Mid-year budget shaves R300m off South African science

Innovation, international cooperation and research support suffer in “difficult” economic times

South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation had its 2023-24 budget slashed by R311 million (US$16.8m) in the country’s mid-term budget statement this week.

Citing a “difficult” economic situation for South Africa, finance minister Enoch Godongwana on 1 November revised government spending down R21 billion for the current financial year. He also proposed spending cuts worth R65bn in 2024-25 and R69bn in 2025-26.