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CSIR urges an overhaul of logistics performance indicators to transform South Africa’s logistics system

South Africa’s logistics performance is often lauded for having the highest trade logistics performance in Africa. However, the country’s logistics landscape reflects signs of strain. To address the issue, the development of a series of indicators for sustainable logistics performance is detailed in a new position paper published by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It calls for the migration of South Africa’s logistics system from a segragated, disconnected operation to an integrative and systemic one.

New lab to curb road crashes

South Africa’s new Transport Safety Lab was unveiled by the Hon. Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande at CSIR in Pretoria on 24 October 2024. The lab features a stationary driving simulator housed on the CSIR’s Scientia campus in Pretoria, as well as a vehicle equipped with sensors to collect data on driver behaviour and the environment on the road.

Dr Sandile Malinga, CSIR Smart Society Group Executive, says the lab will collect and analyse road safety data from the real-world and simulations, which can be used to improve transport safety policies and products.

News
Events

From waste to wealth at this year’s ISWA World Conference 2024

25/10/2024

Tonnes of waste are produced daily, and waste management issues are common across communities worldwide. The four-day event attracted a staggering 350 plus oral and poster presentations. Stimulating thematic sessions offered engagement opportunities for delegates to participate in and apply their minds towards addressing how innovative methodologies can turn trash into wealth from recycled materials.

Researchers from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) made an impression with their insight and relevant findings. On the second day, CSIR principal scientist Prof. Linda Godfrey set the scene during the conference’s plenary session, delivering a well-received keynote address titled, “What will it take to fix South Africa’s broken waste management system?” She provided valuable insights into the challenges and solutions needed to address the current issues in waste management, emphasising the importance of innovation and collaboration.

Transforming waste into valuable assets at Africa Waste is Wealth Conference 2024

21/10/2024

CSIR senior researcher Dr Valentina Russo joined experts, innovators, thought leaders and key stakeholders from across Africa at this year’s Africa Waste is Wealth Conference 2024 (AWWS2024), held from 8 to 9 October in Nairobi, Kenya. Russo’s participation resulted from the CSIR’s collaboration with the Pew Charitable Trust. She urged for the strengthening of policy frameworks, wide participation and a deeper understanding of the waste management landscape for a circular economy.

CSIR to launch Transport Safety Laboratory: A first of its kind in Africa

21/10/2024

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande will launch a state-of-the-art facility, the Transport Safety Lab (TSL), on Thursday, 24 October 2024, at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

CSIR Biocatalysis Roadshow

10/28/2024 - 07:45 to 11/26/2024 - 17:45

2024 CHPC National Conference

12/01/2024 - 08:00 to 12/04/2024 - 17:15

Registrations for the 2024 Centre for High Performance Computing National Conference are open.

Event details:

Multimedia Gallery

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.

CSIR mining Competency Based Training

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 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.

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.

Reinventing the Future of Mining Together

Creating a circular plastics economy in South Africa

Plastics have become a central part of our lives, from their use in agriculture to the convenience they provide in single-use packaging. However, the mismanagement of plastic can result in significant environmental and economic impacts.

Creating a circular plastics economy in South Africa

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.

Equipping agribusinesses with tools to support sustainable farming practices

Technology to affordably produce ‘green’ cement

From data to meaningful decisions

The fourth industrial revolution has ushered in an era in which predictions and modelling will add even more value to data. CSIR statisticians and data scientists are using data to create prediction tools that assist stakeholders in their decision-making.

From data to meaningful decisions

Reshaping the global underrepresentation of African genetics in science

One in 12 people are admitted to hospital in South Africa not because of the disease they have, but because of the adverse reactions from the drugs they take. Much of this is due to the diverse genetics inherent in the African population.

Reshaping the global underrepresentation of African genetics in science

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.