The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has appointed a Manufacturing Industry Advisory Panel to align its manufacturing efforts with industry priorities. This move comes is part the CSIR industrialisation strategy aimed at driving economic growth and job creation in South Africa.

The CSIR's Industrialisation Strategy focuses on developing and implementing innovative solutions to address key challenges facing the manufacturing sector in South Africa, including skills development, technology transfer, and the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques.

Through the strategic cluster, CSIR Future Production: Manufacturing, the CSIR aims to leverage digital transformation and 4IR technologies to drive the re-industrialisation of South African manufacturing industries and accelerate socioeconomic prosperity through innovative leadership.

The Manufacturing Industry Advisory Panel is composed of experts from priority sectors such as metals, machinery and mining equipment, automotive, health (medical devices), energy, and aerospace and defence within the CSIR Future Production: Manufacturing cluster. The panel is responsible for providing guidance and inputs to establish an industrial development portfolio that aligns with the manufacturing industry and sector priorities in South Africa.

Dr Ajith Gopal, the CSIR Executive Manager said, "We are delighted to welcome such a talented and experienced group of individuals to our advisory panel. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as we work to drive innovation and growth in the South African manufacturing sector. We are confident that their insights and advice will help us to achieve our strategic objectives and make a significant contribution to the industry."

The members of the Manufacturing Industry Advisory Panel are:

1. Lehlohonolo Molloyi, CEO – Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa
2. Tanya Vogt, Executive Officer – The South African Medical Technology Industry Association
3. Shivani Singh, Commercial Director – National Association for Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers
4. Nkosikhona Mbatha, Acting Chief Executive Officer – Small Enterprise Development Agency
5. Rob Louw, Head of Industrial Steam Turbines and Generator Product Portfolio for Africa – Siemens Energy
    

The Chairperson of the panel, Lehlohonolo Molloyi stated, "I am honoured to be part of this advisory panel and to work with such a distinguished group of experts. I look forward to contributing to the development of innovative manufacturing solutions that will have a positive impact on the South African economy and society."

The CSIR is committed to driving the growth of the South African manufacturing industry through innovation and collaboration. With the appointment of the new Manufacturing Industry Advisory Panel, the council is aiming to build on its successes and continue to be a leading force in the field of advanced manufacturing.

The CSIR operations manager, Zamambo Afrika, said, "We are excited to welcome the new Manufacturing Industry Advisory Panel to our cluster. With their collective expertise and knowledge, we are confident that they will help us identify new opportunities and navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced manufacturing. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions to local industries and the advisory panel will play a key role in ensuring that we remain at the forefront of our field."

The panel held its first meeting on Wednesday, 12 April 2023 at the CSIR in Pretoria. For more information about the CSIR Future Production: Manufacturing cluster and the newly appointed Manufacturing Industry Advisory Panel, please visit the organisation's website: https://www.csir.co.za/future-production-manufacturing.  

For technical information, please contact:

Dr Ajith Gopal: Executive Manager, CSIR Future Production: Manufacturing
Tel: +27 12 841 2804
Email: AGopal@csir.co.za

Issued by CSIR Strategic Communications

Contact Details:

David Mandaha, CSIR Media Relations Manager
Tel: 012 841 3654
Mobile: 072 126 8910
Email: dmandaha@csir.co.za 

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. 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. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za