CSIR and partners launch cost-saving housing block using construction waste
Waste material from the construction sector can now be used in an innovative green building block used to build low-cost RDP houses through a Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)’ Circular Economy Demonstration Fund aimed at demonstrating proven circular economy interventions, such as, technologies, innovative process improvements, social innovations that have not yet achieved scale or impact in South Africa.
This milestone was marked on 11 April 2025 by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), who partnered with Use-It Waste Beneficiation NPC and Key Bricks (Pty) Ltd, to demonstrate the prototype. The DSTI Deputy Director-General for Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships, Dr Mmboneni Muofhe and CSIR Executive Manager: Hosted Programmes, Bongani Memela presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly built demonstration house.
President Cyril Ramaphosa engages with local technologies at CSIR
The President, who was hosted on Tuesday, 8 April, by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, toured a number of facilities at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to gain first-hand insights into the research and development activities taking place at the institution.
“Today, I received a personal tour of the world-class facilities on this campus. I got to see the vast array of work being done across the CSIR’s clusters, in areas such as advanced agriculture and food, chemicals, health, mining, manufacturing, defence, digital transformation, human settlements and the built environment,” said President Ramaphosa. “All of this impressive work is firmly aligned to Government’s priorities of driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.”