CSIR marks 80 years with record growth and innovation strides
In its annual report for 2024-25, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research said financial performance strengthened as it marked 80 years of activity. Operating revenue rose 11 percent to R3.54 billion from R3.17 billion the prior year, with private-sector receipts up 7 percent and international income up 10 percent. The organisation met or exceeded 29 of 31 targets, or 94 percent, and recorded a net profit of R40.62 million after a previously projected loss of R67.6 million.
Results showed advances in research commercialisation and industry partnerships, with an 11 percent increase in localized technologies, a 17 percent rise in joint development agreements and a 22 percent growth in government and state-owned entity projects. Twelve new licence deals were signed and products such as MycoSure Stratafy and Herbathone progressed toward market readiness. Governance remained robust with a Level 1 B-BBEE rating and a clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General for the 15th straight year. Staff numbers reached 2,298, about 70 percent in science, engineering and technology roles, with 73 percent identifying as black South African and 40 percent female. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Thulani Dlamini said the strategy continued to produce measurable impact on major national challenges through collaboration with government, academia and industry.
