CSIR
2 / www.enterprise-africa.net
CSIR
Bioscience to
Catalyse African Development PRODUCTION: Karl Pietersen
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is South Africa’s preeminent science and technology organisation. Working to develop the uses of modern sciencebased projects throughout the South African economy, the CSIR also reaches into Africa. Bioscience is a key focus and primary strength for this industry-shaping organisation. www.enterprise-africa.net / 3
INDUSTRY FOCUS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
//
It has been a stellar year for South Africa’s CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research). Back in February 2017, the organisation welcomed its new CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini who took the reins from long-serving Dr Sibusiso Sibisi. Thulani’s short tenure has so far been a success and the reputation and results delivered by the organisation have been positive. Dlamini had previously been employed by the CSIR before leaving to head up Sasol in 2011. On his return, he said: “I am excited about my return to the CSIR to take forward the excellent work of my predecessors. I look forward to working with our partners and the brilliant minds in the organisation. “The CSIR is well positioned to have an impact beyond South African borders and it is my hope that together with our global partners, we can deliver on the mandate of the CSIR to use science, engineering and technology to advance society and industry.” And the future looks bright for the CSIR – this is a science and technology player with no rival in Africa, and a world-class operational set-up that delivers like no other. Perfect examples of South Africa’s science and tech leadership
4 / www.enterprise-africa.net
// THE CSIR IS USING INNOVATION TO CONTRIBUTE TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THUS ASSISTING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY, INEQUALITY AND UNEMPLOYMENT // credentials come in the form of the SKA project, the Robben Island Microgrid, the Lodox full body scanner, and the Cape Ray Medical Aceso system. Today, there is no doubt that the Rainbow Nation is among the world’s prominent scientific contributors. Bio-science has been in the spotlight recently at the CSIR, as the organisation is keen on cementing its position as a key contributor to three very important industry sectors: health, agriculture and industrial environment. On the development of the country’s Bio-economy strategy (a DST and wider South African policy strategy), former-Science and Technology Minister, Derek Hanekom said in 2013 that ‘science and technology are crucial to South Africa’s development’. ‘We developed the National Biotechnology Strategy (2001) to initiate the development of
technologies and associated products and services that would address the science-based innovation needs in the health, industrial and agricultural sectors of the economy.’ The Bio-economy strategy outlines key mechanisms for coordinating innovation efforts, ensuring that role players can contribute – rather than compete – for opportunities, resources and outcomes. The most recent expansion of the country’s bio-focus is the BioManufacturing Industry Development Centre – a Pretoria-based operation tasked with supporting small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) involved in bio-manufacturing in meeting their customer needs within short time-frames and be able to exploit market opportunities. the centre was opened by then-Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor in 2016. Dr Boitumelo SemeteMakokotlela outlined the involvement of the CSIR division that she heads up, Biosciences. “The Bio-economy strategy speaks of three very important pillars of R&D, that is the health sector, agriculture, and the industrial environment,” she said. “At CSIR biosciences, we play a role in each of these areas and what the BIDC programme enables us to do is to package our knowhow and proprietary technologies under this programme and avail it to the broader NSI (National System of Innovation).” Biosciences is a significant CSIR division and is tasked with developing innovative and cutting-edge tools and products for the life sciences sector that deliver socio-economic benefits.
CSIR
EVIDENCED SUCCESS The CSIR was formed in 1945 and was originally focussed on radar, electronic warfare measurement, test and evaluation processes. Dr Basil Schonland was the organisations first President. In 1954, the CSIR developed the tellurometer, a land-surveying tool, which revolutionised the industry around the world, making South Africa a manufacturing hub for the next quarter century. In 1965, the Heavy Vehicle Simulator was developed by the SA team, helping organisations around the world to determine the effects of heavy traffic on road surfaces and earning SA hundreds of millions of FDI. Through the 60s and 80s, the CSIR contributed heavily to ocean research and played a major role in the development of modern lithium ion batteries. By the
early 80s, despite the country’s tense political situation, the CSIR remained a big-name science player offering solutions in healthcare (specifically in the development of the bollard – used to help repair cruciate ligaments in the knee) and aerodynamics (developing the medium speed wind tunnel). In 1997, the CSIR was involved in bringing commercial internet services to South Africa after it sold its Worldnet Africa and Compuserve divisions to MIH, forming MWEB. From the turn of the century through to today, the CSIR has developed a number of technological solutions that have gone on to enter countries all over the world, solving everyday problems and advancing industrial processes, health care, education, food and agriculture sectors. Now, the organisation employs
more than 2700 people and is a worldrenowned contributor to research journals. It’s six offices around the country (Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Port Elizabeth) help to generate more than R2.7 billion in total operating income. In March, the DST and CSIR announced the launch of its latest asset designed to help deal with biomass waste challenges. A R37.5 million biorefinery facility at the CSIR’s site in Durban, which is the first of its kind in South Africa, is set to extract maximum value from biomass waste. Once again, the CSIR and the country demonstrated its science and technology leadership status following the release of a ministerial review report which highlighted several challenges for the NSI. New
Brett van Aswegen - CEO
www.enterprise-africa.net / 5
INDUSTRY FOCUS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
// THE CSIR BELIEVES THAT IT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO INNOVATION IN AFRICA AND JOINTLY TACKLE CONTINENTAL SOCIETAL CHALLENGES THROUGH COOPERATION IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY // Science and Technology Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane opened the Biorefinery Industry Development Facility (BIDF) and said: “A key recommendation of the report was for government to put in place effective measures and mechanisms to attract the private sector to invest in R&D and innovation.” Thulani Dlamini added: “The BIDF is accessible to large industry and SMMEs for their research and development, analytical and pilot scale testing, evaluation, processing and development of technologies for processing biomass. Some of the
6 / www.enterprise-africa.net
equipment at the BIDF is unique in South Africa. The facility is home to highly-skilled chemists, engineers and biologists who are well-versed in technologies for beneficiation and valorisation of biomass. “Our mandate requires us to use science and technology to contribute to scientific and industrial development, which will improve the competitiveness of the South African industry and also create new industries. The CSIR is using innovation to contribute to economic growth and thus assisting in the fight against poverty, inequality and unemployment,” he said.
BIO FUTURE In 2016, the importance of the biosciences industry in Africa was highlighted in a report by SciDev. Net, a leading news and analysis source, which reports in no doubt that biosciences are key to sustainable growth and development on the continent. While covering the International Livestock Research Institute’s Biosciences eastern and central Africa Hub (ILRI) 15th meeting in Kenya, SciDev.Net found a clear message emanating from all sources: ‘Africa’s growth requires increased investments to harness biosciences as a tool for
CSIR
MINISTER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, MMAMOKOLO KUBAYI-NGUBANE - PHOTO (GCIS)
sustainable development’. The CSIR reaches into Africa, and its biosciences department continues to play a role, especially in the agriculture industry, helping to create a food-secure continent. “The CSIR believes that it can contribute to innovation in Africa and jointly tackle continental societal challenges through cooperation in science, engineering and technology,” said Thulani Dlamini. “We continue to work with our partners in countries such as Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia, just to name a few. The projects include point-of-care diagnostics to speed up the control of infectious diseases in livestock, adaptation strategies to ensure that road systems are more resilient in the face of climate change and the use of laser technology in a multitude of fields.”
These areas of development form just one driver behind the growth if the BIDC programme. Since inception, the BIDC has supported a number of start-up businesses and is incubating others, in an effort to be the leading centre that translates biosciences discoveries into products and technologies with impact to industry and society. In partnership with the DST and South Africa’s Jobs Fund, the CSIR has helped companies including OptimusBio, ConnectMe, ReSyn Biosciences, Linda Aromas, Bio-One, Phepisa and many more to grow an create jobs, furthering the influence of biosciences in South Africa. This vital sector is going to shoulder more responsibility in the future, and as such it is always on the lookout for people who can add to its already sterling reputation. The
impact of the CSIR, and its biosciences division, over the years is undeniable, and now is the time to support the efforts being made across its many competency areas. “The CSIR is built on a heritage of research excellence,” detailed Thulani. “Through our work, we have demonstrated a commitment to pushing boundaries in our quest for excellent research and technological innovation leading to industrial and scientific development. Ultimately, all this should contribute to improving the quality of lives of the people of South Africa, our main stakeholder.”
WWW.CSIR.CO.ZA
www.enterprise-africa.net / 7
CMB Media Group does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/ or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher. © CMB Media Group Ltd 2018
AFRICA
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR AFRICA’S INDUSTRY LEADERS
Published by CMB Media Group Chris Bolderstone – General Manager E. chris@cmb-media.co.uk Sackville Place, 44-48 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JU T. +44 (0) 20 8123 7859 E. info@cmb-media.co.uk www.cmb-media.co.uk
May 2018
www.enterprise-africa.net
Tour de Force
Exclusive Interview with Dimension Data MEA CEO Grant Bodley ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Sorbet / Stangen / Letšeng Diamonds / Tiber Construction
AS FEAT UR ED IN
ENTERPRISE AFRICA
MAY 2018