Partly due to an increased allocation from the government, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has achieved the highest financial turnover, R247,8-million, in its history, the council’s CEO said on Tuesday.
Dr Olive Shisana was addressing the launch of the HSRC’s 2006/07 Annual Report in Pretoria.
”The organisation has continued to manage its cash flow better by accelerating collection from trade and other receivables since the 2005/06 financial year.
”In addition, the volume of trade and other receivables has grown from R113,8-million in 2005/06 to R124,6-million in 2006/07, indicating an increase in external income,” Shisana said.
The organisation had also done itself proud in its striving for research excellence, measured in terms of articles published in international peer-reviewed journals.
Shisana said that of the articles from the top ten researchers, three were from women and six were from black people, shattering the myth that representivity in the staff profile undermined quality and standards.
”This is also bucking the documented South African trend whereby most productive researchers are white and male,” she said.
The organisation had done work on employment and economic growth through an employment-scenarios project. This provided critical insights on how best to address unemployment, ensure growth and reduce poverty.
Shisana said the HSRC faced the future with determination and resolve to contribute to grand social challenges facing South Africa and in finding science-based solutions. — Sapa