The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reported positive results and maintained its track record of an unqualified audit for the 2013/14 financial year.

CSIR Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, said the organisation was committed to delivering high-quality scientific research.

"We have a particular responsibility to maintain the highest scientific standards in order to deliver the results that our country needs,” said Sibisi.

Some of the projects that the company reported on included a technology to determine whether a fetus that is small for gestational age is healthy or potentially sick; a device that enables remote diagnosis of patients; a novel thermal and sound-insulation material from waste products; a tool that will allow for cheaper delivery of high-speed broadband networks in underserved areas by using unused spectrum in what is referred to as television white spaces; and the creation of a facility that will help small enterprises to develop their biotechnology-based products.

Sibisi said that while the National Development Plan (NDP) has set out the broad parameters of the response required, it was key to identify the critical points at which science, engineering and technology leadership are required.

In pursuing its mandate, the CSIR will continue to build on the strategic partnerships with key national and international institutions, such as government departments that are responsible for service delivery, state-owned enterprises, development agencies and other partners in the National System of Innovation.

Also satisfied by the CSIR’s performance was the Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, who urged the CSIR to redouble its efforts to assist in the transformation of society.

"The CSIR’s track record in scientific and administrative excellence must now be even more actively translated into actions that address our national priorities of reducing inequality, poverty and unemployment,” said Pandor.

Key Performance Indicators
The net profit of the CSIR amounts to R52.3 million (2012/13: R48.5 million). The net profit for the CSIR Group is R54.1 million (2012/13: R53.3 million).

The total operating income of the CSIR increased by 6.5% to R2 153.4 million (2012/13: R2 022.8 million). Revenue growth, excluding other income, amounted to 6.5% and 6.2% for the CSIR and CSIR Group, respectively. The total contract research and development income increased by 7.7% to R1 495.8 million.

The organisation performed well with regards to its objective of strengthening the science, engineering and technology base. It produced 48 new technology demonstrators against the targeted 28. Technology demonstrators are a lead indicator of technology transfer and the excellent performance in exceeding this target illustrates the progress in this regard.

The CSIR remains committed to building and transforming its human capital. The organisation reached its target of 310 staff with doctoral level qualifications; 51.7% of its scientists, engineers and technologists are black and 32.8% are female.