The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has released its Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year (FY), detailing the organisation’s sound performance against its targets for industrialisation, supporting the creation of capable state and financial sustainability.
Marking 80 years of pioneering scientific innovations in service of society, government and industry – and reaffirming its commitment to addressing evolving national challenges – the CSIR has reported that it remains financially sustainable and has exceeded its financial targets. The organisation’s total operating income increased by 11%, growing from R3.17 billion in 2023/24 to R3.54 billion in 2024/25. Private sector income grew by 7% and international income grew by 10%.
In 2024/25, the CSIR achieved or exceeded 29 of its 31 key performance indicators (94%), with a 22% increase in projects for government and state-owned entities (SOEs) compared to 2023/24, reinforcing the organisation’s value to the state.
Highlights compared to the 2023/24 FY:
An 11% increase in localised technologies;
A 17% rise in joint technology development agreements with industry;
A 3% increase in small, medium and micro enterprises supported;
A 22% increase in projects implemented for government and SOEs;
A 27% increase in publication equivalents;
A 31% increase in the number of chief researchers; and
A net profit of R40.62 million, against a projected loss of R67.6 million.
These results demonstrate the CSIR’s ability to deliver innovative, value-adding solutions to its industry and government partners. They also reflect the organisation’s growing relevance in advancing South Africa’s industrial development and its role as a trusted partner to the state.
The CSIR also made significant progress in technology commercialisation, signing 12 new license agreements with industry partners during the reporting period. The establishment of CSIR C³ has accelerated efforts to translate intellectual property into impact. Key technologies such as MycoSure, Stratafy and Herbathone™ have advanced closer to market readiness through strategic collaborations. The CSIR’s portfolio of license agreements and technology demonstrators reflect a maturing innovation pipeline.
The CSIR maintained its Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment rating, reflecting its strong commitment to transformation and inclusive growth. Furthermore, the organisation once again received a clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa – for 15 years in a row, reaffirming the depth of the organisations internal controls, financial reporting and compliance systems. These achievements underscore the CSIR’s dedication to transparency, accountability and ethical leadership across all areas of operation.
The organisation also places emphasis on building and transforming human capital. The CSIR’s staff complement has grown to 2 298, with science, engineering and technology (SET) staff making up 70% of the total. The CSIR is proud to report continued transformation, with 73% of SET staff being black South Africans and 40% female. Through targeted initiatives such as the Accelerated Researcher Development Programme, the organisation continues to invest in the development of a representative and future-ready workforce.
CSIR Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thulani Dlamini, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to continue playing a critical role in addressing South Africa’s developmental challenges, particularly poverty, unemployment and inequality, in line with its mandate.
“In the sixth year since the launch of our 2019/20 strategy, we have remained committed to amplifying the “I” in CSIR through research, development and innovation that meet national needs while remaining true to our EPIC values and deepening our research capabilities. Our strategic intent of growth, sustainability, impact and relevance has continued to shape our decisions and drive our performance,” said Dr Dlamini.
“Our strategy has yielded significant results in forging deeper partnerships with industry, government and higher education institutions. For the reporting year, our collaboration with public sector entities reached its highest level since 2019. Projects ranged from predictive models for the national and provincial elections to frameworks for transforming taxi ranks into economic hubs and environmental assessments that support the green hydrogen economy. These initiatives illustrate the breadth of our capabilities and the alignment of our work with national priorities,” he added.
“Similarly, our work with private sector has shown significant growth illustrating a closer alignment of our capabilities with the needs of industry, a key component of our current strategy.”
An electronic version of the CSIR Annual Report can be accessed here: 2024/25 Annual Report
-ENDS-
Issued by CSIR
For enquiries contact:
Media enquiries:
Phetolo Phatsibi
Media practitioner
@email or 081 396 8871
About the CSIR:
The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.
This year, the CSIR celebrates 80 years of touching lives through innovation. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za
Follow us on social media:
X: @CSIR. Facebook: CSIRSouthAfrica. Instagram: CSIRSouthAfrica. LinkedIn: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). YouTube: CSIRNewMedia