Internationalisation of Higher Education: DSI and DHET cooperation

Meeting report

Internationalisation in the new Decadal Plan: Cooperation between DSI and DHET
Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General: Department of Science and Innovation, thanked the Committee for the opportunity to engage on this topic. He requested to be excused to attend the SKA meeting which South Africa was chairing. He then handed over to the Deputy Director General to proceed with the presentation.

Mr Daan Du Toit, DSI Deputy Director General: International Cooperation and Resources, stated that the Decadal Plan has a clear focus on Expanded and Strategic Internationalisation and how South African science has a clear contribution to the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). Internationalisation is a big part of the Decadal Plan and to achieve it will require a collaboration of all those concerned with science, technology and innovation in South Africa.

The enhanced strategic focus is on building human resources through international mobility and strengthening and growing research infrastructure capabilities. Foreign international agreements are managed with sensitivity and by carefully leveraging a diverse portfolio of expertise and collaboration. Some of the issues considered by the Department include alignment of international cooperation with national priorities specifically about foreign funding and the transformation agenda with particular focus on historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) and advancement of the gender, race, and youth agenda.

There are 342 South African students participating in international training programmes as part of cooperation initiatives facilitated by DSI.

To meet some of the outcomes will require strengthened internal collaboration on a transformed, inclusive, responsive and coherent system of innovation. There is a continuous process of accessing and assessing international expertise to inform South African policy development.

Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education & International Scholarships
Mr Mahlubi Mabizela, DHET Chief Director: University Policy and Development, stated the Policy on Internationalisation of Higher Education is a new framework that was published in October 2020 and DHET is still working on the implementation plan due on 20 September 2022. The purpose of the policy is to address international mobility of academics, students, administrators, programmes and knowledge which was also covered by DSI and the inclusion of international curriculum to the material students are provided locally without the need for international mobility.

The policy provides a national framework within which higher education institutions (HEIs) can develop and align their institutional internationalisation policies and strategies to advance South African higher education. It addresses key requirements such as guidelines for public and private HEIs wishing to offer cross-border, collaborative qualifications and the accreditation and approval of their programmes by the Council of Higher Education (CHE). Other issues addressed include co-badged and joint degree qualifications where a joint decision must be in place to award the joint degree and managing brain drain in the interest of retaining skilled labour in South Africa.

The way forward is that HEIs will be required to include in their annual reports to DHET their progress on internationalisation work being done. DHET is also working with the International Education Association of South Africa (IESA) and other relevant professional bodies on tightening its implementation strategy.

Ms Ruth Roberts, DHET Director: International Scholarships, stated that the Department promotes and implements international scholarships offered by partners mostly for Master’s level with a few undergraduate and doctoral opportunities also being offered. The Department‘s role in scholarship programmes depends on what is being offered, what support is required to ensure that the offer is made available and taken up, and on the bilateral relationship with the host country. In a small number of projects, DHET will provide co-funding.

The priority areas are postgraduate studies, academics and future academics, scarce skills areas, and strengths of the host country. The biggest programme is currently in Hungary. There is a total of 267 alumni and a survey is done annually in March to get a sense of where the graduates are in their career path and monitoring the location of alumni to curb brain-drain. The majority of alumni return to South Africa with a small portion stay abroad to continue studying. One of the criteria for funding is that they return to South Africa, so the hope is that some of the students working abroad now in their early career will return to South Africa to use the skills they have acquired abroad.

Scholarships are advertised on different platforMs However, DHET’s dedicated scholarship website is www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za

Ms Nolwazi Gasa, DHET Deputy Director General: Planning, Policy and Strategy, highlighted that the way DHET engages with countries is guided by the extent to which DHET believes it will strengthen or enhance the work already being done by DHET. For example, the partnership with Cuba is based on the shortage of doctors in South Africa and the limited capacity South Africa has annually of producing doctors. The scholarships on offer are linked to the skills needed in South Africa; for example, the relationship with United States of America gives access to skills training in scarce skills areas such as nanotechnology and stem cell work.

DHET tries to ensure that scholarships not only benefit advantaged universities but that historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) play a role also not only in learning but also in production of knowledge.

Discussion
Department of Science and Innovation
The Chairperson thanked DSI for the presentation and noted that while there were actions around science in diplomacy, she asked how the DSI managed sovereignty to South Africa while lifting international partnerships. She raised concern that at times South Africa may want to lead certain partnerships, but they cannot and therefore trade-offs are sometimes necessary. This led to the question of how national security was protected in some of the research work.

She asked how local interests are prioritised in such partnerships. An example would be where South Africa and a foreign entity conduct research in their countries and the research must be consolidated into one project. In instances of data sharing, she asked how national security was protected. South Africa needs to be intentional in taking our skills abroad to enrich the SKA project. South Africa needs to look at the SKA project holistically and how we play a role contributing to labour beyond research only.

She requested a spreadsheet of partnerships pursued clearly distinguishing partnerships that are in principle and those that are currently active.

The Chairperson highlighted that South Africa according to the presentation is the shining star in Africa. There is a lot of foreign investment coming into the country and the investors hope to get something in return. When we produce this high-quality research, she asked how it contributes to diplomacy matters. She noted South Africans were barred from travelling in recent COVID times. This is not only a matter that should be addressed by DSI but also by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Once SKA is fully operational, considering the amount work contributed by South African skills, we would need to establish how we can continue contributing to the development of the work by sending our scientists and astronomers internationally to represent Africa in these platforMs

She requested in writing more information on the demographics such race and gender of the 342 South African students participating in international programmes and more information on the institutions DSI is working with for capacity building.

Ms D Sibiya (ANC) asked what initiatives are planned to include the participation of historically disadvantaged institutions in these programmes.

She asked what the capacity and financial obligations are for the leadership positions occupied by South Africa in some of the programmes.

Ms N Tarabella-Marchesi (DA) appreciated the plan presented by DSI. However she expressed concern about meaningful participation by South African youth in these programmes. She had previously raised how the lack of proper early childhood development (ECD) programmes eventually disadvantage children and youth from participating in programmes such as those presented today. Most of the people participating in SKA programmes are international students. So, while there are good plans in place, due to the ECD problem, South Africa is unable to produce suitable candidates to participate. This results in South Africa’s reliance on international expertise. It is a concern that there are great plans but 100% occupied by external countries and not even from other African countries. She urged the Department to address this because they are not doing much to address this at present.

She pointed out that the presentation was extremely summarised and lacked some critical information such as set targets, budgets for the programme, what exactly South Africa is contributing to the SKA programme, also South Africa’s plan for research in staying ahead and being a role player should there be another pandemic. This information will assist the Committee in holding the department accountable to their stated targets.

Ms J Mananiso (ANC) asked how people with disabilities have been included in the programme. She applauded DSI for having the best human capacity that can transform South Africa as a society. She asked about the lessons DSI has learnt in their research and development processes for finding solutions for the country and the broader African region. DSI must include challenges it faces so the Committee can assess where it can support it accordingly. Lastly, she highlighted language and requested that the Department do more to address this so that more people can participate in these programmes.

Dr N Khumalo (DA) asked the Department to elaborate on the nature of the dedicated interventions to attract foreign investment. She asked if the Committee has access to database information to enable it to make informed decisions in supporting the department’s efforts.

Dr Khumalo asked if the department was adequately resourced for the various interventions including developing skills for the digital economy and infrastructure. It is important that the Department is realistic and puts timeframes for achieving certain goals and targets.

Ms K Mahlatsi (ANC) was grateful as the presentation gave a broad understanding of collaborations explored with organisations such as DHET and DIRCO and policy alignment. She also raised concern about the lack of comparable numerical data in the presentation.

Ms Mahlatsi said that there needs to be beneficiation of the bilaterals explored and it must all be quantified and explain what each bilateral agreement will achieve and how it will address youth unemployment and other socio-economic issues.

She raised concern about the potential for international treaties to impinge on South Africa's Constitution. She asked if the department had investigated South Africa’s alignment with international standards and treaties and if they infringe on certain South African labour laws.

She commended Mr Du Toit for having confidence in his subordinates where he mentions them by name in the presentation and openly applauds them. She encouraged him to continue his commendable leadership within the Department.

The Chairperson asked for an update on the progress made on the Science Diplomacy Project which will assist the Committee in understanding the many concerns raised by Members.

She also asked if there is a formalised synergy for DSI’s collaboration with DHET.

Ms Mahlatsi mentioned that South Africa has played a leading role on certain aspects of COVID solutions. She asked for details of some of the successful interventions South Africa led.

The Chairperson thanked Members for their thorough questions. She requested that Mr Du Doit send the requested data and responses to the Committee within the next seven days.

DSI response
Mr Du Toit thanked the Committee for the questions that will certainly add value and stimulate the Department to improve their work. In addition to the information requested in writing, he will also send DSI’s Operational Plan which includes clear targets and their current progress.

On Science Diplomacy, he replied that there is a challenge that we always focus on what is good and positive. The Department must always be vigilant and intentional in safeguarding South Africa’s strategic national interest. Technology sovereignty has seen defensive virtual borders being created in areas such as artificial intelligence, space science and technology where countries want to close international cooperation in those areas. Some countries use cooperation in an offensive manner as a strategy to advance their own market access in Africa. DSI is very sensitive to this, and they pay very particular attention to intellectual property management to protect sovereign interest.

South Africa is aware of the active role it needs to play in SKA beyond that of hosting the programme. Participation of South African scientists is a priority for the department. It is part of DSI’s target for South Africa to become a global leader in some of the interventions.

Policy and decision-making should follow science but what South Africa saw during Omicron was that partnerships did not follow South Africa’s travel advice and imposed bans that did not have any scientific evidence. DSI has since captured these learnings and will share them with oversight committees to guide South Africa’s future workings. The reality of international partnerships is that in times of crisis, countries revert to their own national agendas to the detriment of those in partnership with them. There are valuable lessons to be taken from how the world has replied to COVID-19.

DSI looks forward to sharing the Dedicated Science Diplomacy Strategy with the Committee once it is finalised. This will also address the skills programme which will respond to South Africa’s needs. The Decadal Plan details brain circulation where South Africa attracts skills needed but also works with the African Diaspora to build our own capabilities.

DSI supports government’s overall efforts in promoting foreign investment and some of the key programmes will be presented at the President’s Investment Summit in March. At the Dubai Global Expo, DSI will showcase opportunities in South Africa for science and innovation. A colleague within DSI leads initiatives to showcase South Africa at international Chambers of Commerce.

On the opportunities and access to open data, the Department supports the CSIR to host the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution which is associated with the World Economic Forum. The focus for this project is assessing the regulatory frameworks needed to ensure that South Africa exploits big data, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, precision medicine but at the same time safeguards our national interest.

DSI visits HDIs to present opportunities and proactively invest in seed mechanisms. For some of the DSI programmes HDI participation is compulsory.

The SKA programme has the smallest budget within DSI. There is approximately R70 million to invest in international programmes and for goods and services, it is under R20 million. However it is not DSI’s intention to complain about this as they understand that it is resources that have been entrusted to them by South Africans for the benefit of the country.

On pandemic preparedness, the work being done under SKA involves preparing Africa for future pandemics which is addressed by science and technology research, innovation and how Africa responds to these unforeseen events. The Department supports this with a recent example being support of the ventilator manufacturing programme and lately South African companies are supported in testing the development of vaccines.

South Africa will not enter into any agreements unless those agreements are verified by the Chief State Law Advisor and the Chief Legal Advisor at DIRCO. In future we will bring the international agreements to the Committee and the National Council of Provinces for oversight. It is this thorough process that acts as an added feature to ensure these agreements comply with the Constitution.

Mr Du Toit agreed that the DSI need to step up its communication efforts in all official languages to ensure that their programmes are inclusive, and that people are aware what South Africans are achieving on the global stage.

Ms Mamphe Chabe, DSI Chief Director: Multilateral Cooperation in Africa, stated that South Africa has 26 Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) bilateral agreements within the continent. DSI undertook a prioritisation exercise in 2021 to ensure greater alignment with partners they wanted to engage on a deeper level based on their capacity. Some of the considerations included alignment to South Africa’s political interest and agenda, the partner’s ability to invest in STI, leadership roles that some of the countries have, regional and international agenda and innovation to align better with the Decadal Plan.

The Africa portfolio has a budget of R10 million which is the smallest for international cooperation. However, the Committee will see evidence in the written response that DSI managed to do a lot with a minimal budget. For example, within the European Union Africa Portfolio, DSI is currently working on a renewable energy programme where seven projects led by South African researchers will be funded.

The Africa Bilateral Portfolio has supported 15 research institutions in South Africa including HDIs as a priority. 44 principal investigators have benefited, 340 students have benefitted and acquired postgraduate qualifications with 32% being female. Through this work DSI has also contributed to research publications with a 1.5% contribution to global research output.

Some of the challenges faced on the continent include competing priorities such as health, education or even defence. DSI showcases STI by providing courses for parliamentarians on the important role STI plays in South Africa and why investing in it is important. DSI also hosts STI Diplomacy Courses to raise awareness of its role in geopolitics.

Through the partnership with the International Institute of Applied Sciences, DSI has trained 100 postgraduate students with Master and PhD qualifications in Systems Analysis as part of capacity building. Though Mintek, DSI has trained some students on mineral beneficiation which is in line with labor policies and the Constitution. Recently in Ugu District of KwaZulu-Natal, artisans, technicians and municipality managers were trained on maintenance of research infrastructure.

Ms Vinny Pillay, DSI Head: International Resources Portfolio, replied to the human capital questions. DSI will strengthen internationalisation of Science which will include having increased trips to South Africa’s key international partners like European Union and development cooperation partners like Japan and some of the Chambers.

DSI provides information sessions to HDI universities promoting research opportunities which are provided online for various priority areas. Support on how to apply and seed funding is also provided for participants to do the groundwork required by the research cooperation. Some examples include projects involving University of Venda and another project involves township innovators. There are projects where HDI universities have been asked to partner with more experienced universities to learn from each other and link to the international dimension.

Under the EU programme there are many opportunities for exchange and international travel programmes and that information is disseminated to various universities and HDIs.

Ms Mandry Ntshani, DSI Deputy Director: Multilateral Cooperation and Africa, replied to the work DSI is doing to address early childhood development. One of the priority areas of the Decadal Plan is educating for the future. DSI is engaging in neuroscience research that will help develop methodologies that will assist in learning outcomes through science from early childhood development to post-school training.

The Chairperson thanked Mr Du Toit and his team for an elaborate presentation and thorough response to the questions. Engaging the DSI was like being in a lecture where Members are always learning. The more oversight groundwork Members do, the more thorough their questions will become because they will have a better understanding of the work being done.

Department of Higher Education and Training
The Chairperson asked if DHET had done research to assess if it is better to send students abroad versus bringing international lecturers to South Africa to teach at our institutions.

She asked for clarity on the data in slide 6 which refers to the uptake rate by local students of international scholarships. The data is not clear on the enrolments and success rates, how far students are in their studies, and the rule of thumb for funding duration. For example, in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) they have an n=1 rule. This will allow the Committee to understand the additional funding support needed such as living conditions, food security and resources available to study to ensure greater success rates of students graduating.

The Chairperson asked which category of the scholarship types do short-term opportunities fall into where a student is enrolled in a South African university, and they are given the opportunity to study a portion of their course abroad.

In terms of serving on the selection panel, she asked if it relates to members being part of the independent scholarships which are not funded (wholly or partly) by South Africa. She asked what measures are in place to ensure that such processes are authentic and as fair as possible.

The Chairperson asked for confirmation if efforts have been made to reach students in non-metropolitan cities.

On the support offered to scholarship students, she asked what kind of support this entailed because it can be challenging to live in another country. Are students aware that South African embassies are their second home while studying abroad. It would be interesting to see if DIRCO supports students with language courses and the likes.

The Chairperson asked if the Department has done a thorough analysis of the skills shortage in the country and which countries offer courses to address that.

She asked if a thorough financial analysis is being done by South Africa on how much it costs to fund students to study abroad and not necessarily rely on the data provided by other countries.

Ms Sibiya asked for data on the number of students offered scholarships versus those who took them up by the University of Johannesburg and which fields of study were offered.

Ms Tarabella-Marchesi noted there are programmes that celebrate cultural events at embassies as she participated in these while living in Ireland. She asked if the department has considered such programmes in addressing xenophobia. Internalisation Programmes could play a role in addressing xenophobia in South Africa where returning students can talk about their challenge in living in a foreign nation and having to survive despite the lack of things they take for granted like relatability in a foreign country and the ability to express yourself in your native language sometimes. This could educate fellow South Africans on what it means to be a global citizen.

She asked if DHET has done a study on how many students it would take to transform South Africa much like Asia had done by sending students abroad to gain critical skills that they brought back to transform the Asia we see today. The number of currently funded students is quite low and concerning if we want to see real impact.

On brain drain, she asked how DHET is addressing it by attracting critical skills back to South Africa and absorbing them into public practice.

She urged the Department to look into short courses that young people can take advantage of, come back with a skill, and then contribute to the jobs sector. Had DHET has done a skills audit on South Africa for the types of courses that are being funded. It would be a waste of resources to fund courses that are of no use to the South African setting. She requested the budget for the policy and how it relates to the target and what has been achieved.

Ms Mananiso asked if DHET has an orientation programme prior to the students leaving and if there is a post-orientation programme once the students have completed their studies.

She suggested that the Department forwards the policy implementation plan so that Members can see what is being done and where.

On consequence management, she asked how DHET manages those who do not comply and adhere to the MOU. She also asked if it has a dedicated crisis management unit that responds to the urgent support needs of students

Ms Mananiso asked for data on the uptake of these opportunities by students from rural areas and what efforts DHET has made to ensure equal access to information and opportunities.

Ms Mananiso commended DHET for collaboration with other departments in doing away with the silo mentality within government.

Ms Mahlatsi asked if the Department advises HEIs on which courses they should consider in line with South Africa’s focus on economic development and socio-economic issues.

Dr Khumalo asked if relief has been offered to students in China and veterinary students in Russia and the learnings that can be taken for future programmes

She asked for a detailed report from the Department on the uptake of scholarships offered since 2018 to 2022 including details of the course of study, uptake rate and the pass rate.

Dr Khumalo noted that funding was not available in 2021. She asked if that has been rectified and to what extent DHET will be able to offer scholarships with partners.

She asked what the reasons were for dropouts and what interventions had been put in place and their impact.

Dr Khumalo asked if there was a process in the uptake of scholarships to address the gender disparity and how DHET is faring in its efforts.

She stated that there is room for improvement in the way scholarships are marketed to have wider reach. She asked for clarity on the international scholarships provided at provincial level and to what extent the Department has oversight of that.

Ms Tarabella-Marchesi asked what the age group is of scholarship holders and if there is a cut-off age.

The Chairperson commented that there is flow of traffic of skills flowing into South Africa from the broader Africa and no exchange coming from South Africa to the rest of Africa particularly in the Black South African community.

DHET response
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, DHET Director-General, stated that the internationalisation framework has evolved over several years. Many of the achievements of DHET would not have been possible without the work of the internationalisation framework. The very curriculum has evolved from the deliberate oppressive nature pre-1994 to what it is today.

On the comprehensive analysis of the countries DHET works with, and the skills needed in South Africa, DHET does an audit every five years of the skills needed in line with the National Skills Development Plan. DHET has written to all departments to engage them on creating a master skills development plan that looks at skill sets across all government departments.

In the last five years DHET has embarked on the Labour Market Intelligence Program (LMIP) and the work done has been significant in addressing some of the questions asked today. The presentation does not nearly do justice to the work done by this programme.

Mr Mabizela replied that what determines the approach to sending students abroad is dependent on the institutions that DHET partners with.

In the multilateral programmes such as BRICS there are agreements on the areas to be focused on and so DHET has much control into what goes into those programmes as opposed to those administered by institutions.

On provincial scholarships, Mr Mabizela fully agrees that DHET should have oversight. But it is currently not in the policy, and it cannot be in the policy framework. It should be something that should be handled under legislation so DHET can have control of what provinces do.

There is no data on the broad question asked about a similar model to that of Asia. The Department does not know how many Asian students were sent abroad over what period and what skills were acquired. He was not sure if DHET would be able to acquire that data.

Consequence management is part of monitoring what the institutions will be required to report on annually which will include their targets and what has been achieved and the reason for deviations.

The biggest concern on the incoming students from other countries in the diaspora is the dwindling numbers. The incoming students study subjects of their country’s scholarship requirements or their individual choices.

Ms Gasa replied that DHET has a comprehensive network between South Africa and the United States under a programme termed the United States-South Africa Higher Education Network (HEN). The primary focus of this programme is ensuring that we build capacity of Masters and PhD students. The HEN is also critical in enhancing curriculum renewal. The initiative covers three universities – Rutgers University, University of Pretoria and University of Venda. 100 Academics have been sent thus far to the US on a range of qualifications.

The Siyaphumelela Initiative initiated in 2014 by the Minister of Education supports five universities to investigate the use of student data analytics to improve student success

The form of support to students covers a range of activities. For example, in China there is a forum with the former Minister of Intelligence who is based in Beijing and working with DIRCO. There are quarterly sessions with him to address the challenges students are facing. In collaboration with the Embassy, there is regular communication between the students and DHET. There is also a platform where students can log problems which can be addressed efficiently by the Department.

Ms Roberts noted the time constraints prevented her responding to all questions. She is however encouraged by the calibre of questions and interest in this type of programme.

She mentioned that the expansion of the programme and impact on number of students depends on DHET’s ability to fund the programme going forward. More on this topic will be provided in the written responses.

Mr Shishi said that it would be better, as the Chairperson requested, to respond thoroughly to some of the questions within seven days as time constraints at this meeting do not allow for comprehensive responses.

The Chairperson requested that the Department investigate legislating provincial and private funders more closely so that they are streamlined to DHET objectives. She requested that the Department include a list of bilateral agreements signed to date in the written response.

The Chairperson thanked DSI and DHET. She congratulated all parties for a meaningful engagement and encouraged DSI and DHET to continually analyse and monitor synergies between themselves. She noted that it was probably an oversight on the Committee’s part not to invite DIRCO to listen in on the meeting’s discussion.

The meeting was adjourned.