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CSIR releases a scientific report on the Knysna-Elandskraal fire

Strong bergwind conditions coupled with very dry vegetation most probably resulted in the flare-up of a lightning-induced smouldering fire on the morning of 7 June 2017 in the Elandskraal region, northwest of Knysna, resulting in one of the worst fire disasters in South Africa’s history.

This is according to a scientific report which the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently concluded.

First waste management outlook for Africa – publication launched in Pretoria

Recycling only 4% of the waste it generates, Africa has become a dumping ground for waste, particularly hazardous waste, often from developed countries. A far cry from the African Union’s vision that “African cities will be recycling at least 50% of the waste they generate by 2023”.

This and other findings are outlined in the report released by the United Nations Environment and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on 5 June 2018, World Environment Day, at the Sustainability Week in Pretoria.

Discovery of a new coastal current off Madagascar

South African, Malagasy and French researchers have discovered the existence of a coastal current off Madagascar. The newly-described current, the South-west Madagascar Coastal Current, flows poleward off the south-west coast of Madagascar. Knowledge about and a thorough understanding of it will help scientists understand ocean circulation in the region and have direct implications for the management of local fisheries south of Madagascar.

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Biorefinery facility launched to address biomass waste challenges, boost industry competitiveness

The South African government has launched a R37.5 million biorefinery facility in Durban, which is set to extract maximum value from biomass waste. The facility, which is a first for South Africa, will support innovation in a range of industries, including forestry, agro processing and other biomass-based industries.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, launched the Biorefinery Industry Development Facility (BIDF) at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) campus in Durban today, 20 March 2018.

Prof Jan Andrianus Verschoor

Submitted by SMtshali on Mon, 03/05/2018 - 11:31

Prof Jan Andrianus Verschoor is currently a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Pretoria. He has a Doctorate in Biochemistry, Masters in Biochemistry (cum laude), BSc Honours in Biochemistry (cum laude) and BSc degree (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria. He has more than 25 years research and teaching experience and published about 15 publications and 5 patents in the last twelve years. His research interest lies in the co-infection of HIV and tuberculosis, the immunochemistry, prevention, treatment and diagnosis thereof.

Mr Zingisa Patrick Mhlaba

Submitted by SMtshali on Mon, 03/05/2018 - 11:29

Mr Zingisa Patrick Mhlaba is a legal manager contracts centre of expertise at Sasol group (Pty) Ltd. He has the following qualifications, an LLB degree from University of KwaZulu-Natal, LLM (corporate Law) from University of South Africa and a BA degree from University of Cape Town. Previously held positions: Principal Legal Advisor at Sasol, Associate at White & Case LLP, International Associate and Legal Consultant at Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP and Morgan Stanley and Candidate Attorney at Venn Nemeth & Hart inc.

Atlas to help South Africa’s sectors respond to climate change

The second edition of an atlas showing South Africa’s vulnerability to climate change has been launched in Johannesburg, to help the country’s economic and social sectors take informed decisions to avoid risks related to climate change. Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SARVA) disseminates spatial and non-spatial data that describes, assesses and evaluates the risks and vulnerabilities facing the country due to climate change.

Report: South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas

CSIR showcases tech for mining safety at the Mining Indaba

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) showcases some of the latest technologies to improve safety in the mining sector.

These innovative technologies will be displayed at the Mining Indaba taking place in Cape Town from Monday, 5 to Thursday, 8 February 2018.

The Inaccessibility of some areas underground makes it difficult and dangerous for inspections after blasting. The CSIR developed a robot platform equipped with safety inspection sensors to enter mines during safety periods. Known as “Monster”, the robot aims to assess and identify risk for underground mines.

CSIR’s young researcher perseveres against all odds

Growing up in a community with a lack of resources to stimulate learning, and being surrounded by poverty, substance abuse, and high numbers of child-headed families, is a dream killer for most youngsters. These are some of the factors that always push a group of young people into the world of crime. However, Charles Maphanga, a young researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), did not allow similar conditions in Ga-Mampuru village, Limpopo, to stop him from dreaming big.