Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) researchers will be using this year’s annual national science festival, Scifest Africa in Makhanda, to showcase optimised technologies to rural learners in order to equip them with the right skills for the the fourth industrial revolution.

The CSIR is displaying additive manufacturing, laser hardening and laser welding processes for manufacturing industry. It is also showcasing computer simulations done on Lengau, Africa’s fastest computer.

Scifest Africa, which is currently underway, is one of the Department of Science and Technology's key science engagement platforms. The 2019 festival programme offers exhibitions, workshops, lecturers and science talks, with researchers from South Africa and abroad sharing their wealth of knowledge. This year's theme is “Discover your element”, with reference to the 2019 International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements as proclaimed by the United Nations.

Other technologies on display include agroprocessing products. This exhibition is showcasing the development of new processing technologies from the lab to pilot and commercial scale implementation. The CSIR has so far developed nutritional drinks, formulated cosmetic products and pharmaceutical products that are ready to be commercialised.

The Southern Africa Network for Biosciences (SANBio) is exhibiting some of the indigenous foods and medicines that were transformed into innovative products through applied technologies with an emphasis on indigenous foods and medicines, health and nutrition related interventions.

Speaking at the festival, CSIR researcher Ntsako Bila says the event presents a perfect opportunity to teach learners and ordinary people about the importance of science and technology to society.

“We are hoping to encourage learners to be innovative so that they are ready for 4IR. These skills will assist them to thrive in today’s world. Our society should understand that science and technology is important in our daily lives. We are also sharing more information about our bursaries, internships and studentships opportunities” he said.

The event will end on Tuesday, 12 March.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

David Mandaha: CSIR Media Relations Manager
Tel: +2712 841 3654
Cell: +2772 126 8910
Email: dmandaha@csir.co.za  

About the CSIR:

The CSIR 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, technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more info visit www.csir.co.za