A scientific team doing research into the health benefits of rooibos has been boosted with a whopping R10 million investment to unlock the potential socioeconomic value of South Africa’s favourite tisane.
Given the decline in private sector investment into research and development in recent years, the SIF has helped to create an enabling environment for RDI priorities that are largely driven by the industry in a co-funding arrangement with government. The intention is to explore new approaches to fostering RDI partnerships with the private sector, as well as building stronger links between industry and the public science system.
SARC research director Joe Swart said the boost would give scientists the opportunity to further their work and better understand and harness the true value of rooibos, which he described as one of South Africa’s most treasured indigenous botanical products. Swart said that, while rooibos had been studied for well over 20 years and researchers had confirmed its beneficial properties, a lack of funding has stymied progress.