Research Forms Cornerstone of NRF-UWC Engagements

The recently appointed Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Professor Robert Balfour, led a delegation to the National Research Foundation (NRF) on 09 June 2025 for a high-level engagement aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and support.

The team comprised Prof Jose Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation; Prof Jesika Singh, Director: Research Development and Postgraduate Support; and Prof Shaun Pather, Advisor to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

The UWC executive team held a meeting with NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo; Dr Angus Paterson, Deputy CEO: National Research Infrastructure Platforms; Dr Gugu Moche, Acting Deputy CEO: Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement and Group Executive for Digital Transformation; and Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli, Chief Strategist.

Prof Balfour’s team outlined their institution’s research strategic direction, human capacity development and transformation initiative, postgraduate funding challenges, new funding opportunities in relation to historically disadvantaged institutions and UWC’s role in Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence (both initiatives of the NRF and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation).

This visit formed part of UWC’s broader strategy to transition from a research-intensive university to becoming one of South Africa’s leading research institutions, said Prof Balfour. Prof Balfour became the eighth Rector and Vice-Chancellor of UWC on January 1, 2025. “I think we’re poised to take that step. We’re confident, and I believe we have good reason to reach out to the NRF.”

Dr Nelwamondo commended UWC for proactively engaging with the NRF. He told the UWC team he advocates for strong partnerships between the country’s institutions and the NRF. “This is not just a courtesy visit, but first steps towards carving our path together as partners, and growing the sector together,” he said.