Eskom and the National Research Foundation have set aside R4,8-million for a programme aimed at developing black researchers, the power utility announced on Thursday.
The programme, launched on Thursday night, arose out of a concern about the declining number of experienced researchers in science, engineering and technology.
Academics in these fields were retiring and, Eskom and the NRF sought to persuade black researchers to choose a career in academia, said John Gosling, a manager at Eskom.
Six research fellowships would take place at universities in the country at a cost of R200 000 over a maximum period of four years, he said.
”Eskom and the NRF will run the programme in partnership with higher education institutions.”
The fellowship programmes will focus on fuel cells and membrane technology, distribution technology, renewable energy, high voltage engineering and materials modelling.
Eskom chief executive Thulani Gcabashe said R14,3-million was allocated to secondary school programmes aimed at attracting pupils into mathematics, science and technology.
Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena, who attended the launch, said: ”Black graduate students are lured into lucrative positions even before their true research and leadership potential can be systematically developed.
”The consequence of this is that there are fewer black students who choose research as their career.” – Sapa