“Over many decades, the CSIR has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking technologies and solutions that have profoundly shaped our country’s scientific and industrial progress. I have had the privilege, in the past, of seeing your capabilities, but today I would like to say that you really blew my mind in more ways than one, and I applaud you for what you do here – it is truly excellent,”. These were the resounding words of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, during his visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Scientia Campus in Pretoria on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, as part of our 80th anniversary celebrations.

The President’s visit featured a curated exhibition and a tour of several world-class CSIR facilities. These engagements showcased CSIR’s commitment to innovation-driven research that advances industry, supports a capable state and improves lives.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande, as well as other government dignitaries. He was warmly received by CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, who guided the delegation and highlighted our organisation’s strategic contributions to national development.

“The CSIR is a wonderful place and a real treasure in our country”

During this honoured engagement, President Ramaphosa added a light-hearted moment, saying: “Everything I have witnessed here at the CSIR has got me so excited, and at one point I wondered why I don’t work here,” prompting laughter from the CSIR audience. “If I had my way, I would give it all up and come and work here with you. The CSIR is a wonderful place and a real treasure in our country,” President Ramaphosa enthused.

The President’s excitement stemmed from the technologies demonstrated on the day, which included a precision agriculture information system that provides farmers with near real-time insights for precision crop management; digital health interventions such as medical record and data hosting, telemedicine platforms and data analytics tools; an oceans and coasts information system used to  detect and monitor harmful algal blooms, coastal floods, water quality and bilge dumping; and a newly developed laboratory that collects and analyses road safety data from real-world conditions and simulations to inform transport safety policies and products.

Awestruck by the CSIR’s innovative work, President Ramaphosa expressed that the organisation inspired confidence, even when seeking partnerships with developing economies for climate change adaptation and mitigation support. He was especially proud that such solutions were being pioneered right here at home.

CSIR central in realising the “i” in the DSTI

Echoing this sentiment, Dr Nzimande highlighted the CSIR’s fundamental alignment with government priorities. “Since the start of the seventh administration, we have come up with a new mantra for this department [DSTI] which is to place science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society. Mr President, we have also, since the sixth administration, added innovation as a critical challenge and task of this department. We are no longer just a traditional research, science and technology department - there must be a clear link [to innovation] and the CSIR is central to realising the “i” in DSTI,” he asserted.

Dr Dlamini echoed this commitment to innovation, saying it is what makes the CSIR, Africa’s largest research and development organisation, excellent.

Honoured by the President’s visit, Dr Dlamini, along with other members of #TeamCSIR, showcased the significant role the CSIR plays in driving industrial development and supporting a capable state. “The CSIR is a critical component for the development of our country. In fact, we believe we can play an even bigger role towards development if we are given more opportunities to apply our capabilities for the betterment of South Africa,” Dr Dlamini affirmed.

Over the past 80 years, the CSIR’s development mandate has only grown stronger. Backed by innovation and brilliant minds, its track record speaks for itself. This is how the President concluded his address during the visit, sincerely congratulating the CSIR for 80 years of touching lives through innovation. “The CSIR is a South African success story,” President Ramaphosa remarked, beaming with pride.

Click here for President Ramaphosa’s full address at the CSIR visit.

Click here for the livestreaming video of the entire event.