Digital Story Collection

Dynamics of the South African energy market and just transition

Creating space for women in science

To mark Women’s month, CSIR senior researchers in radar and electronic warfare, Dr Monique Potgieter and Dr Ciara Blaauw take us on a photographic journey of the moments that shaped the women they’ve become. Through a bursary and internship at the CSIR, the pair not only realised their dreams, but also founded the CSIR Women’s Forum.

Technology to affordably produce ‘green’ cement

A wide-area surveillance system that detects and classifies moving entities automatically

The CSIR has developed a next-generation radar system that has reduced poaching in areas of the Kruger National Park where that system has been deployed.

A kit for the early detection of kidney injury

Equipping agribusinesses with tools to support sustainable farming practices

The CSIR has piloted a nationwide project that identified and trained small-scale farmers and staff on technologies to process food waste into biocompost that can replace expensive chemical fertilisers. The farmers completed the comprehensive Food Waste Entrepreneurship Course which encompasses practices that support the circular economy.

Biocatalysis: the ultimate green technology

CSIR researchers have perfected the method of biocatalysis to convert citrus waste into high-value products. Biocatalysis offers several advantages over traditional chemical catalysis, such as higher specificity, lower energy consumption, milder reaction conditions, less waste generation and better compatibility with renewable feedstocks – all aspects that are important in a circular economy.

CSIR innovation for smart ports

The CSIR is assisting the maritime sector to operate safe and efficient ports. The team collects data for decision-making by port authorities, conducts physical modelling to optimise marine structures and undertakes numerical modelling for port layout and ship simulation. Researchers also undertake studies to contribute to environmentally sustainable ports.

Phycoremediation for Climate Change Adaptation

The video offers an overview of the African Development Bank project, which explored the feasibility of implementing phycoremediation technology as an adaptation measure for climate change vulnerability in rural waste stabilization pond systems across SADC countries.

CSIR mining Competency Based Training

This video showcases the specialised training the CSIR has offered the mining industry for several years at its Kloppersbos testing and training facility. It further introduces the new Competency-Based training capabilities which promote superior training methodologies underpinned by Virtual Reality technology.

Reinventing the Future of Mining Together

This video focuses on the work the CSIR has embarked on in navigating towards implementing its innovation strategy and repositioning itself as the research, development, and innovation partner of choice for the mining industry. It further punts how the CSIR intends to continually develop niche capabilities and fit-for-purpose solutions for the sector.

Western Cape firefighter drones to use CSIR sensors

Table Mountain authorities in the Western Cape may soon call on firefighter drones to detect and extinguish small fires in hard-to-reach places before they spread to the City of Cape Town.

CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory (TSL)

CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory (TSL) is a state-of-the-art facility that is part of the country’s efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve transport infrastructure through scientific research, data-driven solutions, and advanced technologies.

Vegan protein powder for food companies

The CSIR’s Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre (BIDC) has developed a mycoprotein product for local SMME MycoSure, which can be added to soups, shakes and other foods.

Scientific support for South African cannabis products

Local cannabis cosmetic business Green House Village is one of 23 SMMEs that the CSIR has supported with the development of high-quality, regulatory-compliant, safe, efficacious and affordable cannabis products for local and international markets.

A new defensive pod technology for fast jets

In March 2024, a South African Air Force fast jet took to the skies near Cape Agulhas, carrying a new, locally developed technology that could help aircraft defend against attacks. These flight tests were the culmination of work that began in 2019 when Armscor tasked the CSIR to assist local small business Sysdel CC with integrating their new pod with the Hawk aircraft.