A memorandum of understanding was entered into between the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), the National Research Foundation, and Eskom for the NSTF awards in the capacity development category, which focuses on the recognition of academics and researchers for their achievements in the development of black, post-graduate students and to degree undergraduate students.
       
Grants are awarded to institutions for use by the award academic or research winners. The 2007 and 2008 donation amounted to R305 000 per year. Two grants are awarded annually, one to a male and one to a female capacity developer. A senior Eskom manager was appointed as member of the NSTF adjudication panel in this category and participates in the annual adjudication of the awards.