Fostering collaborative innovation toward a sustainable and inclusive future

The CSIR's participation at this year's prestigious Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2023, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of cutting-edge and sustainable transportation solutions.

Hosted by the Vuka Group, this event brought together a notable assembly of local and international experts, exhibitors, and thought leaders, all united by a shared dedication to advancing smarter mobility throughout Africa. The summit was centred on the central theme of advancing smarter mobility, investing in infrastructure, and supporting innovations that will pave the way for a sustainable future.

The summit commenced with an enlightening focus on public transportation, led by the CSIR in chairing the public transport stage. Shaun Mhlanga, a senior researcher at the CSIR, skillfully guided the discussion towards harnessing private sector expertise and resource mobilisation. The keynote speaker, Khangwelo Muronga, also a senior engineer at the CSIR, emphasised the critical importance of prioritising the public interest in road infrastructure development. He firmly asserted that mobility services must benefit commuters, underscoring the significance of inclusive infrastructure that benefits all segments of society. "When transforming mobility services, we must always keep commuters at the forefront of our minds. We must construct infrastructure that enhances safe mobility while ensuring inclusivity for everyone," Khangwelo emphasises, setting an exemplary standard for future developments in this area.

Dr Mathetha Mokonyama, Impact Area Manager for Transport Systems Operations at the CSIR, delivered an enlightening session on the integration of micromobility with public transport systems. Micromobility refers to the use of compact, lightweight vehicles, often electric or human-powered, for short-distance trips in urban or suburban areas. This category includes e-bikes, electric skateboards and so forth.

Dr Mokonyama passionately championed the integration of micromobility as a cost-effective and convenient solution to encourage multimodal travel patterns and alleviate road congestion. He also stressed the importance of incorporating innovation support into transport plans, particularly within the local mobility sector. Dr Mokonyama concluded his session with a thought-provoking question: "How can we significantly reduce our ecological footprint by 2030?" This pivotal query sparked engaging discussions on sustainable practices within the mobility landscape.

On the second day of the summit, Dr Karien Venter, a distinguished senior researcher from the CSIR Smart Mobility cluster, skillfully led a panel discussion featuring industry experts. The discussion centred on prioritising road safety to establish sustainable and inclusive transportation systems. The conversation revolved around creating safer streets for non-motorists, consequently promoting inclusivity in mobility for all individuals, regardless of their chosen mode of transportation.

Over the course of the two-day summit, the CSIR showcased its Maintenance and PotholeFixGP mobile application on the exhibition floor. This innovative application, developed by the CSIR, functions as a cutting-edge digital platform for reporting road infrastructure maintenance and traffic signal issues in Gauteng. It promises to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and align with the objectives of road authorities and government in ensuring the safety and efficiency of road networks.

Recently, Dr Richmore Dondofema, a senior researcher from the CSIR Smart Mobility cluster, delivered a thought-provoking presentation at the Transport Evolution 2023 conference held at the Durban International Convention Centre. Dr Dondofema's engagement was strategically positioned toward achieving a seamlessly efficient and integrated transport and logistics sector across Africa.

During his presentation, Dr Dondofema not only unveiled the current state of transport logistics but also delved into the transformative potential inherent in the realm of smart logistics solutions within the contemporary era. His expertise and foresight ignited a spirited exchange of ideas, resulting in an influx of inquiries from enthusiastic stakeholders interested in exploring collaborative opportunities.

Amid these discussions, Thomas Roos, senior engineer from the CSIR Smart Places cluster, delivered a compelling presentation on the promising domain of the hydrogen economy in South Africa, further enriching the discourse with innovative insights.

As both presenters concluded their sessions, an electric atmosphere of anticipation enveloped the audience. The palpable enthusiasm of stakeholders, evident through a multitude of inquiries and expressions of interest in potential collaborative endeavours, underscored the depth of knowledge and groundbreaking ideas presented by the CSIR. This fervent response emphasised the significance of hydrogen and smart logistics in shaping the future of transportation across the continent.

Transportation, as we know it, finds itself teetering on the precipice of a profound evolution and the CSIR's notable presence at these two events acted as a catalyst for substantive discussions. These dialogues centered on how the academic and industrial realms can unite their strengths to propel innovation and enhance efficiency within the rapidly evolving field of transportation. Dr Mokonyama, Muronga, Dr Dondofema and Roos, exemplify expertise and visionary insight. They have ignited a sense of curiosity and the potential for future partnerships among those in attendance.

Both the Transport Evolution and Smarter Mobility Africa 2023 events stand as remarkable gatherings, distinguished by their unwavering commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and the paramount consideration of public interest. These events are part of the CSIR's Transport Months initiatives. The CSIR Smart Logistics Observatory is set to launch later this month.

Article by Lionel Jean Michel And Tsholofelo Mophosho