The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) continues it stellar role, (despite government’s dwindling financial aid), to address South Africa’s (SA) developmental challenges; poverty, unemployment and inequality. According to CSIR’s CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, this is in line with its mandate.
Exceeding financial targets
Dr Dlamini presented the organisation’s annual report for the 2024/25 financial year this week in Pretoria. It shows the financial stability of the organisation, exceeding its financial targets by increasing its operating income by 11%. This represents a growth from R3.17 billion in 2023/4 to R3.54 billion in 2024/25. He said the CSIR also achieved 29 of its 31 (94%). These all is proof of the CSIR’s progress during 2025 when measured against that of the previous financial year.
The outstanding performance included:
- An 11% increase in localised technologies;
- a 17% rise in joint technology development agreements with industry;
- a 3% increase in support of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs);
- 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
- nett profit of R40.62 million against a projected loss of R67.6 million.
CSIR’s annual report re-affirms and positions the organisation as a critical player in delivering value to government and society
Proper internal controls
The CSIR maintained its Level 1 B-BBEE rating while also receiving a clean audit report from SA’s Auditor-General of for a record period of 15 consecutive years. This re-affirms the success of its 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,” Dr Dlamini said.
Scientific innovation
Since the CSIR’s inception 80 years ago, it has been at the forefront in deploying scientific innovations to serve society, government and industry. Dr Dlamini said the organisation always strives to ensure its technologies and solutions aid in improving quality services, competitiveness, job creation and transformation.
Assisting state-owned enterprises
The CSIR also invests and leverages its latest technologies to help build state-owned enterprises (SOEs)’s capacity to meet their obligations. These range from artificial intelligence, data analytics to information security, advanced materials and robotics. “These results demonstrate the CSIR’s ability to deliver innovative, value-adding solutions to both its industry and government partners. They also reflect the organisation’s growing relevance in advancing SA’s industrial development and its role as a trusted partner to the state,” he said.
Fostering strategic partnerships
The CSIR values and continues to foster strategic partnerships with industry players such as signing 12 new license agreements with industry partners as part of tech commercialisation. According to Dr Dlamini, the CSIR also promotes and supports the growth of SMME’s with cutting-edge technologies in areas such as bio-manufacturing, aerospace, additive manufacturing and infrastructure development. He said this is crucial as SMME’s have proved to be key drivers of economic growth, job creation and inclusive transformation.
Aligning CSIR’s work with national priorities
Dr Dlamini attributed the success of the CSIR to consistent implementation of its strategy, launched in 2019/20. “Our strategic intent of growth, sustainability, impact and relevance has continued to shape our decisions and drive our performance.” The CSIR provided some of its high-end technologies to deliver certain projects as part of deepening collaborations with public sector entities. These include models able to predict national and provincial elections, frameworks for transforming taxi ranks into economic hubs and environmental assessments that support the green hydrogen economy. “These initiatives illustrate the range of our capabilities and alignment of our work with national priorities,” Dr Dlamini explained.
Strategic objectives
The CSIR has five strategic objectives against which it measures its performance and targets. The first three objectives focus on outputs, outcomes and impact, while the last two relate to capabilities, governance and sustainability. These include conducting research and tech development which are transformative, improve competitiveness to support SA’s re-industrialisation; drive socio-economic transformation through research and development and innovation to support a capable state. It also enhances diversifying income and maintains financial sustainability and good governance.
High-impact initiatives
According to Dr Dlamini the CSIR had already developed high-impact initiatives of which are reaching a mature state:
- market-ready compostable packaging which prevents spoilage – a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics
- experimental work has started to develop rugged electric modular bicycles and tricycles;
- developed a process to make a sustainable fungal-based protein which is better than animal and crop-based proteins;
- developed a laser system integrated into diamond sorting systems in Botswana’s mines;
- launched the Ngiyaqonda! initiative to assist learners to read, addressing SA’s literacy crisis;
- a new ground-based surveillance and classification radar which monitors movement across wide areas by detecting intruders, assisting armed services with border safeguarding to counter poaching, smuggling and illegal entry;
- developed a Livestock Identification and Traceability System to control animal diseases and manage livestock movement. It also prevents stock theft, as well as supporting veterinary oversight and food safety;
- built a facility where small-molecule and biologically active pharmaceutical ingredients can be manufactured;
Building human capital
Transforming and building human capital is another focus area for CSIR, spending R11 million on staff training. Of the 2 298 current employees, 70% of them are involved in science, engineering and technology. Black South Africans account for 73% of the employees, while 40% are
In addition, the organisation has developed targeted initiatives such as the Accelerated Researcher Development Programme, ensuring its continued investment in developing a diverse and future-ready workforce. According to Dr Dlamini, other factors contributing to the organisation’s successes include specific core values such as excellence, people-centred approach, integrity and collaboration.
Dwindling government’s grants
Dr Dlamini expressed concern about the continued decline in government grants as it limits the CSIR’s capacity to invest in critical innovations and projects. He said the CSIR still faces challenges in contracting with government entities, making it difficult to fulfil its mandated role. According to him, this is compounded by other factors such as rising operational costs and geo-political uncertainties.
Diversifying income streams
To remedy the shortfall in grants payments, the organisation has diversified its income-generating streams through business with industry and international partners. Dr Dlamini said this has substantially improved the CSIR’s financial sustainability. He is upbeat about the future of the CSIR, saying it would continue to provide meaningful impacts through their scientific research capabilities
