
South Africa unveils world-class Photonics Prototyping Facility in support of local industry
South Africa’s photonics industry is set to benefit from the state-of-the-art Photonics Prototyping Facility (PPF) that was unveiled at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Friday, 5 March 2021.
The facility will enhance the development of photonics-based products, specifically the prototype-development phase, to test the market for acceptance of the planned product in the country. It offers class 1 000 clean rooms, technical and optical equipment, ranging from electronic, mechanical and diagnostic equipment, for a variety of wavelengths.
The PPF, which is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), aims to fast-track the product development of photonics technologies and devices, in line with market needs to stimulate the growth and competitiveness of the South African photonics industry.

CSIR recognised as a top employer in South Africa
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation celebrates being crowned South Africa’s top employer. The 2021 Top Employers have been announced and the CSIR was recognised as a Top Employer in the country.
Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better work environment and exhibits this through excellent human resources (HR) policies and people practices.
The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being and Diversity and Inclusion and more.