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/Independent Newspapers
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has strongly defended his record in higher education and research, insisting he remains proud of his contribution to the sector despite corruption investigations engulfing institutions linked to his portfolio.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Nzimande maintained that his conscience was clear and said he remained satisfied with the work done during his years overseeing higher education.
“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 said.
His remarks came after Makhashule Gana raised concerns about growing allegations of corruption affecting South Africa’s higher education and scientific research environment.
Gana pointed to the fact that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is currently under administration, while the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, alongside entities linked to the Science, Technology and Innovation portfolio, are under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit.
“Our knowledge value chain is being disrupted by corruption,” Gana told Parliament.
He asked Nzimande what legacy he believed he was leaving behind in higher education and research amid the allegations and ongoing investigations.
In response, Nzimande highlighted what he described as the transformation of the department from a relatively small institution into a multi-billion rand sector supporting students, scientific development and innovation.
He argued that the department remains central to South Africa’s economic and industrial future.
“This department is very critical in ensuring, amongst other things, that we must have an innovation-led industrial programme 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,” he said.
Nzimande praised the abilities of young South Africans, saying talent in the country stretches from music and culture to science and technology.
“Our youth are amongst the best in the world,” he said.
The minister’s defence of his record also followed questions from Vuyani Pambo regarding a Special Investigating Unit probe into vaccine research procurement contracts linked to the department.
Pambo requested details about the contracts and the entities involved.
According to Nzimande, the SIU investigation covers four project funding agreements valued at R39.7 million.
The contracts include a R3 million procurement involving the Technology Innovation Agency, two contracts awarded to University of KwaZulu-Natal totalling R29.6 million, and a R7 million contract involving the CSIR.
Nzimande said the SIU proclamation focuses on allegations of maladministration linked to vaccine research and development projects, including the development of a national vaccine manufacturing strategy and virus-like particle platform projects.
Despite the investigations, Nzimande stressed that his department had already begun probing the matter before the SIU became involved.
“There must have been serious suspicion of wrongdoing because the department was conducting an investigation before the SIU came in,” he said.
He added that he was willing to account publicly once the SIU completed its work.
“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.”
Nzimande, however, criticised the slow pace of some SIU investigations, citing the prolonged wait for findings relating to investigations at University of Fort Hare during his tenure as Higher Education Minister.
“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.
DAILY NEWS