Today, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), represented by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Thulani Dlamini, and Deloitte, represented by its Africa CEO, Lwazi Bam, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate within the context of C4IR SA.

In the MoU, the two parties agree to draw on their complementary skills, technical expertise and capabilities to support the World Economic Forum Affiliate Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution South Africa (C4IR SA) in its work of accelerating the application of emerging technologies for the benefit of the South African society.

Joint: Media statement

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) in the Eastern Cape, will work together in the development of an industrial research facility dedicated to the production of commercially viable biofibre products and applications.

On Friday, 4 June 2021, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Thulani Dlamini, and CDC CEO, Mr Khwezi Tiya, signed signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that paves the way for a public-private partnership that will allow the local industry to make headway in the undersupplied global market of biofibres.

Reflecting on Africa Day, the CSIR urged fellow research organisations, governments and industries to work together in ensuring that science and technology is used to address the unique challenges faced by Africa and its people. The CSIR believes that connecting knowledge and research ecosystems is critical on the continent.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the world that for a country or continent to survive other pandemics that may occur in the future, collaboration and innovation must be at the forefront. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many research organisations including the CSIR have dedicated their resources to curb the spread of the virus and to find scientific solutions.