Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande defends his contributions to the higher education and research portfolio he has served in for many years.
Image: Siyasanga Mbambani / GCIS
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande expressed satisfaction with his tenure in the higher education sector, despite ongoing investigations into corruption within the entities within the portfolio.
Responding to a question from Rise Mzansi MP Makhashule Gana, who highlighted the troubling nature of recent developments, Nzimande reflected on how the department transformed from a modest budget to a multi-billion rand entity that has historically funded numerous initiatives for students and researchers.
“I'm very happy about my record. Of course, I've been criticised on other things.
I accept that. I take it as I go,” he stated, defending his contributions to the sector.
Gana noted during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is under administration while the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Science, Technology and Innovation Department were being investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
“Our knowledge value chain is being disrupted by corruption. You have previously served as the minister of higher education. At the end of this term, what would you say your contribution to both higher education and the research side has been now that you have all these allegations of corruption in both higher education and the research institutes,” asked Gana.
Nzimande underscored the vital role his department plays in nurturing an innovation-led industrial strategy, which is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and developing capable young scientists.
“This department is very critical in ensuring, amongst other things, that we must have an innovation-led industrial program in this country in order to deal with the issues of growing and developing our economy, as well as creating jobs for our people, and also producing young scientists, which is something that I'm very passionate about. South African youth is very, very talented.
“Our department needs to ensure that we assist them to realise from cultural talent, Amapiano, for instance, to Amambazo, but to science, technology, and innovation, our youth are amongst the best in the world.”
Nzimande’s response to Gana came as a follow up to the main question by EFF MP Vuyani Pambo, who noted that the SIU was issued with a proclamation to investigate four vaccine research procurement contracts involving his department.
Pambo had wanted to know the total value of the contracts under investigation and the names of the entities that were awarded each contract.
The SIU is investigating allegations of serious maladministration related to four specific project funding agreements, with a total investigation value of R39.7 million.
The Technology and Innovation Agency has a procurement contract worth R3m, while the University of KwaZulu-Natal obtained two contracts totalling R29.6m, and the CSIR received R7m.
“The proclamation mandates the SIU to investigate the procurement of or contracting for goods, works or services in relation to four specific project funding agreements for vaccine research and development entered into by or on behalf of the institutions.
“These include contracts for the development of a national vaccine manufacturing strategy, finalisation of an overarching vaccine development and manufacturing strategy and projects related to a virus-like particles platform,” said Nzimande.
Nzimande said there must have been serious suspicion of wrongdoing because the department was conducting an investigation before the SIU came in.
“I am more than happy to come and account on this, but the ideal time will be when this SIU report is out, so that we can look at all the things that the SIU is actually saying.”
He expressed concerns regarding the SIU’s lengthy investigations, referring to his enduring wait for a report from Fort Hare following his time as Minister of Higher Education.
Nzimande urged the MPs to encourage the SIU to expedite their findings.
“I only plead, and for you as members of Parliament also, to say to the SIU, no staying forever. Do this thing as thoroughly as you want, but at some stage you must actually give a report,” he said.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za