NRF Launches 41 New Research Chairs for South Africa's Historically Disadvantaged Institutions

On April 16, 2026, South Africa's National Research Foundation (NRF) made headlines with a transformative announcement: the launch of 41 new Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI). This bold move targets historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs), universities of technology (UoTs), and emerging universities, marking a pivotal step toward redressing apartheid-era imbalances in higher education research capacity. Hosted at the NRF headquarters in Pretoria and officiated by Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Blade Nzimande, the event underscored a strategic shift to foster equity, innovation, and societal impact across South Africa's public universities.

The South African Research Chairs Initiative, launched in 2006 by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), has been instrumental in elevating the nation's research profile. With long-term funding of up to 15 years per chair, SARChI supports top-tier researchers to lead high-impact programs, mentor emerging scholars, and drive PhD production. To date, 331 chairs have been awarded, with over 200 operational, contributing to a rise where 52.5% of permanent academic staff now hold doctoral degrees—a testament to its success in building human capital.

Yet, challenges persist. Historically, chairs were concentrated in a handful of research-intensive, previously advantaged universities, leaving HDIs—such as the University of Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu University—underequipped. This new cohort, drawn from 147 competitive applications closed in February 2025, exclusively benefits these under-resourced institutions, signaling intentional transformation.

Understanding Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa

Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) refer to South African universities that were segregated and underfunded during apartheid, primarily serving Black, Coloured, and Indian students. Examples include the University of Zululand, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, and University of the Western Cape. These institutions faced chronic resource shortages, limiting research output and global competitiveness.

Universities of Technology (UoTs), like Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology, emphasize applied research and industry partnerships but have historically hosted fewer SARChI chairs. Emerging universities, such as Sol Plaatje University, represent post-apartheid expansions aimed at regional development.

Prior to this expansion, HDIs and UoTs hosted disproportionately few chairs compared to 'traditional' universities like the University of Cape Town or Stellenbosch. This announcement reverses that trend, with 41 chairs strategically placed to catalyze growth.

The Strategic Vision Behind the 41 New Chairs

These chairs align with the DSTI's Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2022-2032), prioritizing areas like the Just Energy Transition, green hydrogen, data science, food security, water sanitation, and climate adaptation. Minister Nzimande emphasized, "By awarding 32 of these 41 chairs to Black researchers, we are not just changing who does research; we are also changing where that research is done and for whom."

NRF Acting CEO Dr. Angus Paterson highlighted the 'Innovation Paradox': South Africa excels in knowledge generation but lags in patent commercialization (from 36.3 to 18.6 per million people between 2022-2023). The chairs aim to bridge this by fostering community-connected research that translates into practical solutions.

Dr. Gugu Moche, NRF Deputy CEO, noted, "Transformation and redress require sustained and intentional effort... unlocking new centres of excellence deeply connected to the communities they serve."

Institutions and Researchers Leading the Charge

Durban University of Technology (DUT) secured eight chairs, the highest among recipients, boosting its ENVISION2030 strategy:

• Prof. Eric Oscar Amonsou: Sustainable Protein Innovation
• Prof. Sheena Kumari Kuttan Pillai: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
• Prof. Rendani Wilson Maladzhi: Smart Manufacturing Technologies
• Prof. Pfano Mashau: Future-Fit and Inclusive Entrepreneurship
• Prof. Tabitha Grace Mukeredzi: Education, Social Justice, and Society
• Prof. Kugen Permaul: Biovalorization
• Prof. Olive Stumke: Digital Transformation, Governance, SME Innovation
• Prof. Molusiwa Stephan Ramabodu: Sustainable Construction

University of Limpopo (UL) received three: Prof. Tebogo Mothiba (Non-Communicable Diseases), Prof. Kgothatso Shai (Liberation Heritage and Politics), and Prof. Phuti Ngoepe (Computational Modelling of Energy Materials), with two more pending.

Other beneficiaries include Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, Sol Plaatje University (first chair), Tshwane University of Technology, University of Fort Hare, University of South Africa, University of the Free State, University of the Western Cape, University of Venda, University of Zululand, and Walter Sisulu University. Prof. Jenni Case and Prof. Boitumelo Molegogeng Diale are among notable awardees.

Research Focus Areas and National Priorities

The chairs target 'wicked problems': structural poverty, spatial segregation, climate change, and health disparities. Topics span sustainable energy, biotechnology, digital innovation, and social justice, ensuring relevance to South Africa's development goals.

For instance, energy materials modeling at UL addresses renewable transitions, while DUT's biovalorization chair tackles waste-to-value chains. These initiatives promise to elevate HDIs' research profiles, increasing publications, patents, and PhD graduates.

NRF's official announcement details how these chairs will foster interdisciplinary collaborations.

Photo by Osmany M Leyva Aldana on Unsplash

Demographic Transformation and Inclusivity

Of the 41 chairs, 32 went to Black researchers, prioritizing women and youth. This addresses underrepresentation: previously, HDIs lagged in attracting top talent due to funding gaps. The initiative mandates mentoring, aiming to nurture the next generation of scholars from marginalized backgrounds.

Ms. Funeka Khumalo, NRF Board Member, affirmed, "A vibrant research enterprise cannot thrive without intentional inclusion." This cohort not only diversifies leadership but also embeds transformation in research ecosystems.

Funding, Duration, and Expected Outcomes

Each Tier 1 chair receives substantial NRF funding—approximately R6 million over five years initially, renewable up to 15 years—covering salaries, students, equipment, and travel. Tier 2 chairs get scaled support.

Outcomes include: high-impact publications (SARChI chairs average 10+ per year), PhD supervision (5-10 per chair), patents, and community engagement. Historically, SARChI boosted SA's global research ranking; this expansion targets HDIs to close the gap.

Minister Nzimande urged, "Your research must provide evidence-based solutions... never reaches a rural clinic [only in journals]." Metrics will track societal impact alongside academic outputs.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite progress, HDIs face infrastructure deficits, brain drain, and funding shortfalls. The Innovation Paradox persists, with commercialization lagging. Critics note slow rollout in past SARChI phases.

Yet, NRF's focus on mentorship and partnerships promises sustainability. Collaborations with industry and international bodies will amplify reach.

Implications for South African Higher Education

This expansion democratizes research, elevating HDIs' profiles and attracting talent. Expect surges in PhDs from underrepresented groups, bolstering SA's knowledge economy. Aligned with National Development Plan 2030, it positions universities as engines for inclusive growth.

For students and early-career researchers, opportunities abound in these chairs' teams. Universities like DUT plan 18 new research institutes, creating jobs and pathways.

Minister Nzimande's full speech outlines expectations for real-world translation.

Career Opportunities in South African Research

The influx of chairs signals booming demand for postdocs, PhDs, and technicians. HDIs are hiring aggressively to support these programs. Explore roles at AcademicJobs South Africa or research positions.

Professors and lecturers in priority fields like energy and biotech will find enhanced prospects. Check SA higher ed trends for more.

Photo by Macro.jr on Unsplash

Future Outlook: A Transformed Research Landscape

By 2032, these chairs could double HDI research output, positioning SA as an African innovation leader. Challenges like funding sustainability remain, but momentum builds. As Dr. Paterson noted, "A truly capable research system must be anchored across the full diversity of our higher education sector."

This initiative exemplifies post-apartheid redress, blending excellence with equity for a brighter academic future.