One Pot

South Africa's science minister says the country should consider bringing its science funding under the purview of one department, reports Nature's News Blog, which adds that, for historical reasons, funding of the different science councils is done by different departments. The minister, Naledi Pandor, says all science funding should be given out by the Department for Science and Technology that she heads up. "Sector departments would still have the right to direct policy, but we would ensure resourcing and full attention to research, technology development, and innovation," she said in a speech to Parliament. Pandor's idea drew criticism from the opposition party, Nature adds. "Minister Pandor would do much better if she focused her efforts and created better efficiencies, before she makes a bid for science councils that presently do not fall under her Ministry," said Wilmot James, a member of parliament belonging to the Democratic Alliance.