
50% shareholding):
7. Staff loans
Total staff loans
1 023
922
Short-term portion
(765)
(722)
Long-term portion
258
200
1 846
1 600
27 101
12 646
1 553
1 015
274
3
51% of the total staff loans consist of interest-bearing loans,
at an average interest rate of 13,5%. The short-term portion
of staff loans is repayable within the next 12 months, while
the long-term portion is repayable within the next 24 months.
Included in total staff loans are loans to executives which
are detailed in Note 19.
8. Inventory
Consumable stores and maintenance spares
9. Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Prepayments
Receiver of Revenue – VAT
Other receivables
Total trade and other receivables
6 381
3 961
35 309
17 625
73
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
The carrying amount of accounts receivable and
prepayments is considered to approximate to their fair
value. The NRF’s credit risk is primarily attributable
to its trade and other receivables.
The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net
of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by
management based on prior experience and the
current economic environment.
10. Bank balances and cash
Bank balances and cash comprise cash, funds on call
and short-term deposits. The carrying amount of these
assets approximates their fair value.
The NRF has guarantee facilities of R2,0m of which
R400 000 has been used in favour of the
Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, effective
from September 2000. This project was completed
in the current year.
11. Trust funds
Department of Trade and Industry trust fund
Balance at the beginning of the year
Contributions received
50 163
84 452
135 684
133 854
Interest received
6 527
5 730
Repaid to the dti
(7 007)
(19 022)
(151 203)
(154 851)
34 164
50 163
328
326
31
25
Grants paid
Balance at the end of the year
Von Humboldt trust fund
Balance at the beginning of the year
Interest received
Grants paid
–
74
359
(23)
328
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
Innovation Fund trust fund
Transferred from DST
(16 688)
Contributions received
Grants cancelled
Interest received
Grants paid
Expenses paid
–
169 995
–
10 569
–
4 105
–
(66 218)
–
(1 336)
–
100 427
–
Other trust funds
–
Total trust funds
134 950
(22)
50 469
12. Trade and other payables
Trade payables
7 073
8 011
Other payables
16 051
20 550
Total trade and other payables
23 124
28 561
Total
The carrying amount of trade and other payables is
considered to approximate to their fair value.
13. Provisions
Bonus
Retirement
Leave pay
provision
benefit
provision
provision
R’000
R’000
R’000
R’000
1 374
9 886
7 104
18 364
2003
Opening balance
Charged to income statement
(45)
–
(1 361)
(1 406)
Additional provision
218
12 499
1 528
14 245
1 547
22 385
7 271
31 203
1 301
3 000
8 170
12 471
Closing balance
2002
Opening balance
Charged to income statement
Additional provision
Closing balance
–
–
(2 358)
(2 358)
73
6 886
1 292
8 251
1 374
9 886
7 104
18 364
75
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
534 815
150 992
2 500
–
5 805
4 491
14. Grants and bursary commitments
Grant and bursary commitments for 2003/2004
15. Contingent liabilities
Litigation claim
These outstanding litigation claims relate to two claims
by patients who were treated in 1998 for cancer at
iThemba LABS, which are being contested by the NRF’s
insurers and is covered by the Professional Indemnity
insurance policy.
16. Capital commitments
Contracted
The capital expenditure will be financed from internal funds.
17. Uncovered foreign currency monetary items
There were no significant foreign currency transactions not covered by forward exchange
contracts at the end of the year.
18. Retirement benefits
Retirement benefits are provided for employees through the National Research Foundation
Pension and Provident Funds. The new NRF funds provide guaranteed benefits in line
with former funds in respect of former employees of the CSD, the FRD and the JLBSI.
Employees who joined from 1 October 1999 and HMO staff who transferred from the CSIR
are covered under new defined contribution arrangements of the NRF Pension Fund.
All employees contribute to NRF funds, with the exception of those employees who are on
fixed-term contracts of a short duration. Staff from FEST currently contribute to the
Museums Retirement Fund.
18.1 Benefit structures
The revised rules of the Fund have been drafted to accommodate the benefit
structures of the various categories’ members. The benefit structures have been
included in the rules as follows:
Main rules:
These are largely the old Foundation for Research Development Pension Fund rules
and stipulate the benefit structure in respect of employees of iThemba LABS, the
SAAO, HartRAO and RISA who were employed prior to 1 October 1999.
76
Annexure A
This section allows for pensioners who were receiving pensions from the AIPF and
transferred, as pensioners, to the FRD Pension Fund in January 1995.
Annexure B
This section allows for members who terminated service with the FRD prior to
1 January 1995, became dormant members of the AIPF and then elected to become
deferred pensioners of the FRD Pension Fund from 1 January 1995.
Annexure C
This section applies to members who were employed by the NRF with effect from
1 October 1999 and HMO employees who transferred from the CSIR with effect from
1 April 2001.
Annexure D: Part 1
This section stipulates the benefit structure applicable to former CSD employees who
had elected to remain on a defined benefit basis in the HSRC Pension Fund and
transferred to the NRF Pension Fund on 1 April 1999.
Annexure D: Part 2
This section stipulates the benefit structure applicable to former CSD employees who
had elected to convert to a defined contribution basis in the HSRC Pension Fund and
transferred to the NRF Pension Fund on 1 April 1999.
Annexure E
This section applies to employees of the SAIAB who transferred from the Rhodes
University Pension Fund to the NRF Pension Fund on 1 April 1999.
18.2 Contribution rates and funding level
The contribution rates are in line with the inherited benefit structures as follows:
●
Ex-FRD Pension Fund members (iThemba LABS, the SAAO, HartRAO and RISA)
employed from 1 October 1999: 24,2% of pensionable salaries of which members
contribute 7,5%.
●
Ex-Rhodes University Pension Fund members (SAIAB) who transferred to the NRF
Pension Fund on 1 April 1999: 22,5% of pensionable salaries of which members
contribute 7,5%.
●
Ex-HSRC Pension Fund members who transferred to the NRF Pension Fund on
1 April 1999: 21,5%, 23,5% and 27,5% depending on benefit category of which
members contribute 7,5%.
●
New NRF employees who joined 1 October 1999: 22,0% of pensionable salaries
of which members contribute 7,5%.
Included in the unspent funds for the year are expenses in respect of retirement
benefit costs of R9,8m (2002: R9,2m).
77
The fund is administered by Alexander Forbes Consultants and Actuaries in terms of
the Pension Fund Act No 24 of 1956, as amended.
The fund will be actuarially valued at intervals of not more than three years. At inception,
it has inherited the deficits of its predecessor funds. The underfunding was mainly from the
FRD Pension and Provident Funds and the Associated Institutions Pension Fund. The
under-funding from the Rhodes University Pension and Provident Funds has been made
good by way of a lump sum payment in the 1999/2000 financial year.
The effective date of the last actuarial valuation of the NRF Pension and Provident
Funds was 30 September 2002. The actuarial present value of promised retirement benefits
as at 30 September 2002 was R87,2m (30 September 2001: R73,5m). The fair value of the
plan assets as at 30 September 2002 was R83,5m (30 September 2001: R70,9m). The funds
were underfunded by an amount of R3,7m (2001: R2,6m) and the combined funding level
was 95,8% as at 30 September 2002 (30 September 2001: 96,5%).
The principal actuarial assumptions used in determining the cost of retirement
benefits were :
●
The discount rate assumed in determining the actuarial present value of promised
benefits reflects the long-term rates at which the obligations are expected to be settled;
●
Plan assets are valued at fair value;
●
Salary increases to the date of termination reflect factors such as inflation and
promotion; and
●
Automatic retirement benefit increases are taken into account.
The past service costs are expensed over the remaining working lives of employees
and the resulting asset amounts to R16,5m (2002: R18,1m).
18.3 Post-retirement healthcare benefits
Post-retirement healthcare benefits are provided for retirees. The entitlement of these
benefits is usually based on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and
the completion of the minimum service period. The NRF’s liability in this regard
amounts to R43,0m (2002: R37,4m).
The principal actuarial assumptions applied in determination of fair values include :
●
CPI inflation
10% p.a.
●
Healthcare cost inflation
13% p.a.
●
Discount rate (net of tax)
15% p.a.
●
Normal retirement age
60
●
Expected average retirement age
59,5
Included in the unspent funds for the year is a provision of R12,5m (2002: R6,9m)
in respect of those liabilities.
The NRF has opted to recognise their post-retirement healthcare liability as an
expense on a straight line basis over five years. The unprovided for post-retirement
healthcare liability at 31 March 2003 is R20,6m (2002: R27,5m). Investigations are
under way to find the most appropriate and cost-effective mechanism of managing this
liability and providing the necessary benefits to all employees.
78
2003
2002
R’000
R’000
–
83
19 755
23 840
–
22 485
19. Loans to Executives
Dr RS Stobie
20. Reconciliation of net unspent funds for the year
to cash generated from operations
Adjusted for:
Transfer to capital reserve
Deferred income
(1 947)
3 060
Interest received
(15 143)
(11 980)
14 505
9 047
14 535
9 080
Depreciation
Total depreciation
Depreciation capitalised
(30)
(33)
Interest paid
112
94
Loss (profit) on disposal of property and equipment
167
(68)
Operating cash flows before working capital changes
17 449
46 478
Working capital changes
33 006
16 489
1 594
(8 405)
Decrease (increase) in retirement benefit fund deficit
(Increase) decrease in inventory
(246)
29
Decrease (increase) in grants and bursaries paid in advance
66 902
(137 475)
(Increase) decrease in trade and other receivables
(18 056)
14 397
(Decrease) increase in accrued grants and bursaries
(24 555)
135 638
(Decrease) increase in grants and bursaries payable
(35)
172
Increase in trade and other payables and provisions
Cash generated from operations
7 402
12 133
50 455
62 967
190 001
90 001
87 884
50 372
277 885
140 373
21. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and
balances with banks and investments in money market
instruments. Cash and cash equivalents included in
the cash flow statement comprise the following balance
sheet amounts:
Funds on call and on deposit
Bank balances and cash
Cash and cash equivalents
79
22. Financial information by segment
For management purposes, the NRF is currently organised into the following
segments and these segments are the basis on which the NRF reports its primary
segment information:
●
Research and Innovation Support Agency: This segment’s main business is to
provide for the promotion of research, both basic and applied, and the extension and
transfer of knowledge in the various fields of science and technology and indigenous
technology.
●
iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences: This National Research
Facility provides advanced, viable, multidisciplinary facilities for training, research
and services in the fields of nuclear science and radiation medicine for the pride and
benefit of all the people of Africa.
●
South African Astronomical Observatory: This National Research Facility
performs research in astronomy; provides an international facility in Africa for
such research; and educates and informs the community.
●
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory: This National Research Facility
was originally established as the national facility for radio astronomy research in
South Africa. Today its primary function is the support of research and training in
radio astronomy and space geodesy.
RISA
iThemba LABS
SAAO
HartRAO
2003
2002
2003
2002
2003
2002
2003
2002
Government grants
237 020
201 647
65 674
59 614
14 581
13 869
9 432
8 464
Contributions
248 960
175 948
6 273
8 744
2 375
678
–
–
Revenue
Other income
Total income
Net unspent funds (deficit)
15 305
13 802
2 013
3 100
837
599
288
96
501 285
391 397
73 960
71 458
17 793
15 146
9 720
8 560
32 587
29 275
(12 438)
(2 223)
(2 041)
(2 809)
(506)
(759)
Property and equipment
Additions
Depreciation
Assets
Investment
Liabilities
Number of employees
8 835
7 452
1 300
1 043
442
630
(1 809)
(1 441) (10 559)
(5 680)
(1 029)
(1 151)
(660)
(605)
427 757
346 489 114 163
1 116
2 451
120 620
9 389
9 026
7 063
7 026
58 250
52 500
–
–
–
–
–
–
350 522
295 379
17 830
9 871
5 599
3 285
2 649
1 880
169
163
260
304
80
78
47
47
80
●
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity: This National Research
Facility is an interactive hub focused on serving the nation through generating,
disseminating and applying knowledge to understanding and solving problems on
the conservation and wise use of African fishes and aquatic biodiversity.
●
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory: This National Research Facility is part of a
worldwide network of magnetic observatories that monitor and model variations of the
Earth’s magnetic field. Hermanus Magnetic Observatory was declared a National
Research Facility effective from 1 April 2001. The assets and liabilities were taken
into the records of the NRF at the abovementioned date at net book value.
●
Foundation for Education, Science and Technology: The Foundation for
Education, Science and Technology (FEST) was positioned as an agency of the former
Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST), and a determined
leader in advancing the public awareness, appreciation and understanding of science,
engineering and technology in South Africa. Effective from 1 December 2002, the
organisation was deproclaimed under the Cultural Institutions Act, and incorporated
into the NRF, with FEST continuing to pursue high-quality delivery in engaging the
South African public in science and technology.
SAIAB
HMO
FEST
Total
2003
2002
2003
2002
2003
3 688
3 659
3 478
3 480
2 558 336 431
290 733
4 655
2 007
–
37
3 321 265 584
187 414
2003
2002
344
263
2 748
2 746
2 432
23 967
20 606
8 687
5 929
6 226
6 263
8 311 625 982
498 753
652
(424)
828
598
855
19 755
23 840
198
708
206
348
564
12 947
12 346
(221)
(159)
(114)
(44)
(143) (14 535)
(9 080)
12 515 583 206
495 237
9 733
10 459
2 586
617
–
–
–
–
7 782
9 624
408
499
30
29
22
15
58 250
52 500
3 041 387 831
320 538
–
35
643
81
636
contact information
HOW TO CONTACT THE NRF BUSINESS UNITS:
Research and Innovation Support Agency (RISA) in Pretoria
Tel +27-12-481-4000
Fax +27-12-349-1179
www.nrf.ac.za
South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) in Pretoria
Tel +27-12-481-4147
Fax +27-12-481-4221
www.nrf.ac.za/saeon
South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) in Pretoria
Tel +27-12-392-9300
Fax +27-12-320-7803
www.saasta.ac.za
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) near Krugersdorp
Tel +27-12-326-0742
Fax +27-12-326-0756
www.hartrao.ac.za
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO) in Hermanus
Tel +27-28-312-1196
Fax +27-28-312-2039
www.hmo.ac.za
iTHEMBA Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences (iThemba LABS) near Somerset
West
Tel +27-21-843-1000
Fax +27-21-843-3525
www.tlabs.ac.za
South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town and at Sutherland
Tel +27-21-447-0025
Fax +27-21-447-3639
www.saao.ac.za
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) in Grahamstown
Tel +27-46-603-5800
Fax +27-46-622-2403
www.saiab.ru.ac.za
82
Produced by Words’Worth Publishing 27 11 381-7700
“One way to achieve national excellence is to focus our basic science
on areas where we are most likely to succeed because of important
national or knowledge advantages. In South Africa, such areas include
astronomy, human palaeontology and indigenous knowledge. The key
institution, in the context of this strategy for promoting science is the
National Research Foundation.”
(extract from the National Research and Development Strategy)

Annual Report 2002 - National Research Foundation

Transcription

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