South Africa's new voice

South Africa's new voice:

"After a decade of democratic government in South Africa, the face of research remains largely untransformed. Published research has declined significantly in relation to global output, and spending on research and development (R&D) has declined as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP). White scientists still produce more than 90% of research articles published. Moreover, the research community is ageing, with almost half of authors of research articles now being over 50. Very few able school-leavers are being attracted into research careers and, despite the de-segregation of the country's school system, only a tiny proportion of black scholars leave school with university-entrance qualifications in mathematics and physical science. Those who do are attracted to careers in the professions, which are perceived as more lucrative."