Question NW3465 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
21 November 2022 - NW3465
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What are the details of improved measures that his department has implemented to ensure that the (a) contextual and (b) institutional positions of universities are consistent despite the constantly changing nature of the Republic and that they are equipped to counter challenges that accompany the changes?
Reply:
The improved measures that the Department has implemented to support universities include increase in block grants, earmarked grants, and growth in funding for their NSFAS students. Furthermore, all universities are allocated funds annually through the University Capacity Development earmarked grant to implement programmes that focus on areas of need that must be addressed. The same grant provides an opportunity for universities to collaborate in the implementation of programmes where there are common challenges in areas of teaching, research, and curriculum development.
In addition, the Department established the Sibusiso Bengu-Development Programme (SB-DP) to address the inequalities that have impacted the development and sustainability of the Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs). The SB-DP has been developed to support capacity development in seven strategic priority areas, i.e. institutional management governance; institutional infrastructure and facilities; student experience, staff development and support; the academic enterprise; research and innovation; and relationships and partnerships.