Read the full Annual Report in PDF format - CSIR

The importance of manufacturing in South Africa is evident from its signifi cant
contribution to exports, job creation and its contribution to the gross domestic
product (GDP) of the country. The challenges lie in our ability to add value
to raw material before exporting; create new manufacturing industries; and
improve our competitiveness even in an adverse economic climate. The CSIR
envisages contributing to the size, competitiveness and sustainability of the
South African manufacturing industry through its focus on:
• Microsystems and manufacturing
• Smart systems
• Advanced materials and composites
• Additive manufacturing
• The establishment of a titanium industry
• The establishment of a bio-manufacturing industry
On the next pages, read about research and development in specifi c
applications of micro-manufacturing; a CSIR-designed laser used by local
industry because of its improved effi ciency; a South African-developed system
that has proven its value in detecting breaks in railway tracks; the creation of
an autonomous rover, a vehicle that is capable of navigating autonomously
between key points; and progress made in attempts to develop polymer
nanoclay composites that will improve the properties of plastic, thus greatly
extending its possible uses.
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