Initiated in 2001, the Thuthuka Programs are the “cog in the wheel” that drives the South African National Research Foundation’s (NRF) human capital development strategy. It is a key strategy designed to effectively address historical imbalances that still characterize the research landscape. The program architecture indicates deliberate interventions to affirm designated groups such as women, black, and disabled researchers. As the global environment continues to change, South Africa as a nation is faced with the challenge of remaining relevant and competitive for the future, according to NRF.
Having its genesis in 2001, the program was initially conceived to develop research capacities at historically disadvantaged institutions. “Thuthuka will continue to reinvent itself as it responds to material conditions on the ground. It cannot be business as usual and yesterday’s solutions may not be the most appropriate course of action to contemporary challenges,” said Claire Botha, Thuthuka Program director.
Vice President and Managing Director of Research and Innovation Support and Advancement Gansen Pillay said, “As a country we need to embark upon a journey of building a strong knowledge economy across all sectors by providing our researchers the opportunity to improve their research capacities.” To date, the program’s total research support investment approaches R200 million, consisting of 1058 grants awarded to 698 women and 594 black researchers. Of this, 620 grant holders have completed or are enrolled in PhD programs, directly contributing to Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor’s push for emerging researchers to study for higher degrees.
Additionally, 3,545 students benefited from participating in various research projects funded by the program and gaining from the supervision and mentorship of experienced researchers. According to Pandor, “Emerging researchers need to be encouraged to study for higher degrees. We are short of researchers with PhDs in our universities. Our poorer universities have learned that if they are to compete for research contracts they have to upgrade the degree qualifications of their staff. And some of our poorer universities have been extremely successful in doing this.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Botha said that providing the necessary value-added support initiatives for emerging researchers will result and contribute to creating a world-class platform from which the NRF can continue to attract, train, and retain high-quality human resources who can produce cutting-edge research. Although the primary aim of the Thuthuka Program is to “promote professional development of researchers from designated groups” which have been historically disadvantaged, Botha and her team are committed to building the pillars of world-class research within a transformative environment which is sustainable.
