Publication: Municipal Focus
Author: Unspecified
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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) stands as a beacon of innovation, transforming South Africa through groundbreaking research and technological advancements. For decades, this organisation has been instrumental in addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges, from fostering industrial growth to driving socioeconomic development.
Under the leadership of CEO Dr. Thulani Dlamini, the CSIR has navigated economic constraints with strategic foresight and determination. Its contributions to science, technology, and innovation continue to align with national priorities, including the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP), which envisions a capable state and an inclusive economy.
In a recent Roundtable meeting with the media, Dr. Dlamini unpacked the CSIR's 2023/2024 achievements, focusing on its financial performance, human capital development, industrialisation efforts, and contributions to community and environmental sustainability.
Financial Performance: Stability in Challenging Times
The CSIR’s financial results for the 2023/24 fiscal year are a testament to its resilience. For the first time, the organisation exceeded R3 billion in revenue, achieving a turnover of R3.179 billion against a target of R3.05 billion. This milestone was accompanied by a net profit of R36.7 million, a significant improvement from the projected loss of R38 million.
By fostering partnerships and investing in human capital, the CSIR is shaping a future where science and technology are catalysts for societal transformation.
Income diversification has been a critical driver of this success. Over the past five years, international income increased by 142%, reaching R200.8 million, while private sector income grew by 28%, standing at R232.1 million. Despite these gains, parliamentary grants - a vital funding source - have declined by 6% in nominal terms since 2019, posing a challenge to the CSIR’s long-term financial sustainability.
Dr. Dlamini emphasised the importance of adequate funding to maintain the CSIR's capabilities. “Operating in an environment where the economy is not growing and fiscal resources are constrained places significant pressure on the organisation,” he stated, underscoring the need for government support.
Innovation Driving Industrialisation
Central to the CSIR’s mandate is its role in reindustrialising South Africa. Through technological advancements, the organisation seeks to enhance the competitiveness of key industries while addressing societal needs. In 2023/24, the CSIR implemented 184 projects to strengthen state capabilities and delivered 77 new technology demonstrations, far exceeding its targets.
Technological Milestones
- Healthcare Innovations: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CSIR developed and manufactured 18,000 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilators to address critical healthcare needs. The organisation also created the National COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate System, enabling seamless vaccination tracking and compliance.
- Smart Infrastructure: Applications like Block Watch, an AI-driven crime monitoring tool, are transforming urban safety. Additionally, smart city solutions for reporting potholes and faulty infrastructure are improving service delivery and community engagement.
- 3. Agricultural Advancements:
The CSIR's collaboration with FarmSol Holdings has introduced precision agriculture tools, including drones and satellite technology, to optimise input costs and improve crop yields. This initiative directly supports emerging farmers across South Africa's provinces.
In addition to these innovations, the CSIR has developed sustainable proteins for the fishing industry and established a foundry centre to bolster manufacturing. These efforts align with its mission to promote industrial growth while addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Commercialisation for Broader Impact
To accelerate the commercialisation of its intellectual property, the CSIR launched CSIR C3, a dedicated enterprise aimed at connecting technologies with investors and entrepreneurs. This platform serves as a bridge between research outputs and market adoption, ensuring that innovations reach industries and communities that need them most.
Dr. Dlamini highlighted the importance of partnerships in this endeavour.
“Commercialising some of our technologies requires up to R500 million in investment, so finding the right entrepreneurial and financial partners is critical,” he said.
CSIR C3’s focus extends beyond South Africa, with ambitions to expand the organisation's footprint across the African continent. By engaging with local and international stakeholders, the CSIR aims to maximise the societal and economic benefits of its innovations.
Developing Human Capital
The CSIR's commitment to human capital development is a cornerstone of its strategy. Recognising the importance of a skilled and diverse workforce, the organisation has implemented various initiatives to nurture talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Building the Workforce of the Future
In 2023/24, the CSIR supported 408 students through bursaries and welcomed 97 participants into its graduate training programme. These initiatives aim to expand the pool of highly qualified individuals in STEM fields, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups.
The organisation also collaborates with TVET colleges to establish modular training facilities, known as learning factories. These centres provide hands-on experience in advanced technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, equipping students with skills that are critical for the future of work.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
The CSIR has exceeded its targets for diversity within its workforce. Black employees now constitute 72% of its Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) staff, while women account for 39%. The Accelerated Researcher Development Programme has further advanced the careers of black and female researchers, ensuring that leadership roles reflect South Africa's demographic diversity.
In addition, the organisation's Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative provided job opportunities for 68 young people in 2023/24, many of whom were placed in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Such programmes underscore the CSIR’s commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.
Socioeconomic Transformation
The CSIR's impact extends beyond technological innovation to include significant contributions to socioeconomic development. Its alignment with the NDP ensures that its work addresses South Africa’s most urgent challenges, from poverty reduction to job creation.
Supporting SMMEs
The CSIR's support for SMMEs is a vital component of its socioeconomic strategy. In 2023/24, the organisation assisted 179 SMMEs, exceeding its target of 86. These enterprises play a critical role in driving economic inclusion, with many being black youth or women owned.
Enhancing Government Capabilities
Over the past year, the CSIR implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening state capabilities. For example, its fingerprint identification system for forensic pathology is now operational in Gauteng and Limpopo, streamlining processes in critical state functions. Similarly, AI-driven tools like Block Watch are improving safety in urban areas.
“Achieving over R3 billion in revenue is more than a financial milestone - it’s a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and sustain impact despite economic pressures.” - Dr. Thulani Dlamini, CEO
Sustainability at the Forefront
Sustainability remains a core focus for the CSIR. The organisation's R&D efforts address critical global challenges, including climate change, resource management, and food security.
Innovative Sustainability Projects
- Food Waste to Fertiliser: The CSIR has developed a technology that converts food waste into biocompost, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative for agricultural fertilisation. This initiative reduces waste while supporting sustainable farming practices.
- Energy Efficiency: The organisation continues to explore renewable energy solutions and smart infrastructure systems, contributing to South Africa’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
By integrating sustainability into its projects, the CSIR ensures that its innovations have a lasting positive impact on both the environment and society.
Leadership and Vision
Dr. Thulani Dlamini’s leadership has been instrumental in the CSIR's achievements. With extensive experience in research and innovation, he has guided the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformation. His strategic vision emphasises collaboration with government, industry, and academia to maximise the CSIR’s impact.
Looking ahead, Dr. Dlamini envisions the CSIR expanding its influence across Africa while continuing to make a difference at the grassroots level in South Africa. “The CSIR’s role is to create technologies and solutions that not only support industrial growth but also uplift communities,” he said.
Conclusion
The CSIR’s achievements in the 2023/24 fiscal year reaffirm its status as a national asset. Through groundbreaking research, transformative technologies, and inclusive development initiatives, the organisation exemplifies the values of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. As South Africa navigates complex challenges, the CSIR’s contributions to building a capable and equitable state are more critical than ever. By aligning its work with the NDP and leveraging its scientific expertise, the CSIR continues to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Amendment to the Gazette