TOP CONVENTION CENTRES

CSIR ICC is committed to capacity development

The CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC), which opened its doors in 1978, was the first international standard convention centre built in South Africa when the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the early 1970s identified a need for a professional world-class facility to host business events.

Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, CSIR conferencing and accommodation group manager, said:“Our history, location, and track record of hosting knowledge-based business events mean we are well-resourced to offer conference organisers suitable facilities and services. The CSIR ICC understands that it has a direct positive effect on stimulating economic development, creativity, and innovation through its facilitation and hosting of knowledge-sharing business events. These are of great benefit to local and regional knowledge communities, as well as the internationally represented diplomatic corps, and the CSIR ICC is set up to provide the best possible setting.”

Award-winning

The CSIR ICC has received numerous awards over the years as one of the establishments in the tourism industry with the best social, economic, and environmental practices. To date, the CSIR ICC has been voted the ‘Best Conference Venue’ in Pretoria by the Pretoria News and the Rekord newspaper readers respectively, for five consecutive years. The continuous accolades that the Centre receives are testimony to the uniquely worldclass experience the ICC offers its clients.

The CSIR ICC offers superb facilities and quality service, with conference, function, and exhibition venues that can accommodate events of 500, to a small group of 10 delegates and guests, with groups as large as 1,000 being accommodated at times. Flexibility, service excellence, and professionalism are key to what the International Convention Centre offers its clients.

Capacity Development

The CSIR ICC has diligently committed to capacity development by annually appointing in-service trainees who are studying towards relevant industry-related qualifications, many of whom have been subsequently employed by the CSIR on a full-time or part-time basis.

The programme exposes the students to a real-life environment that links the value generated from day-to-day work to organisational impact. The learning experience challenges the students to move beyond their established classroom routines into professional real-world situations.

Tebatjo Maja, acting executive chef of CSIR ICC, said:“As a chef, it is exciting to have the opportunity to start your career, especially in the culinary arts field. I am also thrilled that the organisation is able to provide upcoming chefs with exposure and experience in the early stages of their careers.”

The CSIR ICC remains a contributor to community development by providing access to resources to communities through a variety of initiatives.