ScienceScope SCIENCESCOPE | VOLUME 8 | NUMBER 2 of 2015 SOUTH AFRICA’S COUNCIL FORSCIENTIFICANDINDUSTRIALRESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THECSIR|VOLUME8NUMBER2
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> CSIR Biosciences Pretoria 012 841-3260 > CSIR Built Environment Pretoria 012 841-3871 Stellenbosch 021 888-2508 > CSIR Defence, Peace, Safety and Security Pretoria 012 841-2780 > CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing Pretoria 012 841-4392 Cover artwork: Sizakele Shingange Johannesburg 011 482-1300 Port Elizabeth 042 508-3200 Cape Town 021 685-4329 > CSIR Meraka Institute Pretoria 012 841-3028 Cape Town (Centre for High Performance Computing) 021 658-2740 > CSIR Modelling and Digital Science Pretoria 012 841-3298 > CSIR National Laser Centre Pretoria 012 841-4188 > CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment Pretoria 012 841-4005 Stellenbosch 021 658-2766 Durban 031 242-2300 Pietermaritzburg 033 260-5446 Nelspruit 013 759-8036 > CSIR Implementation Unit Pretoria 012 841 3332 Stellenbosch 021 658 6582/2776 Cape Town 021 658 2761 Port Elizabeth 041 508 3220 Durban 031 242 2441/2300/2393 Cottesloe 011 482 1300 Kloppersbos 012 841 2247
Compiled by CSIR Strategic Communication [email protected]
Photography Kaimara Shutterstock Printed on Hansol Hi Q TitanTM art paper. Manufactured from TCF (Totally Chlorine Design and production Free) and ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) pulp. Only wood from sustainable forests Creative Vision – 082 338 3742 is used. ISO 14001 certification. Hansol Paper Co. Ltd. complies with the Chain of Custody principles as set out by the Forest Stewardship Council in all areas www.csir.co.za in which Hansol operates. The CSIR was established 70 years ago in 1945. While this may appear to be a venerable age, we are – in the South African context – still something of a newcomer. By comparison some of our educational institutions have been around for quite a bit longer (the University of Cape Town is 126 years old, Rhodes University is 111 and even the upstart University of the Witwatersrand has been around for 93 years) as have some of our key industrial and developmental institutions – Eskom is 93 and Transnet is 99. Therefore, we may be justified in thinking that the CSIR is but a stripling, 70 years young and only now entering into our full maturity as a national institution. As with many long-lived South African organisations, we have something of a chequered history – apartheid and the systems that supported it have cast a long shadow over the CSIR’s many scientific and technical accomplishments during its first half-century. It is perhaps emblematic of modern South Africa that we are able to reconcile this duality – that we can proudly reflect on the scientific achievements of our predecessors while recognising the fundamental injustice of the system within which those achievements took place.
The last 20 years have seen a significant re-orientation of the CSIR, and while our larger aims (scientific and industrial development) remain the same, the context within which that work is conducted has changed. We now explicitly acknowledge that the ultimate aim of the CSIR is to improve the quality of life of all our people.
As we celebrate 70 years of research and development, I take pride in sharing with you in this edition of ScienceScope some of our recent and ongoing research and development. Also join me in reflecting on some aspects of the CSIR journey in an article on pages 2 to 5.
My hope for the future is that we will remain a society that uses science and technology for the common good.
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Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, CSIR CEO The CSIR’s main site in Pretoria, during the early years following the Researchers undertaking testing of wire ropes for the mining industry, organisation being established by an Act of Parliament in 1945. a specialised service that is still being undertaken today.
70 years of scientific and technological research
One of the few constants in the 70-year history of the CSIR is the awareness of, and commitment to, the value that science and technology can deliver to the development of our country. Aside from this, not much else has remained the same. Within the political environment, the CSIR has experienced the upheavals associated with changes in administrations and policies, and of course the rather more significant changes that occurred when South Africa transitioned from an Apartheid to a democratic state.
Scientific disciplines research is an effective way to and Industrial Research three Acting Prime Minister Hofmeyer have grown, withered and been ensure the well-being of current years later. He discussed his intent was quoted as saying, “A nation replaced by new areas of research, and future generations. to establish a scientific research which neglects research is at the and the associated technologies institute to support industry with same time impairing its prospects have developed at a breathtaking 70 years ago Dr Basil Schonland (later Sir Basil) of material welfare and weakening rate. Internally we have seen who was at the time working The world was a different place its status and dignity among the our infrastructure built and then on radar technology. The CSIR in 1945 with governments civilised nations of the world.” was modelled on international re-built from modest beginnings, and industry reforming and organisations, including the On 5 October 1945, the CSIR was our administrative structures transforming the postwar Australian and Canadian legally constituted and work to have been designed and then landscape. It is from the embers examples of science councils. refine its scope and structure re-designed, and the people of World War II that the CSIR was Schonland believed that the right followed immediately. Holding who make up the core of this established, although it had been environment, such as the scenic the view that industries should organisation have joined, grown, in the minds of some visionaries garden settings found in Britain, be responsible for funding and departed. years before. One such example would provide the necessary technological research, but is Dr HJ van der Bijl, head of the There will certainly be many creative atmosphere in which realising that an uphill battle lay South African Advisory Board more such changes over the researchers could flourish. Today, ahead to instil such an imperative, for Industry and Science in 1916, next 70 years, and no doubt our this sentiment still ranks high on and that it should therefore start who argued that a government- successors in this organisation CSIR employees’ top reasons for off with focusing on research that funded central research institute | 2 | will adapt as necessary. No matter enjoying their work, as the main would typically be neglected by was necessary. what these changes are, we can campus perfectly amalgamates industry, the CSIR established be sure that the organisation will In 1942, the Prime Minister of world-class scientific research the National Physical Laboratory, remain true to the idea that binds South Africa, Jan Smuts, set the infrastructure and natural beauty. the National Chemical Research us all together – that investing wheels in motion for what would The legislative process to establish Laboratory and the National in scientific and technological become the Council for Scientific the CSIR followed, during which Building Research Institute. One of the newest buildings on site, the CSIR Knowledge Commons. CSIR biotechnologist Zandile Nxumalo using modern equipment to develop digital pathology technology to train experts remotely.
Five years later these were some extent decades later with The CSIR’s collaboration with policy in the mid-1980s while joined by two national institutes the Department of Arts, Culture, the French national centre for at the same time transforming focusing on telecommunications Science and Technology and space studies, CNES and the its research and development and personnel research then, in 2002, the Department of American space agency, NASA, focus – a necessity that received (industrial psychology), as well Science and Technology. in tracking satellites raised its further impetus from the Kleu as industrial research institutes profile internationally and very Report, an investigation ordered for the leather, fishing, paint, In 1950, Schonland was soon the Hartebeesthoek tracking in 1977 that underscored the and sugar milling industries. succeeded by Dr PJ du Toit who station – which later became the need for practical research presided for two years and CSIR Satellite Applications Centre that would be relevant to the Nearly 160 applied research formed the SA Wool Textile and which moved from the CSIR country’s economy, and that projects were undertaken for Research Institute and the to form part of the South African placed the spotlight on the industry and other funders in Bituminous Binder Research National Space Agency in 2010 transfer of technology. the first five years of the CSIR’s Unit. – was one of the busiest in the existence. Research programmes world. included areas such as coal Dr Stefan Meiring Naudé was Technology transfer tar and bituminous materials, the third CSIR President and In Brink’s tenure, the CSIR emphasised water treatment, low-cost and a prominent physicist. During International Convention Centre The White Paper promulgated high-density housing, and the his presidency of nearly two opened its doors and it remains as a result of the Kleu Report, use of plant and animal products decades, the staff complement one of the premier, award-winning stipulated that the CSIR had a for industrial use. Scientific grew from 685 to more than conference centres in the country. vital role to play in technology and technical cooperation in 4 000 and additional research transfer. Brian Clark was Africa aimed at addressing institutes were added in the Increased isolation and earmarked to lead the CSIR’s technological problems relevant fields of nutrition, mechanical technology transfer process. to this continent was on the and electrical engineering and organisational upheaval This renewed focus took place agenda as early as 1949 with the defence. It is also in this period that South alongside efforts to rid the CSIR establishment of the Scientific Africa became an international of bureaucracy imposed by the The 1970s brought its own Council for Africa South of the pariah for its apartheid policies. Commission of Administration. international challenges in the Sahara. The tenure of Dr Chris Garbers, Then Minister of National form of environmental lobbying, Brink’s successor in May 1980, Education, FW de Klerk, was questions about the real value was characterised by change on a instrumental in enabling the Growth amidst challenges of science and technology, and national and organisational level. introduction of a system of Of course, all was not smooth disillusionment because the The South African economy was in framework autonomy, thereby sailing; and in 1948, when the latter was seemingly not solving recession and the national research helping the CSIR to chart its organisation’s line department challenges faced by developing laboratories were under pressure to new course in line with the changed from the Office of the countries. It is in this period pursue research that would be able global shift in emphasis to Prime Minister to the Ministry that Naudé’s successor, Dr Chris to address immediate technological implementation. of Economic Affairs, the CSIR van der Merwe Brink, made | 3 | needs. has had to strenuously advocate a concerted effort to bring his Patents were being registered for the importance of science organisation, universities and Garbers also had to navigate since the early 1950s. In the and technology in the national industry together to coordinate the storms caused by apartheid mid-80s the venture capital economy to be recognised by research as well as to increase the closer to home. The organisation company Technifin was Parliament. This was realised to emphasis on applied research. formulated its equal opportunities established in collaboration 70 years of scientific and technological research
with the Industrial Development Times were changing yet again With democracy progressing, the President and CEO of the CSIR Corporation to accommodate with the release of Nelson CSIR would be challenged even (the designation of ’President’ in the expected investment in Mandela and South Africa’s slow further – and a second major science councils has since been innovative technologies. By the but determined redressing of transformation was to start in replaced by that of CEO). mid-1990s, Technifin received apartheid ills. While European 1993/94. Under the leadership of Sibisi was to become the some 2 000 patent applications and American companies were Dr Geoff Garrett, who succeeded third President to guide the per year – of which only three showing interest in the CSIR, Clark in 1995, it had to expand organisation along the path to five typically would have there were concerns regarding its view of relevant research to of repositioning and re- international potential. Among the state of its technology after include the technological needs configuration. This, he stated the most important was the CSIR- its long isolation. At home, of the country for continued in 2004, was to ensure “that developed technology for lithium- however, the distinct move from development, creating jobs and the CSIR remains true to its ion batteries. fundamental to applied research working towards a sustainable was paying off and the CSIR environment for posterity. commitment to the nation, namely to foster industrial and Winds of change continue won the 1991 Technology Top 100 Prize and received the On the global front, the CSIR scientific development in South This and other decisions required Safto Business Development established cooperation Africa, contribute to economic a fundamental restructuring that Award in 1992. agreements with international growth and competitiveness, and was completed by 1 April 1988. research institutions and to ultimately improve the quality The new Scientific Research A study commissioned by the participated in intergovernmental of life of South Africa’s people”. Council Act specified that the African National Congress, the agreements. As the Regional Focal In order to more effectively fulfil organisation would be known Congress of South African Trade Point for Africa, appointed by the this mandate, the CSIR embarked by its acronym only. The Act Unions and the South African World Association of Industrial on a transformation process, also separated the offices of National Civics Organisation in and Technological Research which was implemented in the chairperson and chief executive, 1991 to effect an appropriate Organisations, the CSIR further course of 2005/06, to ensure that leading to Dr Louw Alberts science and technology policy strengthened its role on the the organisation returned to its becoming the first independent for South Africa, described continent. core science purpose. chairperson of the new CSIR. One the CSIR as a “very significant of the many changes concerned South African investment in The South African research This entailed a change in the Foundation for Research scientific research” with “modern landscape was also changing and, priorities, with increasing Development (FRD), which facilities and a tradition of as in other sectors, transformation emphasis on performing relevant, formed part of the CSIR until its technical competence”. It also measures to realise a science, knowledge-generating research, refocus to exclude its funding recognised that the organisation’s engineering and technology base building and transforming responsibility. The FRD became an transformation enabled it to representative of the country’s human capital, strengthening the independent organisation in 1990 support large industries to population were implemented. science and technology base and and is now known as the National compete internationally. promoting excellence. Research Foundation. Refined focus, geared for The value of the CSIR’s Its new corporate identity – with Clark assumed the position multidisciplinary capability was relevance and impact its modernised logo and updated of President of the CSIR in apparent as different expertise Current CEO Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, a positioning statement – made its September 1990. The CSIR now could be employed to tackle mathematician, former Deputy debut on 27 February 2006 at had to manage the expectations national challenges. Sectors Vice-Chancellor (Research and the first CSIR Biennial Conference. | 4 | of stakeholders: government that especially benefited were Innovation) at the University of In line with its mandate, the that saw it as its scientific arm the natural environment, the Cape Town and also known for CSIR’s reconfiguration aimed to and industry that recognised automotive industry and mining. his role as the chairperson of the embody the key brand concepts its critical role in advancing the Today, this multidisciplinary National Advisory Council on of scientific excellence; innovation country’s technology base through nature of the organisation Innovation from 1998 to 2001, and quality; skills development; technology transfer. remains one of its biggest assets. took office in January 2002 as leadership in science; working Advanced facilities, such as those housed at the National Centre for Nanostructured Materials (above), have replaced older facilities and buildings as they existed some 70 years ago (left).
through partnerships; ensuring activities of these delivery and draw successfully from its the traffic that a road would transformation and making a implementation programmes multidisciplinary base to deliver endure over 20 years in three difference through science to take place in the development a holistic solution as opposed to months. build a better South Africa. and implementation phase. addressing only symptoms.” Minister of Science and The flagships are derived from Technology transfer remains a Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, In 2011, Sibisi also placed an research and development priority and has seen significant in the CSIR Annual Report for emphasis on growth and outputs generated over time refinement in the past decade. 2014/15, articulates it best, impact, responding to calls for and focus on interventions that A World Intellectual Property “Organisations like the CSIR must the organisation to achieve transfer technological solutions Organization report of 2009 consciously marshal the evidence greater impact. Findings of more to external stakeholders. The featured the CSIR as the top to demonstrate, in a compelling than one review panel pointed flagships have been refined institution by Patent Cooperation manner, that investments in to the organisation spreading in the past few years and Treaty patent application research and innovation do, and itself too thinly, and that it today focus on health, water with a South African priority; will continue to, lead to greater would benefit from sharpening sustainability, safety and revenues generated through prosperity, more jobs, and more its focus. In making a decision security as well as capability commercialisation; and the entrepreneurs.” about focus, the organisation development for state-owned number of start-up companies had to take numerous company Transnet. factors into consideration. established. International development Ongoing honing of its focus On the human capital front, the priorities, as set out in the is strengthened by efforts to opinion of first CSIR President Millennium Development Goals; establish closer relationships Schonland regarding the value of the country’s development with stakeholders and regularly a dynamic and environmentally priorities as outlined in guiding investigating the relevance pleasing work place not only documents such as the of its work as well as refining still rings true, but has been National Development Plan its systems and processes to bolstered by solid and up-to- 2030; and the organisation’s more easily guide the outputs date work practices. So much so, competence base were taken and outcomes of its science, that the organisation has been into consideration. Going engineering and technology certified as a Top Employer based forward, the organisation would base to positions of uptake and on independent research and focus its skills and resources use by government or industry. international benchmarking of on the natural environment, South Africa’s triple challenge employee conditions of work. defence and security, industry, of unemployment, inequality energy, health, and the built and poverty; African and global Thus, while the CSIR has just environment, while nurturing opportunities to collaborate; and come of age, it is also proud and developing enabling a changing global landscape of its accomplishments. Any technologies such as information influenced by international socio- technology organisation would and communications political events and economic be pleased to count among technology, nanotechnology and uncertainties mean that there is its portfolio of achievements photonics. no room for complacency. examples such as a camera that captures the invisible In 2011, Sibisi also introduced In 2013, then Minister of energy coming off a power line an additional mechanism, Science and Technology, Mr insulator and has captured some | 5 | called flagships, as a measure Derek Hanekom, said, “The 50% of the world market, the to boost uptake of technologies CSIR’s approach of looking lithium-ion battery powering the and ultimately improve the at challenges from a systems world’s smart phones and laptop impact of the organisation’s or whole-environment point computers technology, and a work. The bulk of the of view means that it can mobile laboratory that simulates BUILT ENVIRONMENT 8
• Building towards green and effective healthcare infrastructure...... 8 • Visual surveying platform assists with road maintenance...... 10 • Creating safer coastal and port infrastructure with innovative physical and numerical modelling...... 12 • Integrated land-use and transportation modelling in developing countries...... 14 • Municipal service delivery SET for success...... 16 • Making smarter decisions in urban environments...... 18
ENERGY 20
• Towards the development of hydrogen storage technologies for clean energy applications...... 20 • Advanced energy storage: Creating impact for next-generation lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors...... 22 • Quantifying the financial benefits of wind and solar energy projects in South Africa...... 24 • The Wind Atlas for South Africa: A tool to aid wind farm developers and decision-makers...... 26 • Smoothing out the volatility of South Africa’s wind and solar photovoltaic energy resources...... 28 • Industrial energy efficiency interventions reap monetary and environmental rewards...... 30 visual surveying10 platform IEE30 interventions
health 32
• Point-of-care diagnostic and screening tools for resource-limited settings...... 32 • Supporting the South African healthcare system with e-health technologies...... 34 • Indigenous foods used to address micronutrient deficiencies in rural Eastern Cape...... 36 • Studying gene expression: An improved RNAi screening technology...... 38 • Finding NEMO: Using super-resolution microscopy to diagnose disease-in-a-dish...40 • Eradicating malaria: Exploiting advances in disease modelling to develop new generation drugs against malaria transmission...... 42
information security 44
• Ensuring safe networks through virtualisation...... 44 • Accurate detection of intrusions in information networks...... 46 • Fighting identity theft with advances in fingerprint recognition...... 48
indigenous foods address micronutrient36 deficiencies new broadband opportunities through smart spectrum sharing defence 50
• Novel CSIR technologies reduce the time and costs of aeronautical systems testing...... 50 • Finding the right technology solutions to secure our borders...... 52 64 • Technology to combat poaching: From the lab to the Park...... 54 • Research and development to protect soldiers from landmines and improvised explosive devices...... 56 • Providing state-of-the-art modelling and simulation support for the South African Air Force...... 58 • Optics and radar: Your eyes and ears in the battle field...... 60
ict 62
• Computer vision for an autonomous mobile robot...... 62 • Enabling new broadband opportunities through smart spectrum sharing...... 64 • Cyberinfrastructure for international competitiveness...... 66 • Broadband for All: Towards closing the broadband infrastructure gap...... 68 • Increasing spatial awareness through the convergence of space and ICT...... 70 • The science of data: Freedom to think...... 72
industry 74 product development managing invasive alien plants
• Titanium metal production and additive manufacturing...... 74 • Technology localisation: Making South Africa’s manufacturing industry more capable and competitive...... 76 • Towards a South African bio-economy: Agile product development...... 78 78 100 • Making the invisible visible: UViRCO, an innovation success story...... 80 • Nanoclay minerals and plastics: Tiny particles deliver big impact...... 82 • Collaborative engineering platform for globally competitive SA products...... 84 • Supporting the industrialisation of aerospace technologies...... 86 • Energy, water, waste: Salvage and synergy for a sustainable environment and industry...... 88 • Localised automation and robotics solutions, using a lean and agile R&D innovation process...... 90
natural environment 92
• Assessing the vulnerability of South Africa’s coasts...... 92 • The first African-based Earth system model...... 94 • Finding value in waste: CSIR-generated data shapes the South African waste sector and identifies opportunities for growth in a secondary resources economy...... 96 • Producing more with less: Water-use efficiency is the key...... 98 • Two decades of managing invasive alien plants: Exploring Working for Water success stories...... 100 • Ocean robotics for sustainable, long-range marine resource and ecosystem management in the 21st century...... 102 BUILT ENVIRONMENT
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Single rooms for patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis are fitted with multiple windows that can open to maximise Doors on both sides of the room allow for maximum the movement of air. Here, the warm air will rise to transport potentially infectious organisms through openings in the roof. ventilation. Health outcomes and service delivery are profoundly affected by the built infrastructure that supports them. Disease burdens and service response – which shape health buildings – change over time. Furthermore, these buildings are also required to be environmentally friendly and sustainable despite severe resource constraints in the public health sector. Taking these challenges into account, the CSIR has helped to develop norms, standards and guidelines to support the Department of Health in managing and expanding South Africa’s public healthcare facilities in an efficient and sustainable way. Building towardS green and effective healthcare infrastructure By Peta de Jager
Healthcare service and manage waste and water South Africa. Public health on prevention of this disease, delivery relies on a complex use in facilities, while not facilities can be adapted, while a worsening water crisis interplay between a region’s compromising a safe and efficient designed and engineered to may shift the disease profile unique disease burden, the healing environment needed for ensure that the risk of infection of certain regions to heat- and socio-economic challenges faced healthcare delivery. is limited, especially in high- water-related conditions. by its people and the availability burden settings where patients Open building designs could of health resources, such as staff, Developing guidelines with infectious tuberculosis may provide more flexibility to scarce skills, equipment, supplies come in contact with vulnerable adapt facilities in future. Due to these unique challenges, and infrastructure. individuals. Solutions include the Department of Health cannot natural ventilation and careful South Africa faces a compounded simply apply international A holistic approach spatial configuration. burden of disease which includes guidelines in the South The guidelines consider HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, maternal African context. The life cycle perspective and clinical services as the key and child health challenges, driver of health infrastructure The CSIR was therefore violence and injuries, and new approaches and also cover support commissioned to develop new emerging lifestyle diseases such The current replacement rate services such as waste norms, standards, guidelines as diabetes and hypertension. of South-Africa’s healthcare management, central and performance benchmarks This is further complicated by a infrastructure is approximately sterilising services, catering that can be used to manage the fragmented healthcare service 40 years and in order to address and laundry services, training acquisition, quality, delivery, where almost half of all healthcare building design from this and hospital administration, operation and maintenance of spending is spent in the private perspective, a modification of as well as guidelines for all levels of public healthcare sector – that only serves 16% traditional roles may be indicated information and technology facilities in the country. of the population. This split to ensure sustainability. For infrastructure, project has led to the duplication of Multidisciplinary task teams with example, optimising building planning, maintenance and service provision in some areas, clinical and built environment ventilation is often assigned the decommissioning of while other areas have a lack or expertise developed extensive to the mechanical engineering failing infrastructure. over-provision of services with guidance documentation and discipline. Optimising natural The CSIR is now in a position institutions that are overburdened software tools, much of which ventilation, for example through to support government with or not used optimally. has been gazetted as mandatory rethinking building envelope structured capacity building practice during the last two years. design (thermal, air and water With South Africa already and an implementation barriers), could redefine the spending more than 8% of its programme that will help to traditional roles of architects gross domestic product on health, Building design to prevent see a gradual replacement and and engineers. However, this and other sectors competing improvement of healthcare infection approach needs to be considered for funding from a limited building stock over time. An example of unique design during the pre-project stages of a fiscus, spending on capital and requirements for South African building contract. Planners also operational projects is seriously healthcare facilities includes need to take into account that constrained. the solutions implemented to the drivers of healthcare demand | 9 | In addition, climate change and limit tuberculosis infection. are dynamic. For example, a the pressure on the environment Tuberculosis is transmitted tuberculosis vaccine or new Enquiries: require that we increase efforts through the air and is the treatment could drastically Peta de Jager to limit energy consumption leading cause of mortality in reduce the need for an emphasis [email protected] BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Road defects such as cracks, edge breaks and potholes can have a negative economic and social impact. These road defects can damage motor vehicles, endanger the lives of motorists and pedestrians and lead to more costly road repairs. Timeous identification of road defects can help with the maintenance of road infrastructure. In response to this need, the CSIR developed a visual surveying platform to support road infrastructure inspections.
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CSIR engineer Tumelo Motloutsi sets up the unit before operation. Visual surveying platform assists with road maintenance By Thegaran Naidoo
A CSIR-developed visual The CSIR has issued a technology before automatically calculating since received requests from the surveying platform assists evaluation licence to Jetpatcher, the size and location of the defect. South African Road Traffic Sign with the maintenance of road a local repair company, to trial During evaluation, the automated Manufacturers Association and infrastructure by timeously the visual surveying platform detection algorithm was able to a road defect repair company to identifying and geo-locating as part of its regular detect a specified defect with an further develop the road sign road surface defects such operations workflow. The accuracy of 89%. detector, as they have a need to as cracks, edge breaks and Johannesburg Roads Agency geo-locate road signs to determine To improve the overall accuracy potholes. has also expressed an interest in if they are placed correctly or if further, a human-in-the-loop or using the technology as part of they may be missing. hybrid mode of operation was The visual surveying platform its maintenance operations. consists of a vehicle-mounted adopted. In the hybrid mode the Future development plans for the sensor system along with an More about how it works: system automatically analyses system include improvements analysis and visualisation the video stream and suggests on the detection and estimation software suite. The sensor image processing and machine possible defects to an operator accuracy of the system and system comprises a high- learning algorithms who then validates the detection. the development of a backend that integrates the data over resolution camera, a global The analysis module is a key The development team believes all deployments of the visual positioning system (GPS) receiver component of the system and that the manual mode and surveying platform. and a computer with peripherals it uses a combination of image hybrid mode would be suitable for wireless connectivity. processing and machine learning for integrating into the existing algorithms to detect, classify and workflows of companies The sensor system is attached quantify road defects. and municipalities that are to a vehicle and driven through involved in the maintenance Enquiries: the area that is to be inspected. The visual surveying platform of road infrastructure. Further Thegaran Naidoo The system records synchronised has three modes of operation – improvements to the autonomous [email protected] video and GPS data which are a manual mode, an autonomous mode would be incorporated into then uploaded to a computer mode and a hybrid mode. the hybrid mode. for analysis. The detections In the manual mode the operator that are produced during the uses the software suite to watch analysis stage are stored in a Future plans and applications the video stream and manually geographic information system Although defects of different detect the defects from the video. (GIS) database where the defects types can be extracted from Once detected, the size and may be viewed and validated the video stream, the current geographic location of the defect by an operator. The operator can version of the visual surveying are automatically calculated and use the visualisation tool, which platform focuses on detecting and stored in the database. is a part of the system, to plan estimating the size of potholes. maintenance operations. In the autonomous mode, the During one investigation the team system automatically analyses the also developed an algorithm to Current imported state-of-the- video stream to detect the defects detect road signs. The team has art systems that are used for road inspections cost more than R15m each. The visual surveying platform can be produced for an estimated R500 000. The lower cost implies that more units could be deployed, which would result in a higher area coverage at a higher frequency of updates. The visual surveying platform would thus provide decision- | 11 | makers with a timeous first level estimate of the state of the road infrastructure to enable more effective planning of further The hardware system of the Visual Surveying maintenance operations. The visual interface for detected potholes. Platform. BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Creating safer coastal and port infrastructure with innovative physical and numerical modelling
By Kishan Tulsi
Recent innovations have allowed the CSIR coastal and hydraulics laboratory to create more accurate numerical and scaled physical models of coastal and port infrastructure. These models provide invaluable performance measurements of planned coastal infrastructure, such as the design life of a harbour or breakwater. They support infrastructure decisions and shipping operations within a port.
The CSIR coastal and experiments and induced wave calculate damage to breakwater Tracking movement in hydraulics laboratory team is testing generate accurate datasets structures and the monitoring and a physical model: able to create numerical models which allow us to understand measurement of moored vessels of planned port or coastal the dynamics of waves, coastal inside ports. Custom software in The Armour Track System structures and ship motions. This these experiments use physical infrastructure as a result of a The Armour Track System assist engineers to determine the model simulation data to accurately series of innovations developed is a digital image processing force limitations and design life of compute the forces exerted on and implemented. These models system which is used to track planned infrastructure. mooring lines and fenders based | 12 | are then used to create accurate movement in a physical model. on the motion of docked vessels. physical scale models of port This innovative ‘hybrid This involves the capturing and layouts or breakwater designs modelling’ approach is typically Some of the innovations and processing of high-resolution that can be tested in the CSIR’s applied to the monitoring systems routinely used by the CSIR digital images and high-definition advanced coastal and hydraulics and tracking of breakwater coastal and hydraulics laboratory laser scanning data of physical model facility. Subsequent armour unit displacements to are outlined in this article. models, including the movement Two of the technologies pioneered at the CSIR hydraulics laboratory are the Keofloat system, where the movement of small lightweight floats (seen top right) are studied to measure the effects of long waves on ships and the Armour Track System, that combines high-resolution images from mounted cameras (opposite page) with laser scanning data of physical models such as breakwater units to track the movement of physical models. The CSIR’s Kishan Tulsi (left) at work during extensive tests on a detailed model of the Richards Bay breakwater.
of separate breakwater armour cables. With the Keofloats, noise the ship motions and mooring Calculating the maximum units, to visualise the extent of levels are therefore very low line forces of a ship moored at damage to prototype breakwaters and they do not require separate a quay or a jetty due to waves, allowable safe draught as a result of wave impact on calibration. The Keofloat system current and wind. of a ship: DMAX coastal structures. complements the capacitance These models can be DMAX is a numerical model wave gauge equipment at the interconnected so that the decision-support system for the laboratory with the benefit of Measuring long waves: results of PASSCAT and calculation of the maximum having focussed on multiple WAVESCAT feed into QUAYSIM allowable safe draught of a ship The Keofloat and floats recording the wave climate to accurately determine the entering or leaving a port. This Keoship systems surrounding the model ships in motions of a moored ship. decision-support system computes a physical model. The Keoship Long waves represent one of the ship’s squat and vertical system allows for the monitoring the two major threats to moored motion response in waves, and of model ships, which includes Monitoring nearshore ships. Visible only as surges of up incorporates probabilistic safety mooring lines and fender force conditions in bays: to 35 cm on a harbour wall, long criteria. These components are calculations. waves build up at sea and have Virtual Buoy System applied to a specific vessel under a peak period of between 100 and Harbour Watch a particular sailing condition in and 300 seconds. This frequency Numerical models for the harbour channel. The DMAX Until recently, national wave resonates with a moored carrier ship motion: WAVESCAT, computations can be made for information was captured using and can result in disruption of present conditions and for up to PASSCAT & QUAYSIM waverider buoys deployed harbour operations and even three days in advance, by using Three numerical models for around the South African broken mooring lines. The measured and predicted tide ship motion studies, moored coastline. However, the CSIR second threat is high winds. levels and wave conditions. ship response and wave-ship is developing a virtual system The CSIR team of coastal Both threats can be managed interaction are researched. The that can monitor nearshore engineers uses these systems by adjusting the mooring WAVESCAT model computes conditions in bays. and innovations to ensure that systems, but also by installing wave forces and hydrodynamic The Virtual Buoy System and South Africa’s coastal and port early-warning systems based forces on a ship or other floating Harbour Watch system have infrastructure is safe, reliable and on real-time and stand-alone bodies. The ship’s hull and the already been used in Table Bay, protects people from harm. measurements of environmental submerged surface of other Saldanha Bay and Mossel Bay. parameters, such as waves, nearby structures are covered Routinely, the CSIR coastal and The Virtual Buoy System uses currents, tides and wind. with a large number of flat hydraulics lab is also contracted numerical models to provide quadrilateral panels on which to test planned port or coastal The CSIR has developed a real-time forecasting of wave the pressure and the velocity infrastructure projects from system that allows the data at multiple locations – in the fluid are computed. around the world and has built organisation to measure waves pilots use this information Combining the pressures over up a proud reputation of reliability that are smaller than 10 mm while navigating ships at the submerged hull gives the and service excellence in this in height. The system consists these ports. Harbour Watch is total wave force on the ship. regard. of small lightweight floating a camera-assisted system that | 13 | blocks, called Keofloats. These The PASSCAT model computes provides digital information floats are tracked by a standard hydrodynamic forces on a ranging from user-friendly video camera and are insensitive moored ship caused by another visual geo-referenced records to Enquiries: to erratic gauge drift caused by ship passing in a channel. Finally, ship motion data for improving Kishan Tulsi temperature and resistivity in the QUAYSIM model computes safety around port operations. [email protected] BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Access to jobs: Private transport Access to jobs: Public transport The CSIR’s Quintin van Heerden and his colleagues have undertaken integrated land-use and transport modelling in which the link between public transport
Number of jobs Number of jobs and increased accessibility to jobs was demonstrated. The graphs show the clear difference in the access to jobs that exist with only private transport, compared with public transport. Residents in the best located areas (shown in red) are able to access more than five times the number of jobs compared to what they would have been able to access without public transportation (in some cases more than a 100 times).
| 14 | Integrated land-use and transportation modelling in developing countries
By Quintin van Heerden • Co-author: Dr Louis Waldeck
Large cities are amongst the most complex production systems ever built. Land Use Transportation Interaction (LUTI) models are often used to support the equally complex urban planning processes that shape our cities. The CSIR has developed a LUTI model, based on adapted versions of UrbanSim and OpenTripPlanner, which has been used to simulate spatial growth patterns in South Africa to better understand the future demand for infrastructure and services. The model has proven that there is a clear and demonstrated link between public transport and increased accessibility to jobs.
In the developing world, policy scenarios on, for instance, the lowest-cost commuting trips per analysis area (about 3km2) mobility challenges and the densification in the city. The model between all origin-destination obtained from the simulation role of government in providing is based on adapted versions pairs in the study area, taking model to the actual growth that infrastructure are significantly of two open source software into account different modes of occurred over the same period different from those in the packages: OpenTripPlanner transport that include private car of time (2001 to 2011) according developed world. Factors such (OTP), a platform to plan multi- usage, buses, trains and mini-bus to two reputable sources: as extreme poverty and income modal transport itineraries; and taxis. These calculated costs are GeoTerraImage (GTI) and National disparities as well as mounting UrbanSim, a state-of-the-art then used in UrbanSim to calculate Census. Some of the outliers in demands for basic services such platform to simulate the urban measures of accessibility to jobs, the comparisons could be as clean water, sanitation and growth patterns resulting from the which could in turn influence explained by, for instance, the fact healthcare, result in daunting decisions made by the main actors where households choose to live that the delays in legal processes challenges for urban planners in in an urban system. and work. experienced by real-life developers developing countries. are not known to developers in Poorer households spend a The benefit of public transportation the model. If these outliers are Government also needs to larger portion of their income on to low-income households can be excluded, the predictive accuracy balance investment in economic transportation than wealthier seen from the two maps of the City of the model is estimated at about infrastructure and social households. One would therefore of Tshwane, illustrating the number two housing units per hectare. infrastructure and services. expect the choices made by of jobs (opposite page) that can On the one hand, transportation poorer households about where be accessed by private and public About 10% of the GDP is and energy supply systems they live and work to be more modes of transport while limiting invested annually into building would enhance economic sensitive to transport costs than transport expenditure to 30% of and operating infrastructure competitiveness. On the other, travel time. This is one reason household income, which equates and facilities in metropolitan no monetary return is expected why accessibility measures to about R40 per day. Census data municipalities alone. Many of when providing basic necessities based on monetary costs could for 2011, as published by Statistics these investments are aimed such as access to water, sanitation, be a more representative model SA, were used to derive this cost for at enhancing the long-term and healthcare or interventions for South Africa (and possibly low-income households. Residents sustainability of our cities such as grants/subsidies aimed at other developing countries) than in the best located areas (shown and overcoming the spatial alleviating the plight of the poor. one based on travel times or in red) are able to access more inefficiencies inherited from the generalised cost. than five times the number of jobs past. This type of simulation can To aid infrastructure decision- compared to what they would have contribute significantly to the making and urban planning As an input to the model, we been able to access without public debate and eventual decisions processes, urban planning models created a road network from transportation (in some cases more aimed at stimulating the economy are often used to investigate the OpenStreetMap, an open-source, than a 100 times). by way of increasing the efficiency likely outcome of adopting various crowd-sourced road network. The of our cities and improving access policy scenarios. A CSIR research public transport services were In addition, the number of jobs to employment opportunities. group focusing on spatial planning specified using the General Transit that can be reached as a percentage | 15 | and systems for urban and Feed Specification (GTFS), which of the total available jobs also regional planning has developed is a format developed by Google increases with the availability of public transportation. a Land-Use Transportation to publish public transportation Enquiries: Interaction (LUTI) model that can schedules. We adapted The model was validated by Quintin van Heerden be used to evaluate the effect of OpenTripPlanner to calculate comparing the household growth [email protected] BUILT ENVIRONMENT Municipal service delivery SET for success By Samantha Naidoo and Renee Rahaman
Numerous implementation challenges have led to poor and ineffective service delivery in South Africa. The CSIR assists local government to provide effective and efficient service delivery with the aim of improving the quality of life of South Africans. Its municipal strategic programme support group has developed a three-phased methodology that shapes the identification and implementation of integrated scientific, engineering and technological (SET) solutions to enhance current service delivery levels.
L ocal government has a mandate to deliver on key priorities to ensure visible, tangible and positive changes in all Phase 1: Phase 2: Phase 3: communities. Recognition and Identification Ground-level categorisation of and packaging of application and/or challenges faced by appropriate SET monitoring of SET However, local government faces a number of implementation local government solutions solutions challenges, including aged and insufficient infrastructure; poor Informed by CSIR Informed by CSIR, Executed and evaluated by financial management and insufficient funding allocation; interaction with local service providers CSIR, service providers inefficient natural resource management; and lack of capacity government and collaborators and collaborators building and skills transfer. Implementation of innovative solutions Lessons Piecemeal solutions are likely to prove ineffective in local learnt government since problems with service delivery sectors are often interlinked. The CSIR is able to assist, mainly because of the organisation’s ability to: Figure 1: Methodology employed by the CSIR for developing and applying SET solutions • Understand municipal problems at systems level through Phase 1: Recognition and categorisation of challenges faced by local close interaction with local government, and government • Develop and execute integrated solutions by identifying and Three main drivers assist the CSIR in recognising and categorising high-level challenges: market pull, (public) eliciting the required technical competence from within the sector partner mandate and business intelligence. CSIR as well as from collaborators and service providers, The dynamics between these three drivers influence the CSIR’s services and feed into the local government’s where necessary. Municipal Financial and Performance Management System. This system monitors actual performance of Continual innovation in the integrated application of science, municipalities against set targets and contractual obligations. engineering and technology allows for the design and Phase 2: Identification and packaging of appropriate SET solutions implementation of the most appropriate solutions to address The CSIR’s multiplicity of competences and services as well as those of service providers and collaborators are identified municipal challenges. The CSIR’s methodology enables interrogated, combined and discussed with the client to determine the most appropriate SET solutions. the identification of implementation challenges as well as the design and execution of integrated SET solutions. Appropriate solutions are proposed to the municipality as a suite of projects. Assistance with implementation and/or monitoring of these projects is also offered. The methodology has three broad phases, illustrated in Figure 1. Furthermore, the CSIR develops and transfers skills as part of proposed projects with the aim of increasing relevant competency and capacity within municipalities.
Phase 3: Ground-level application and/or monitoring of SET solutions The implementation and monitoring of SET solutions are designed to meet legislative, technical and management requirements; this is spearheaded by the CSIR, in conjunction with service providers. All lessons learnt are recorded and fed back into the methodology which may result in changes to the tasks or scope of tasks, or the development of an amended methodology.
| 16 | The CSIR supplies specialised services to support municipalities at different stages of the water value chain. These pictures in KwaZulu-Natal show water quality monitoring and assistance with preparation for SANAS accreditation.
Case Studies: Municipalities relevant scientific studies and the potential impacts of a range system lies in its ability to enable establish a forum to lead the of effluents on various types of the remote management of water within KwaZulu-Natal and implementation and periodic wastewater treatment works. quality and the implementation of Mpumalanga revision of the plan. This Based on this, measures to ensure real-time responses. The CSIR has applied the project drew on the expertise of optimum functioning of the plants methodology to projects at freshwater and marine specialists. for desired results will be identified. Accreditation by the South particular stages of the water value Inputs from external specialists Predictive modelling can also be African National Accreditation chain for the City of uMhlathuze, as well as a social specialist were used to inform the operations of System (SANAS) Capricorn District Municipality used to identify and prioritise water treatments works to ensure and eThekwini Metropolitan potential environmental impacts, that water is treated to acceptable A CSIR laboratory accreditation Municipality. The CSIR, and recommend appropriate standards for its various uses. system specialist is assisting collaborators, service providers management and monitoring the City of uMhlathuze and the and relevant officials within these measures for implementation. Water quality monitoring Capricorn District Municipality municipalities were involved in A robust stakeholder engagement The CSIR has manufactured with preparations for SANAS the design, implementation and process was run in parallel. and installed a water quality accreditation by applying knowledge monitoring of these projects. monitoring system at water and of ISO 17025. The project involves Blue and Green Drop projects wastewater treatment works in facilitating the implementation of The purpose of the projects the City of uMhlathuze and the pre-determined scientific methods to was to assist the respective Scientific analysis is conducted Capricorn District Municipality, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of municipalities to effectively plan in both the Blue and Green Drop at a strategic location along the laboratory analysis and compliance and manage water resources projects to improve overall water uMhlangane River in the eThekwini with the standard requirements and wastewater within their and wastewater management Municipality. This system measures and procedures. This reduces local jurisdiction and, where possible, within the municipality. The Blue the levels of specific water quality government’s reliance on external build the required in-house Drop project is currently being parameters and communicates SANAS accredited laboratories and skills and capacity. Integrated implemented in the Capricorn measured data to a CSIR-hosted builds their in-house capacity. SET solutions were developed District Municipality, while the database and online platform, through the joint effort and input Green Drop project is being run using a CSIR-developed telemetry Input into tertiary-level of all parties, and packaged and in both this municipality and the system. Complementary CSIR presented to each municipality. City of uMhlathuze. The CSIR curriculum laboratory analysis of collected provides suitable site-specific The CSIR has provided the water samples determines faecal recommendations to mitigate and University of Limpopo with inputs A lake management plan for coliform and E. Coli counts, which manage process failures as well on its water quality and sanitation the City of uMhlathuze are not currently measured by as improve general operations curriculum. This was accomplished the system. The CSIR was appointed by the within the water and wastewater by conducting a gap analysis on City of uMhlathuze to develop treatment plants. The lessons The system is based on existing existing courses and recommending a lake management plan for learnt and data gathered will technology and includes real- possible additions. Capacitating Lake Mzingazi, near Richards be used to design and apply time data transmission capability students within the water and Bay. The objectives of the project predictive modelling in future. (software and hardware). As the sanitation field will support skills were to compile a plan based on This will allow the CSIR to predict focus of the system is management development and transfer at of water quality, the system is municipal and provincial levels. designed for the easy upload and interpretation of water quality data to highlight key issues of concern, Enquiries: and to direct efforts and resources Samantha Naidoo effectively. The actual value of this [email protected] Renee Rahaman [email protected]
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The CSIR’s Samantha Naidoo discusses a management plan for Lake Mzingazi, near Richards Bay, with Neeran Maharaj of the City of uMhlathuze. BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Making smarter decisions in urban environments By Dr Daan Velthausz
Making informed decisions for a city and its inhabitants is difficult since this complex environment is made up of many domains, actors, resources, asset pools, factors and performance criteria. Using smart information and communications technology-based empowered solutions, capable of making sense of the growing amount of data, enables well-informed decisions and sound planning (both in the short and long term).
Increasing (e.g. via early hazard warning), in place to deal with water Future proof solutions must be urbanisation has to adapt and to make informed distribution, traffic congestion scalable (capable of handling introduced and exacerbated decisions (e.g. dealing with safety, and power consumption as a and processing huge and rapidly challenges related to the resource usage, urban planning whole, rather than dealing with increasing volumes of data), management of resources of infrastructure and proactive the consequences, related issues open (both technology and data- for service provision. Making maintenance). and challenges in each domain wise), interoperable, transparent informed decisions for a city individually. (how a particular decision is Urban planning of road, water and its inhabitants is difficult derived), affordable and secure and energy infrastructure However, making decisions in because it is a complex (trustworthiness of technology requires knowledge of resource one domain by drawing upon environment with many and data). usage and the nature of growth insights from other domains integrated and inter-related of expanding areas (new is difficult. Currently, most The CSIR’s focus in this regard factors and actors to consider. settlements and changes in decision-making processes are is to expand on current research Making sense of the fine- settlement types) in order to deal set up to operate exclusively and development and associated grained usage data (e.g. satisfactorily with the increasing within a single domain. technologies through the Smart via smart meters) allows and related demand for road use, World Growth and Impact for better decision-making, water and electricity. The challenges to enable smarter Initiative, to either extend effective solutions, adequate decision-making are: Using information from multiple existing platforms, combine actions (e.g. energy savings domains in urban planning • Sourcing, delivering, storing it with similar offerings or to via demand-side and load (such as projected energy and integrating large-scale develop new components for an management, dynamic street demand based on short-term decision data from multiple evolving platform that enables lightning, efficient buildings, weather forecast, long-term domains smarter decisions. The evolving reducing water losses by settlement resource demands, platform will be scalable, open, detecting water leakages, • Processing and interpreting and available energy capacity) interoperable, transparent providing travellers with data within the required time provides better and early insight. and secure. It will be linked to real-time traffic, and public constraints and with the As a result, targeted interventions appropriate data sources, with transport information that desired accuracy, and based on the insights become fit-for-purpose applications to culminates in reduced travel possible. Similarly, more effective • Influencing and creating assist in contextual decision- and commute times). This operational decisions affecting the impact through appropriate making in targeted domains. leads to predictive usage current state become possible if feedback channels and forecasting for the short The approach follows these data are available describing the mechanisms. and long term (e.g. using principles: current state of the environment, automated urban settlement The key aspects of these which can include near real-time 1. Integrate existing, adapted/ classification and expansion challenges relate to the measurements of consumption upgraded componentry into detection; using acoustics integration of the required as well as current weather an evolving platform indicating the stability of system componentry (‘the conditions. supporting – and concurrently constructions). Being more binding glue’), the integration researching – better aware of what is going on in Potential impact of smarter of the data needed for decision- planning and operational the city, as well as accurately making, the algorithms needed | 18 | decision-making decision-making in urban predicting what might be for decision-making, and lastly environments. happening in the (near) future, Better understanding of the how to present and visualise it allow the citizens and the city bigger picture would enable to the decision-maker tailored 2. Deploy and demonstrate the managers to be better prepared alleviating measures to be put to his context and purpose. decision platform in contexts that are already demonstrating of Johannesburg (2014), by supports decision-making for challenges associated with fast tracking and co-creating energy-efficiency improvements mass migration to specific solutions in real life context. and demand management for areas. The CSIR has developed a individual home and building 3. Use the Urban Living Lab ‘Smart Platform’ and applied owners with the ability to scale 19 approach to stimulate citizen it in the energy, as well as the up the platform to service large | | engagement, as is adopted in safety and security domains in utility distribution networks and Enquiries: the Smart City Strategy and the context of smart cities. The aid decision-making for utility Dr Daan Velthausz Implementation Plan of City current version of the platform providers and city managers. [email protected] energy Towards the development of hydrogen storage technologies for clean energy applications By Dr Henrietta Langmi
Finding a way to more easily store hydrogen, at ambient temperatures and without too much added weight or cost, would set hydrogen free as a potential clean energy alternative to fossil fuels. The CSIR is examining three possible options for hydrogen storage, namely storage in high pressure gas cylinders, storage in the form of chemical carriers and materials-based storage.
With a growing human example, by electrolysis of water volume of one litre of hydrogen University – is developing population and an increasing linked to renewable energy like gas has an energy content of innovative solutions to the standard of living there is an solar energy. Hydrogen is further only 0.011 MJ, while a litre of hydrogen storage challenge. increase in energy demand across considered clean because when petrol for example, has an energy Currently the CSIR is examining the globe. In fact, energy is a vital combined with oxygen in fuel content of 32 MJ. Developing a three possible options for requirement for the development cells to generate electrical energy, viable hydrogen storage system is hydrogen storage, namely storage of a modern society. Most of the the only by-product is water. crucial. Generally, such a system in high-pressure gas cylinders energy consumed today comes Hydrogen has a high energy should store a large amount of (called Type IV cylinders); storage from fossil fuels. However, the density on a mass basis, which hydrogen on a mass and volume in the form of chemical carriers, rapid depletion of fossil fuel is about three times higher than basis, have an excellent rate of specifically formic acid; and reserves and the concomitant that of other liquid hydrocarbon hydrogen uptake and release, materials-based storage (metal- environmental impact of burning fuels like petrol. good recyclability and low cost. organic frameworks and carbon Due to volume and weight fossil fuels have led to the search However, despite hydrogen nanostructures). for alternative sources of energy. being an attractive energy constraints, the requirements The ideal energy source should carrier, there are still technical for on-board vehicle storage are High-pressure composite be abundant, environmentally challenges associated with its particularly stringent. benign, affordable and safe. cylinders efficient production, storage and The Department of Science and In terms of cylinder storage, For several reasons, hydrogen is utilisation in fuel cells. Of these Technology developed South the CSIR is examining ways of considered an energy carrier that three areas, hydrogen storage Africa’s national hydrogen and creating stronger, lighter cylinders holds tremendous promise for presents the greatest challenge. fuel cells strategy, branded at a reduced cost. Specifically, vehicle, stationary and portable As a gas at ambient conditions, as Hydrogen South Africa the research team is looking at power applications. Hydrogen is hydrogen has a low energy (HySA), which aims to develop the composition of the composite the third most common element density by volume, which and guide innovation along matrix used for the overwrap on the Earth’s surface, although makes it very difficult to store the value chain of hydrogen outer layer of the cylinders, which less than 1% occurs in its free or transport, and therefore and fuel cells nationally. The provides the cylinder’s strength. form as molecular hydrogen gas. requires a storage method HySA Infrastructure Centre of Hydrogen can be generated from which compacts it. At normal Competence – jointly hosted The effect of the incorporation clean and renewable sources, for temperature and pressure, a by the CSIR and North West of nanomaterials as a strength-
| 20 | Key analytical instrumentation in the hydrogen storage laboratory.
Hydrogen storage material pellets for incorporation in a storage tank.
enhancer in the matrix is When formic acid is decomposed organic frameworks. For this The existing facilities enable being investigated. The goal in the presence of a catalyst, research, South African minerals the full characterisation of the is to develop a better matrix, hydrogen and CO2 is generated. like chromium, zirconium and materials being developed, and produce samples of this material With a chemical carrier, a closed platinum group metals are measurement of their hydrogen used. The advantages of storing for testing and produce full cycle is created because the CO2 storage properties. To build high-pressure composites for that is produced as by-product hydrogen in porous materials prototype hydrogen storage non-destructive and destructive can be combined with hydrogen, are that storage takes place as units, the best powder materials testing and for use on-board a in the presence of a catalyst, a physical interaction, with no developed are shaped to give demonstration vehicle. to regenerate formic acid. The chemical bonding required, and them application-oriented CSIR is working on getting the the uptake and release rate configurations. The ultimate aim Chemical carriers decomposition reaction just right, (of stored hydrogen) is therefore is to develop practical, affordable by determining the optimum faster. The main drawback is and safe hydrogen storage for Parallel to the development conditions, catalyst and reactor that this kind of storage can use in selected clean energy of a composite matrix is the for this kind of process. currently only be performed at applications. evaluation of liquid carriers cryogenic temperatures (typically, like formic acid, as a means –196 degrees Celcius). The CSIR Materials-based storage of storing and transporting is therefore looking at improving Enquiries: hydrogen, and also the Materials-based storage involves the properties of these materials Dr Henrietta Langmi development of porous materials storing hydrogen inside certain to make storage possible at closer [email protected] for hydrogen storage. porous materials such as metal- to ambient temperatures.
Microscopy images of electrospun nanofibres for incorporation of porous hydrogen storage materials. On top of the images are the electrospun nanofibre materials before and after heat treatment.
| 21 | energy Advanced energy storage: Creating impact for next-generation lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors By Prof. Kenneth I. Ozoemena
CSIR chemist Funeka Nkosi testing coin cells.
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Coin cell battery assembling and testing. A reactor for the large-scale preparation of battery and super-capacitors materials. A glovebox used for battery assembling. With this process, work is done inside the machine, protecting the cells from any harmful factors. Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors are critical energy storage systems that power our smart phones, laptop computers, electric vehicles, smart grids and even our homes. They also play a role in decreasing the necessity for load shedding by alleviating the pressure on the national grid. The CSIR is developing the next-generation lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors using some of the country’s abundant mineral resources.
The CSIR has developed a novel method to produce high-voltage energy density (the ability to generate energy for a long period of time after cathode material using lithium manganese nickel oxide. The organisation being charged), power density (the ability to generate energy when needed is currently producing this material at a kilogram scale as a precursor to at a very short time), extended system life (10-15 years) and safety to the pilot plant design, taking the work one step closer to commercialisation. user and the environment (not being prone to catch fire during use or the component materials being toxic to the environment). To mitigate these Ongoing pursuit for viable energy storage systems challenges, it is important to develop innovative materials and advance our understanding of the chemistries underlying their performance. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors continue to Further breakthroughs in materials hold the key for developing the next capture global attention as viable electrical energy storage systems. generations of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Market analyses continue to predict that lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors will dominate electrical energy storage technologies for The CSIR has, in the past six years, been engaged in designing and a plethora of applications, ranging from portable electronics to electric synthesising several new materials for the development of manganese vehicles and smart grids. oxide-based lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Improving lithium- ion batteries mostly centres on the choice of chemicals. One of the main The past five years have witnessed rapid developments in the global benefits of the envisaged new lithium-ion batteries is low production cost, quest for clean and sustainable energy and seemingly endless releases of as its major raw material, manganese, is abundantly available in South new technologies that use lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors as Africa. Because it is a high-voltage material, it can be used to develop main power source. These technologies include portable electronics and lithium-ion batteries with high energy. This gives the batteries the ability consumer products such as laptop computers, mobile phones, tablets to be used over an extended period. and digital cameras; electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model S, BMW i3, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt; and home energy storage devices, notably The chemical processing strategy that the CSIR has adopted to improve the Tesla’s Powerwall® that was launched on 30 April this year. performance of the materials for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors is what may be termed as quadruple combination processes which are Complementary energy storage (i) nanostructuring or nano-sizing of the product particles, (ii) doping or Batteries and supercapacitors are complementary energy storage systems integrating small amounts of relevant chemicals into the parent structure, and have become very useful in grid/utility-scale energy storage. They (iii) surface-modification of the parent structure with appropriate coating offer critical services such as security of electricity supply, mainly as power chemicals, and (iv) microwave irradiation as a key step in the synthesis back-up or to avoid the problems of load shedding; price arbitrage (storing scheme. Each of these processes plays a critical role in improving the electricity during the off-peak periods when the cost of electricity is cheap performance of the final product. For example, the CSIR has found that and using it during expensive peak times); industrial peak-shaving or nanostructuring improves the power performance of the batteries and demand charge reduction (using stored electricity during peak periods supercapacitors by shortening the distance through which ions can travel to avoid penalties for breach of contractual peak demand), and for island within the chemical structure, while microwave irradiation can stabilise the and off-grid storage to augment renewable energy sources such as solar structure against the untimely loss of energy during operation. Succeeding and wind power used by people who live or work in remote areas. with this research will mean that local raw materials, such as manganese, can be utilised and beneficiated to create advanced, world-class energy materials at lower costs than would otherwise have been possible. Research efforts amplified | 23 | Despite the increased importance of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, the development of these energy storage systems has been slower than the rate of development of new technologies in need Enquiries: of these systems. To add to the challenge, existing lithium-ion batteries Prof. Kenneth Ozoemena and supercapacitors still fall short of some critical requirements such as [email protected] energy Quantifying the financial benefits of wind and solar energy projects in South Africa
By Joanne Calitz, Crescent Mushwana and Dr Tobias Bischof-Niemz
The first wind and solar photovoltaic projects that were connected to the South African national power grid in 2014 resulted in a net financial benefit to the country of R0.8 billion. In a subsequent study the CSIR has determined that in the first six months of 2015, wind and solar projects created R4 billion more financial benefits to the country than what these projects cost. This seems to indicate a trend where the financial benefit of renewables in South Africa far exceeds their cost.
An independent study renewables were again two-fold. by the CSIR has found that The first benefit, derived from renewable energy from South diesel and coal fuel cost savings, Africa’s first wind and solar is pinned at R3.6 billion (or R1.82 photovoltaic projects created per kWh of renewable energy). R4 billion more financial benefits This is because 2 TWh of wind and than what these projects cost solar energy replaced the electricity during the first six months of that would have otherwise been 2015 (January to June). Without generated from diesel and coal these wind and solar projects, (1.5 TWh from diesel-fired open- South Africans would have had cycled gas turbines and 0.5 TWh to endure a higher stage of load from coal power stations). shedding during 15 extra days The second benefit of R4.6 billion during this period. (or R2.33 per kWh of renewable The study is an update and energy) is a saving to the economy continuation of an initial study derived from 203 hours of that was published in January so-called ‘unserved energy’ 2015 that covered the 2014 (a total of 52 GWh = 0.05 TWh) calendar year. In that initial study, that were avoided. During these it was shown that renewable hours the supply situation was energy projects generated so tight that some customers’ The CSIR has quantified the financial benefits of the first solar and wind renewable energy projects (such as this wind farm in the Western Cape) that were connected to the South African national 2.2 TWh (terawatt-hours) of energy supply would have had power grid in 2014. A subsequent study calculated the benefits of renewables from January to electricity in 2014, which saved to be curtailed (‘unserved’) if it June of this year. R3.6 billion worth of fuel for the had not been for the renewables. conventional fleet (mainly coal As a consequence, during 15 and diesel fuel). The availability of days from January to June 2015, renewables furthermore avoided load shedding was either entirely the curtailment of customer load, avoided, delayed, or a higher stage with an additional macroeconomic of load shedding was prevented value of R1.7 billion. The total thanks to the contribution of financial benefit of renewables the wind and solar photovoltaic to the country was therefore projects. R5.3 billion in 2014, compared These direct cash savings on to R4.5 billion in tariff payments fuel spending to Eskom and the to the owners of the wind and macroeconomic benefits of having solar photovoltaic projects in the avoided ‘unserved energy’ are same year. This resulted in a net | 24 | countered by the tariff payments financial benefit to the country to the independent power of R0.8 billion in 2014. producers of the first wind and In the follow-up study, for the solar photovoltaic projects. This graph shows how the total net benefit from renewable energy projects was calculated period from 1 January to 30 June They amounted to R4.3 billion for the period from January to June 2015. 2015, the benefits earned from from January to June 2015. The CSIR’s first solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant was constructed between June and August 2015 on its Pretoria campus. This one-hectare, ground-mounted 558kW PV facility feeds power directly into the CSIR’s grid and provides for around 4% of the energy needs of the campus. It is one of the first steps taken in the CSIR’s quest to become a leader in the era of distributed energy generation. The solar power generated by the facility will equate to an annual carbon dioxide saving of approximately 1 200 tonnes, which will significantly reduce the CSIR’s carbon footprint.
Therefore, renewables contributed Without the first solar and wind a total net benefit of R4.0 billion (or projects, the country would R2.0 per kWh of renewable energy) have spent significant additional to the South African economy. amounts on diesel, and energy would have had to be ‘unserved’ The study was based on actual during more than 200 additional hourly production data for the hours from January to June 2015. different supply categories of the What is more, the cost per kWh South African power system of renewable energy for new (e.g. coal, diesel, wind, projects is now close to 80c for photovoltaics). The CSIR has solar photovoltaics and between developed a methodology to 60c and 70c for wind projects. determine whether at any given That will keep the net financial hour of the year, renewables have benefits of renewables positive, replaced coal or diesel generators, even in a future with a less or whether they have even constrained power system. prevented ‘unserved energy’. Energy generated by any new This CSIR methodology was fed wind and photovoltaics project with cost assumptions from publicly will generate electricity at available sources, such as Eskom’s approximately 65% less than 2015 financial results for coal the first projects that came and diesel costs, the Department online during 2014. The drop of Energy’s publications on the in the prices of wind and average tariffs of the first renewable photovoltaics is in line with energy projects and the Integrated global observed trends over the Resource Plan on the cost of past five to ten years, which unserved energy. can be attributed to mass Because the study is an ‘outside-in’ manufacturing, improved analysis of the system operations, production processes and conservative assumptions for the technological advancements. system effects and for the costs of By quantifying for the first time coal were chosen. The actual cost the financial costs and benefits savings that renewable energy of renewables in South Africa, sources brought during the first six based on actual hourly production months of 2015 may be higher than data, the CSIR’s ongoing study shown by the study. is contributing to the discussion The study shows that in the first around the power-system | 25 | six months of 2015, the trend that capacity expansion for the future. started in 2014 – that renewable The CSIR will continue to monitor energy provided a huge net the fuel-saving and security- Enquiries: financial benefit to the country – of-supply benefits of renewable Dr Tobias Bischof-Niemz continued and accelerated. energy in the country. [email protected] energy
The Wind Atlas for South Africa: A tool to aid wind farm developers and decision-makers
By Eugéne Mabille
With the increasing development of wind farms in South The project details and methodology, as well as Africa as a renewable energy source, it has become ever more all the available data and important to identify and map the country’s wind resources. the final maps, are made available free to the public Due to the lack of this information, the Department of Energy, through the project web the CSIR and other partners embarked on the Wind Atlas site: www.wasa.csir.co.za. To date there are 1 759 for South Africa project, intended to be an aid to wind farm registered users from developers as well as for decision-makers in government and 66 countries. entities such as Eskom regarding grid planning as well as for industrial development.
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Figure 4. Final high resolution wind speed map for WASA Phase 1. GLOBAL WIND DATA REGIONAL WIND CLIMATE LOCAL SURFACE WIND The Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA) is an ing ing ll initiative of the Department of Energy, funded by the Royal ll
The Wind Atlas Danish Embassy in South Africa and the Global Environmental mode mode
e e l Facility with support from the United Nations Development l for South Africa: Programme. The executing partner is the South African National mesosca Energy Development Institute and the implementation partners microsca in South Africa are the University of Cape Town, the South 200 km x 200 km 3 km x 3 km 1.10 m A tool to aid wind African Weather Service, the CSIR and the Technical University of Denmark’s (DTU) Wind Energy centre (formerly Risø). verification The aim of WASA is to create a final high-resolution wind MEASUREMENTS LOCAL SURFACE WIND farm developers and resource map for parts of the Northern Cape, the Eastern Cape and entire Western Cape, as well as several additional supplementary maps to assist wind farm developers, ing decision-makers stakeholders and decision-makers in government to make ll
more informed wind-related decisions. mode
e l In 2003, a study commissioned by the then Department of Minerals and Energy identified a problem with the existing
wind atlases as a result of poor input data. The study concluded microsca that the accuracy of the wind resource estimates could be significantly improved through the establishment of a network of high-quality wind measurement sites. Figure 1: The WASA methodology So does it matter if wind measurements are not made as accurately as possible for the purposes of assessing the wind resource? The answer lies in the power equation: P= ½ ρU3 [W/m2 ] where ρ = the air density and U = the wind speed. In the equation the wind speed (U) is cubed, therefore any inaccuracies in the wind speed measurement result in large inaccuracies in the possible wind power available. As an example, if the inaccuracies in the wind speed are only ± 5%, then the inaccuracies in the power (P) will be ± 15%. The wind power available at a particular site might therefore be dramatically over or under-estimated if accurate wind measurements are not available. The WASA project commenced in 2009. The methodology employed was to make use of numerical modelling and to verify the model results using data from wind measurements. The process made use of global mesoscale models (which have been developed for weather prediction) and data to produce a regional Figure 2: Location of measurement sites within the project domain. The project required three years of wind climate for the WASA domain. This regional wind climate measurement data from the ten measurement sites for the verification. Each site consisted of a 60 m mast with was then used in the microscale model (which takes topography anemometry at 62 m, 60 m, 40 m, 20 m and 10 m as well as other meteorological sensors. The data from the sites and ground cover into account) to produce a high resolution were sent to the CSIR where it was quality controlled and made available on the WASA web site. wind resource map. Due to the fact that the 2003 study identified a lack of high- quality measurement data, the WASA project included ten high- Figure 3 illustrates the good correlation between the modelled output (red and quality measurement sites. The locations of these sites within blue) and the measurements (blue dots) the project domain were defined using very specific criteria that from one of the sites. All the other sites were focused on the verification of the modelling output. have a similar correlation. The CSIR focused on measurements, microscale modelling and application. The work was undertaken in partnership with DTU Wind Energy who was also the lead agency on the microscale modelling and application of the outputs. The final verified Wind Atlas for South Africa (Phase 1) was published in April 2014 at a resolution of 250 x 250 metres. This was only made possible through innovative development work done by DTU Wind Energy in automating the use of the | 27 | microscale model so that it could be applied to large areas. It is the first time ever that such a large area (approximately 350 000 km2) has been microscale modelled to such a high Enquiries: resolution. Eugéne Mabille [email protected] energy Smoothing out the volatility of South Africa’s wind and solar photovoltaic energy resources
Wind speeds can vary greatly from By Crescent Mushwana1 minute to minute, and cloud cover/ Co-authors: Dr Tobias Bischof-Niemz1, Britta Zimmermann2, movement can cause the output of Ann-Katrin Gerlach2, Dr Stefan Bofinger2, Andre Otto3 1 2 3 solar photovoltaic (PV) energy sources CSIR, Fraunhofer IWES, SANEDI to vary. As a result, solar and wind power naturally and continuously fluctuates. The CSIR has embarked on research focusing on smoothing out the inherent volatility and fluctuations from wind and PV energy resources in South Africa. A key finding has been that Figure 1: Wind when wind and PV plants are spatially distributed, it can result in a smoothing effect on the power output and also be made predictable.
Solar and wind resource potential in South Africa Figure 2: Solar South Africa has abundant wind and solar resource potential as shown in Figure 1. Solar PV potential is excellent countrywide with some of the best wind sites located in the Western and Eastern Cape. Wind and PV resources have not been fully exploited for the country’s economic benefit. The wind and PV target of 17.6 GW by 2030 as stipulated by the Integrated Resource Plan of the Department of Energy, also remains low in comparison to the abundant resource potential. In 2030, wind and PV will only amount to 8% of the energy supplied in South Africa.
Figures 1 and 2: Wind (top) and solar (bottom) resource maps (sources: WASA and GeoModel Solar). | 28 | Understanding the variability The predictability (or of wind and PV power supply forecasting) of wind supply It is important to understand In general, large-scale PV power how much, when and where the supply is well understood in wind supply is available, and this South Africa (based on a study information must be accessible titled, Cloud cover impact on at relatively short notice. With PV production in South Africa a good forecast there will be by GeoModel Solar and the less need to reserve power from University of Stellenbosch). the conventional generation to Figure 3 shows smoothing effect balance the load. and the increased predictability of PV when spatially distributed The gradients (or ramp rates) of wind supply based on the GeoModel Solar Figure 3: PV power production and ramps for 9, 49, and 225 plants respectively; grey lines show study. However, the combined How quickly the wind supply the output of individual power plants, and the blue line shows the combined output of all the plants. effect of wind and PV has not changes can pose a challenge for been quantified, and to do this, the conventional generation plants the following aspects relating to as they also need to adjust for the Availability (under or over) of wind supply wind power supply need to be system to remain stable. Spatially When sufficient wind supply is not available for long periods of time studied: distributed wind plants will result (days/weeks), the lower-than-expected supply must be compensated in a reduction of ramp rates. for by conventional generation plants.
The impact of spatial distribution on wind and PV power output The selected area to illustrate the spatial distribution is Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape (Figure 4). Figures 5 and 6 show the normalised power output for wind and PV in five locations within the Port Elizabeth supply area (light) and the aggregate for the entire area (bold). Figure 5 shows that even for a day with fluctuating PV output, which could be due to intermittent clouds, Spatially distributed wind the aggregated output for the whole area remains smooth. In Figure 6, it is and PV plants are beneficial shown that even for a day with extreme variations in wind power outputs from individual sites, the aggregated output for the whole area evens out The initial results clearly indicate the benefits the ramps. These are the initial results of the ongoing study. Final results are of spatial distribution in terms of increasing the expected by December 2015. predictability of power output from wind and PV plants. The ramps or gradients are also reduced, thus making it easier for conventional generation plants to respond to the residual load to ensure a more stable power system. The datasets produced by this study can be used for a variety of further studies to quantify the amount of renewables that can be integrated at power system level to responsibly move towards an energy system with lower carbon emissions with renewables being the primary generation source.
Figure 4: Port Elizabeth supply area Figure 5: Aggregation for wind and PV power in Port Elizabeth supply area – 21 September 2011 Enquiries: Crescent Mushwana [email protected]
Figure 6: Aggregation for wind and PV in Port Elizabeth supply area – 21 June 2011 energy
Industrial energy efficiency interventions reap monetary and environmental rewards
By Alfred Hartzenburg
Consol Glass was one of 80 industry plants assisted in recording significant energy savings as part of a South African industrial energy efficiency project.
Implemented by the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) Project was set up to help transform the energy use patterns of South African industry to realise sustained energy savings for the nation. The NCPC- | 30 | SA is hosted by the CSIR on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry. The National Development Plan, when focusing on environmental matters, calls for South Africa to foster economic development with the least impact on the environment; move to a low carbon economy with less dependence on fossil fuels; introduce mixed sources of energy; and make communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change and less socio-economically vulnerable. In response to this, the Industrial Energy Efficiency Project has, between mid-2010 and July 2015, helped participating companies save 1 340 GWh of energy and R1.1 billion in energy costs. It has created or preserved an estimated 5 704 jobs within local communities with investment payback periods of generally less than two years.
Industrial energy Phase 1 elements and successes energy did so by implementing emissions of 2 428 tonnes. It was efficiency has been proven to ad hoc interventions with little also the first automotive Original The IEE Project’s participation save firms money, increase the sustained rewards or impact. Equipment Manufacturer options range from three-day reliability of operations, improve in South Africa to achieve audits for small and medium- security of supply and offer Building local capacity ISO 50001 certification. sized enterprises to becoming attractive financial and economic A significant contribution of the demonstration plants where The training programme has returns, while promoting job IEE Project focused on the building measurable and verifiable impacts equipped local professionals with creation and reducing carbon of local capacity to implement of recommended energy system the expertise to support energy dioxide emissions. With its energy management systems optimisation interventions may efficiency in industry as well as growing importance in global and energy systems optimisation be showcased. Phase 1 had four to train more experts. More than trade it also has a positive in industrial enterprises through components: 2 600 individuals were trained effect on productivity and specialised training and extensive in our advanced end user level competitiveness. in-plant implementation support. Enabling policy environment courses of which 101 experts were The energy-efficiency courses Against this background, the It firstly encouraged the creation qualified. Moreover, 43 national trained plant personnel and IEE Project was introduced of an enabling policy environment trainers in energy management and consultants to implement energy in 2010 to contribute to the and played an active role in energy systems have been trained, efficiency at an advanced and sustainable transformation of creating awareness and supporting replacing the international experts expert level. During the training energy-use practices in South the development, implementation recruited at the start of the project. of experts, candidates underwent African industry and enhance and review of the South African practical in-plant training by During 2014/15, the NCPC-SA began national energy security. While National Energy Efficiency international experts and had a process to develop these training the project officially ended on Strategy. 31 March 2015, its success and to implement their own energy- courses into national occupational importance as a driver for future Energy management standards efficiency interventions in an trade qualifications, which will industry plant to attain their allow training institutions to offer economic growth has led to the Secondly, the project supported certificates. These interventions the courses and further increase approval of a second phase. In the adoption and promotion of resulted in actual energy savings the impact of the project. addition, the work of Phase I energy management standards, in plants. Some R1.1 billion was extended to allow the project especially SANS/ISO 50001 where in energy costs was saved by Demonstrating potential and to run uninterrupted. Phase II a lead auditor training course participating companies. impact commenced in October 2015. was developed and South Africa’s The fourth component aims to first lead auditors trained. Initial Companies that implemented A contributing factor to the IEE demonstrate the potential and interest has been surprisingly slow energy management systems as Project’s success is the fact that impact of IEE on the bottom and to date South Africa has nine a direct result of their engineers companies do not have to spend line of a business through case companies ISO 50001 certified; the being trained as IEE experts a lot of money to save energy. studies, demonstration plants and It is often not necessary to invest IEE Project played an influencing include Toyota South Africa awareness-raising. Some 35 case in technology upgrades to effect and capacitating role in all nine in Prospectun, ArcelorMittal studies have been documented and significant energy savings. In fact, certifications. ISO certification Saldanha and Tenneco 29 are under development. some companies use the money guides and enables any Automotive. The latter achieved they save through their energy organisation to manage energy monetary savings of R2 million, Energy audits for small and management system to fund in a sustainable way. Previously, energy savings of 2 540 000 kWh, medium enterprises were conducted technology upgrades. companies that wanted to manage and a reduction in greenhouse gas to illustrate the savings potential in their companies. A total of 231 audits were undertaken and identified potential energy savings Toyota and the IEE Project “We have completed 103 projects since April 2010 and have identified 11 more for the financial of R111.5 million per annum. year, ending March 2015. Fifty of the 103 projects required no additional financial investment. Projects varied and had both financial and energy savings. One of the 103 projects, gas supply conversion, had many additional benefits. We converted from | 31 | liquid petroleum gas to compressed natural gas. Apart from financial savings, we are also reaping safety benefits. The tank can be
filled while the driver is on the vehicle, filling time is quicker, and CO2 emissions are lower. But the real success story is that Toyota SA has shown a year-on-year decrease in energy consumption while also achieving a year-on-year increase in building vehicles.” Enquiries: Arden Wessels, Toyota Senior Manager: Environmental Engineering and Compliance. Alf Hartzenburg [email protected] health Point-of-care diagnostic and screening tools for resource-limited settings
Patient data being displayed on the Cellnostics web-interface.
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Examples of silver inkjet-printed paper-based sensing electrodes. A wax-printed paper-based microfluidic device. Reactions implemented on the device result in a colour change. The shortage of expert skills and limited access to diagnostic tools and equipment are challenges in parts of South Africa’s healthcare system. The CSIR collaborates with government to develop point-of-care diagnostic and screening tools which allow healthcare workers to efficiently and timeously diagnose a patient at a clinic or in the community.
By Busisiwe Vilakazi, Pieter Roux, Ureshnie Govender, Kevin Land and Jeremy Wallis
The South African public the delays caused by the transport They selected paper as the When fetal growth restriction is health system provides healthcare of blood samples and test results platform for biological reactions suspected, a clinic-based nurse services to the majority of may detrimentally affect the as paper is a low-cost, easily- must refer the pregnant woman people. Many of its facilities are quality of patient care. disposed-of material which can to a higher level of care, where a in remote locations and some be modified to detect biological conventional Doppler ultrasound face serious resource constraints Cellnostics material such as glucose for test can be done using an – these include skills shortages diabetes tests. expensive imaging device. CSIR researchers have developed and the lack of appropriate the Cellnostics device to perform The team has successfully CSIR researchers have developed healthcare information at quick and effective on-site modified the paper using an ultrasound device called the point of care to facilitate blood tests to reduce the time specialised wax and conductive Umbiflow which can be used at diagnostic, treatment and referral between tests and diagnosis ink printers. In doing so they a clinic to reduce unnecessary decisions. To address some of and subsequent treatment. The created microfluidic sensors referrals. By measuring the these challenges, the CSIR has portable, wireless blood analyser to control the flow of small blood flow in the umbilical cord, developed a number of medical has an embedded electronic volumes of biological material the device detects when the devices and sensors to improve device that allows for two-way on paper, and printed electrodes placenta is no longer providing test turnaround time, quality communication between the and circuits on paper to detect sufficient nutrients and oxygen of care and health information clinic and a central laboratory, biological material. In a clinic for the baby to reach its growth for primary healthcare facilities. providing results without having setting, healthcare workers will potential. These technologies include the to transport blood samples from place a drop of biological material Umbiflow fetal health evaluation A recent field trial conducted remote areas to this laboratory (e.g. blood) on the paper and will system, the Cellnostics device as in Kraaifontein in the Western for analysis. In addition to have a positive or negative result well as paper-based sensors for Cape showed that referrals rapid blood-based diagnostics, within minutes. on-site blood testing. Cellnostics is designed to support of patients with suspected other diagnostic equipment that The design is based on the World fetal growth restriction can be The importance of diagnostic can benefit from the two-way Health Organization’s ASSURED reduced by 43% if the Umbiflow tools wireless communication between criteria (affordable, sensitive, technology is made available specific, user-friendly, rapid and at the primary care level. The Diagnostic tools are required to healthcare workers and off-site specialists. robust, equipment free, and field trial also showed that 9% of identify the presence and cause deliverable to those who need it) late bookers (women who have of disease, to suggest potential Paper-based technologies for point-of-care tests. their first antenatal visit after 28 treatments and to monitor the weeks) had abnormal Doppler effect of any interventions. When A team of researchers has also Umbiflow results and smaller babies healthcare centres are located far developed paper-based sensors for which would not have been The South African Medical from centralised laboratories, point-of-care testing. detected. Conducting Umbiflow Research Council’s ninth Saving measurement at a clinic was Babies Report (2012-2013) found shown to be more cost-effective that the top causes of perinatal than referral to a secondary deaths in the state health sector hospital for a Doppler test. included unexplained stillbirth and spontaneous preterm birth. Empowering nurses to make In the report it was speculated decisions at the point of care that undiagnosed fetal growth with technologies such as these restriction could be one of the has the potential to significantly major contributors. impact healthcare delivery and to address the challenges of health During the mother’s visit to a disparities in South Africa. prenatal clinic, fetal growth restriction is normally detected by using a tape measure to Enquiries: measure the distance across Pieter Roux the mother’s abdomen, called [email protected] | 33 | the symphysis-fundal height. Busisiwe Vilakazi The Umbiflow system is used in a clinic to determine the blood flow in the umbilical cord. The device [email protected] is able to determine when the placenta is no longer providing sufficient nutrients and oxygen for the baby to reach its growth potential. Kevin Land [email protected] health Supporting the South African healthcare system with e-health technologies
By Matthew Chetty
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A healthcare worker captures patient information on an electronic database at a community health centre in Laudium, Gauteng. E-health – the use of information and communications technology in healthcare – is imperative for South Africa’s re-engineering of its primary healthcare system and the development of a National Health Insurance system. The CSIR has been actively involved in various e-health initiatives, including the development of norms and standards for e-health, the implementation of a national patient registration system and the assessment of existing health information systems.
The Department of In 2013, the DoH commissioned to hospital information systems. The system is considered as the Health (DoH) published the the CSIR to establish a set of The work will assist provinces to national authoritative source of National eHealth Strategy in standards for interoperability understand the types of healthcare patient demographic data in the 2012 in which it emphasised the of e-health systems. The information systems solutions country. The deployment of the critical role of e-health technology standards would advocate a deployed across the country and system continues. and provided a framework for common ‘language’ for health the important principles on which improving e-health systems systems, thereby ensuring that the procurement decisions of The road ahead within the national public information could be shared and health information systems health system. used effectively across different should be based. On 10 July 2015, the DoH systems and in different health issued a Government Gazette Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister facilities. In coming up with the that established a ministerial of Health, expressed his concern Implementing a patient standards for South Africa, the advisory committee on e-health. about the prevalence of manual registration system CSIR and the DoH considered This committee is expected health information systems in case studies of e-health standards Knowledge of patient to advise the Minister on the the public sector. He was also developed internationally and demographics and a record of implementation, monitoring and concerned about the lack of considered South Africa’s burden their movement through health evaluation of the department’s interoperability between existing of disease scenarios. The Health facilities are fundamental in e-health strategy, covering electronic systems. Efficient Normative Standards Framework delivering integrated healthcare pertinent areas such as strategy healthcare systems need reliable for Interoperability in eHealth services and are also required for and leadership, stakeholder electronic systems to keep patient was gazetted on 23 April 2014. planning aspects of the National engagement, standards and records, facilitate fast clinical It stipulates six categories of Health Insurance (NHI). The CSIR interoperability, capacity decision-making and to ensure standards with which all e-health and the DoH have partnered and workforce, and e-health efficient communication between systems deployed in the country to develop a national patient foundations. The CSIR is ready healthcare professionals and should comply, including registration system, which allows to provide its ongoing support to patients. These systems are also standards for the type of content for the registration and identity this committee. vital for efficient procurement they must contain, terminology verification of patients at public and other hospital administrative used, how the messaging works health facilities. The system has functions. and security features. thus far been deployed in 38 NHI Enquiries: pilot clinics, and has registered Matthew Chetty Assessing the current status Assessment of patient more than 400 000 patients. [email protected] of e-health infrastructure information systems In 2012, the CSIR conducted an The CSIR was also commissioned analysis of the health information by the DoH to perform an systems deployed in public assessment of all patient hospitals and found at least information systems that are 42 different systems deployed deployed in both private and public across the country. All of these sector clinics in South Africa. were essentially stand-alone These contained patients’ systems with minimal levels of demographic, clinical and interoperability, which made it administrative data. The difficult to deliver an integrated information was voluntarily health service to patients. For provided by vendors who example, when systems are not provide ICT solutions to clinics integrated it can be a challenge and hospitals and assessed to retrieve patient information against functional requirements when the patient visits another and adherence to the Health health facility. This may result in Normative Standards Framework duplication of prescriptions or – for Interoperability in eHealth. in a case where a patient is The CSIR also conducted a | 35 | unable to communicate – an costing analysis of these systems incomplete record of previous and presented the results to the treatment and underlying National Health Council, where conditions which a doctor needs they were favourably received. Electronic capturing of patient data ensures fast and efficient communication between patients and for optimal diagnosis and care. The assessment is being extended healthcare professionals. health
The CSIR’s Dr Zodwa Mbambo pours a sample of the nutritional drink that consists of various food products such as sorghum, soya and indigenous leafy vegetables.
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The drink is made by mixing a dried-ground powder with water. A sample of the powder being weighed. Indigenous foods used to address micronutrient deficiencies in rural Eastern Cape
By Dr Zodwa Mbambo
The CSIR embarked on an integrated nutrition intervention pilot programme in five schools in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape with the aim of supporting government to provide nutrient rich food-stuff to improve the learning ability of learners. Researchers developed a nutritional drink from a combination of food products such as sorghum, soya, milk as well as local and indigenous leafy vegetables. CSIR researchers are currently evaluating the bio-accessibility of the micronutrients in the drink to the human body to determine the nutritional value of the drink.
The South African a focus on three micronutrients the selected schools to enhance National Health and Nutrition (vitamin A, iron and zinc) which nutrient intake of food provided Examination Survey conducted had been identified by a national in schools. The intervention in 2012 found that nutritional survey on nutrition as being included providing a nutritious deficiencies are still prevalent in inadequate in children living in breakfast drink, functional children in rural and urban areas rural areas. The assessment of school garden and training and with an average of 43% children nutrient intake included a education for food handlers, being vitamin A-deficient and 24-hour recall of food intake, learners and teachers. Over 11% iron-deficient. Although food frequency, biochemical 1 800 students, mostly aged 7-12, these figures show slight tests and anthropometrics from five schools in the poorest improvement from the previous (body measurements). regions of the Eastern Cape surveys (1999 and 2008), they received the breakfast drink. The baseline studies indicated that still point to a health challenge chronic and acute malnutrition The breakfast drink is made that requires a long-term was mainly prevalent in girls, from a combination of various sustainable solution. In an effort with the incidence of underweight pre-cooked food products such to improve dietary intake of recorded as 8.3%, wasting (too as sorghum, soya, milk as well vitamin A and iron, among other thin for their height) as 2.8% and as four other vegetables, micronutrients, the Department stunting (too short for their age) including indigenous leafy Measuring the nutritional drink in its mixed form. of Health implemented a as 5.6%. Overweight and obesity vegetables which are dried- mandatory national food was not prevalent. Only 2.3% of ground to a powdered form and absorption in the human body. fortification programme in 2013, the boys suffered from chronic blended. The pre-mix powder Metabolites reaching the blood which requires that selected malnutrition (growth stunting) is then mixed with water and system may be different from the micronutrients are added to local and no acute malnutrition served to the children each original compounds found in food maize and wheat flour. (underweight) was observed, morning. The breakfast drink is as a result of metabolic activity However, despite considerable but overweight was observed in a good source of vitamin A, zinc (the breakdown of food into smaller efforts to improve dietary intake 4.7% of the boys. Based on the and iron and the researchers are absorbable constituents) that takes and a commitment from the children’s serum ferritin levels, a currently testing the nutritional place during absorption. CSIR government to provide quality protein that stores and releases impact of the drink as part of researchers are testing the bio- education, a significant number iron in the body, more than 90% the ongoing project. accessibility of micronutrients in of students across rural South of the children were diagnosed the human body to establish the Africa still have diets lacking in with low iron levels in their blood. Studying bio-accessibility true nutritional efficacy of the food micronutrients. Nutrient-poor Overall, these results indicate that products used in this programme. Bio-accessibility can be defined diets can lead to nutritional the diets of households were not This data will be used to improve the as the quantity or fraction of problems, such as iron- diversified, and lacked nutritious formula of the nutritional drink and food components which is deficiency anaemia, that can food items from some food groups, can provide valuable information to released in the gastrointestinal adversely affect attention and like fruits and vegetables, a key determine the right amount for daily tract and becomes available learning in school. source of micronutrients. intake and the optimal food sources for absorption by the human for better nutrition. body. The determination of Assessing nutrition A science-based intervention nutritional content directly from | 37 | Baseline studies involving five The CSIR embarked on an foodstuff through laboratory Enquiries: schools in Cofimvaba were integrated and comprehensive testing is not enough for the Dr Zodwa Mbambo conducted in August 2013 with food and nutrition intervention in accurate prediction of its potential [email protected] health
What does RNA stand for? Ribonucleic Acid, and it is similar to DNA. Ribo – This is short for ribose and it is a pentose sugar. The sugar group in DNA is dexoyribose. Nucleic – Refers to the fact that it originates in the nucleus. Acid – It is an acidic compound. RNA is an intermediary between DNA, which houses the instructions to make a protein, and the ribosomes, which are a cell’s protein making factory. It carries out its role by transcribing the genetic instructions inside the nucleus by producing a complementary strand of RNA. It is a copy of a segment of DNA.
From: www.brighthub.com
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A close-up image of a high-throughput microarray printer. Studying gene expression: An improved RNAi screening technology By Dr Asongwe Tantoh Discovering more, faster, cost-effectively allows scientists to explore many more research questions that were previously inaccessible and costly. The CSIR has developed a ‘movable type’ high-throughput microarray printing technology that can compress several individual RNA- interference (RNAi) experiments onto a single glass slide. The technology, Other applications of the technology which has been licensed to Persomics AB, is characterised by its With the growing pool of chemical-compound libraries, there is an urgent simplicity, low cost, rapidness and high efficiency. The state-of-the-art need to find new quick and easy ways to profile the activity of these printing platform is geared at providing a miniaturised high-density chemical compounds against hundreds of biological targets. The CSIR is RNAi microarray product that will enable researchers to screen a large currently in the process of adapting this high-content high-throughput number of genes with relative ease and in a short time. screening technology to allow the printing of compounds on similar arrays that will enable researchers to meet the challenge of screening What is RNAi? through hundreds of compounds against different disease models in a relatively short period of time. RNAi interference is a natural process used by cells to inhibit the expression of unwanted or harmful genes. RNAi works typically Enquiries: by causing the destruction of specific mRNA molecules that carry Dr Asongwe Tantoh instructions coded in a gene which is the blueprint for individual proteins. By destroying the RNA messenger, the RNAi shuts off a gene’s activity by [email protected] ensuring that the corresponding protein is not synthesised. So many genes, so little time The human genome is made up of 20 000 to 30 000 genes that form the blueprint for every human cell, and 200 different cell types form the trillions of cells that make up a human being. The process of testing these genes individually against cellular functions or pathogen-ligand interactions is an enormous challenge. Researchers are currently harnessing the RNAi mechanism to shut off individual genes, one at a time, in order to figure out which function they control in normal cellular processes or during disease progression. With the sheer volume of genes, there is a global need for a high-throughput high-content RNAi screening approach to easily sift through them. Our screening facility Adapting the RNAi mechanism, the microarray printing technology creates a scaffold which allows the screening of thousands of genes in parallel. The technology works through printing up to 3 150 distinct RNAi molecules encapsulated in an optimised printing solution. Each printing solution contains the RNAi molecule, a transfection lipid, a marker to identify each spot and an extra-cellular matrix protein. The different RNAi encapsulation mixtures are loaded by capillarity into separate 230µm inner and 300µm outer glass tubing supported by a metal plate. Using a highly-engineered microarray movable Z-axis printer, the entire 3 150 RNAi spots are printed onto a chemically modified glass slide in one contact. With just 4µl of the print solution, more than 1 500 copies of the microarray can be produce in a single print cycle.
With this technology, genome-wide screening can be achieved for a fraction of the investment required for conventional technologies. Traditional high-throughput screening methods, such as systematic well-plate based screening using high-end robotics, automation and a | 39 | team of skilled operators, take six weeks of full-time work to complete one screening experiment. Using this array screening platform, screening time is reduced from six weeks to six hours for a single screen and this A CSIR researcher using high-throughput microarray printing technology to compress an RNAi technology therefore commoditises genome-wide experimentation and experiment onto a glass slide. health
Finding NEMO: Using super-resolution microscopy to diagnose disease-in-a-dish
By Dr Janine Scholefield
Scientists at the CSIR, in collaboration with scientists at Institut Pasteur and the Université Paris-Descartes, have | 40 | | identified the first visual proof of complex intra-cellular structures acting as pre-formed regulators of the immune response. The work emphasises how super-resolution microscopy can provide novel insights into the single-molecule mechanisms of genetic disorders, as well as crucial cellular interactions. Super-resolution microscopy reveals the presence of an extensive lattice-like structure of NEMO (upper panels, in magnified insets) which cannot be observed in conventional microscopy (lower panels)
Until recently, there were no never been more important in the activated B cells (NFkB) signalling simple approaches to prove the pursuit of developing treatments cascade – perhaps the most existence of complex intra-cellular and cures for both infectious and important one we have. This is structures – and thus, little means non-communicable diseases. because every cell in the body of understanding basic molecular But to better understand how must have an innate ability to pathways as a stepping stone pathogens are able to hijack our respond to an outside stimulus or to unravelling mechanisms of cellular processes for their own attack. Whatever form that signal NEMO: The NEMO disease. This is largely due to the benefit, we must unravel the basic may take, essentially our healthy protein is the regulatory very basic physical properties molecular pathways themselves. It cells will respond by moving the subunit of a complex, of light itself, which cannot be is becoming increasingly apparent protein, NFkB from the cell body resolved below 200 nm. Since that a multi-layered complexity in (cytoplasm) to the DNA storage which is involved many structures in the cell may the architecture of our cells dictates area (the nucleus). There, it will in the activation of be smaller than this, they cannot our response to cellular attack or activate many genes that lead a complex suite of be visualised with conventional damage. Yet, there is arguably to the cell’s protection. Although genes involved in microscopy. less known about the details of extremely simplified, in this way, the invisible responses of our own we stay healthy. inflammation, immunity, Fortunately, through extensive cellular pathways than the depths and cell survival. research over the past decade, and of our oceans. by combining the fields of physics, Finding Nemo The gene coding for biology and chemistry, scientists Historically, we have disingen A recently proposed theory NEMO is located on have been able to overcome this uously conjured the image of a suggests that the intermediate the X chromosome, and problem. So extraordinary was cell akin to a ‘bag’ of stochastic protein (NEMO), which links the this discovery that a year ago, Eric mutations lead to severe protein interactions. However, a signal from the outside of the cell Betzig, Stefan W. Hell and William clinical defects. developing hypothesis in the field to the successful movement of E. Moerner were awarded a Nobel of signal transduction proposes NFkB to the nucleus, might be Prize in chemistry for developing that there is a high degree of able to do this by forming complex super-resolved fluorescence architectural order in the cell which structures that would be able to microscopy. The CSIR has custom- reduces such randomness and act as a finely tuned regulator – designed the very first and to date, biological noise, instead creating waiting for a minimum signal only such microscope in South a biological binary on/off switch. threshold to arise before switching Africa. Using this technology, The answer was thought to lie in on a green light of activation. scientists have been able to the multimerisation of proteins; identify the first visual proof of but how to demonstrate this We used super-resolution | 41 | these higher-order structures. phenomenon remained unclear. microscopy to reveal the complex structure of NEMO in non- Knowing how disease works Enquiries: One of the critical pathways in our stimulated cells and have identified Dr Janine Scholefield Understanding the biological cells is called the nuclear factor how this structure is held together [email protected] mechanisms of disease has kappa-light-chain-enhancer of in cellulo. health
Eradicating malaria: Exploiting advances in disease modelling to develop new generation drugs against malaria transmission
By Dr Dalu Mancama
The CSIR, in collaboration with several partner institutions, has begun screening vast libraries of synthetic compounds that could be used in a new generation of antimalarial drugs. These drugs will disrupt the life cycle of the parasite (that causes malaria), paving the way for the eradication of the disease. Compounds have already been identified that meet the criteria and exhibit the ideal characteristics required for further development.
Processing of a malaria parasite culture Nearly half the world’s burden and eventually achieve metabolic homeostatis of malaria (above and below). population continues to be at eradication. The top priority is during these stages, whereby many risk of contracting malaria, to develop a new generation of of the parasite’s normal metabolic with Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial drugs that not only functions are developmentally representing the most prevalent act to expeditiously clear parasite arrested; and the significant parasite species of the disease. infection, but also provide long- bottlenecks associated with Despite recent gains in reducing acting post-treatment protection, producing sufficient biomass the disease’s morbidity and possess the ability to block the representing the parasite during mortality, malaria’s global burden transmission cycle and result in transmission. remains high, with 200 million a radical single-exposure cure of Despite these challenges, the cases and 600 000 deaths all the malaria species that affect CSIR team has successfully reported in 2013 alone. humans. developed a highly efficient Apart from tremendous human The need to identify such gametocyte generation technology, suffering, the cost to the African antimalarials, capable of and through collaboration with continent is a loss in gross inhibiting parasite growth at local and international research domestic product estimated to multiple stages of development, groups, has been exploiting this exceed USD$12 billion per year, is the focus of the CSIR team’s to deploy robust bioassays that and this impact is compounded current research efforts. In permit rapid screening of up to by an ever-increasing parasite particular, researchers are thousands of compounds per resistance to virtually all the focused on developing and week to identify transmission- existing anti-malarials. This deploying technologies that blocking antimalarial compounds. is mirrored by increasingly rapidly identify transmission- After an extensive process of widespread mosquito resistance blocking compounds that technology validation, the team’s to insecticides, including those prevent specific forms of malaria efforts are currently focused used for long-lasting insecticide (gametocytes) from being on rapidly screening large new treated bed-nets. The unrelenting transmitted from humans to compound library collections, in malaria burden has placed the mosquito vector. order to identify a novel, diverse pressure on scientists to develop Significant challenges exist compendium of compounds that more effective interventions to in finding such compounds. possess potent transmission- reduce the disease’s impact, and Among these are major blocking antimalarial activity. has led to renewed efforts to shortcomings associated Several thousand compounds have eliminate and eventually eradicate with accurately replicating, been interrogated; typically less the disease. in vitro, the endogenous than 20% of these compounds | 42 | The Malaria Eradication Agenda host environment and key meet the criteria and exhibit the represents the key global gametocyte development ideal characteristics required for Testing novel compounds to block malaria framework for defining innovative stages associated with disease further development. transmission. strategies to reduce the malaria transmission; the unique Dr Dalu Mancama conducting a visual assessment of a malaria culture.
These and other compounds identified in future will form the basis of drug development efforts aimed ultimately at creating drugs that combat and reduce malaria’s transmission. This project also offers other benefits. Highly skilled local expertise in developing and implementing high-throughput compound screening infrastructure and knowledge and process management in high-throughput screening are being developed and will strengthen the country’s nascent drug discovery and development capacity.
This initiative is being performed in collaboration with the universities of Pretoria and the Witwatersrand/NHLS, the Cape Town H3D Centre, and the Medicines for Malaria Venture through funding provided by the MRC Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships programme and the CSIR.
| 43 | Enquiries: Dr Dalu Mancama [email protected] information security Ensuring safe networks through virtualisation By Dr Suné von Solms Advances in technology have transformed today’s society. Technology is so deeply embedded in society that we cannot imagine our lives without gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, computers, air conditioners, navigation systems and alarm systems. Technology keeps us connected to our friends and family, helps us get through our work and makes everyday tasks easier. Owing to the pervasiveness of cyberspace, the protection of our digital assets and activities is crucial. To ensure that technology only makes our lives better, cybersecurity research is of critical importance.
The utilisation of many respects, these factors are massive server rooms and even facilitate cooperation between technology in our daily failing to maintain the desired larger budgets. However, with cybersecurity researchers and lives provides countless pace to keep up with the rapid the recent advances in simulation experts from various universities opportunities for the introduction development of technology use. and emulation (virtualisation) across South Africa and industry. of flaws that could allow the Research and development is technology, building large network It is the first web-accessible, deliberate compromise of a a component that can greatly research facilities is now possible. open-source platform in South user’s confidentiality, integrity or assist in making government, Africa where emulation, The CSIR is establishing various availability. Although cybercrime businesses and citizens more simulation, virtualisation network testing platforms for is a global phenomenon, the resilient to cyberattacks through and physical platforms will network performance and rapid increase in bandwidth and the development of innovative be integrated for large-scale behaviour testing, cybertools and increased use of wireless/mobile solutions and enhancement of cybersecurity testing and technique evaluation as well as devices in South Africa make us skills to combat cybercrime and research. Postgraduate students network equipment capability highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. other cyber-related issues. will be able to access the facility verification. These platforms utilise through the internet or can visit Cybercrime is growing at a Cybersecurity research and live malware, security strikes, the facility to run full tests and faster rate in Africa than in other development is hampered by the realistic user traffic and high- implementations. They can use continents and according to fact that network vulnerabilities fidelity network virtualisation the platform to research network Microsoft’s security report of 2011, and new cybersecurity tools and to provide an integrated testing vulnerabilities and develop new malware infections in Africa are technologies cannot be tested on environment for networks, cybersecurity products. higher than the global average. live deployed networks, as it can networking equipment and This is due to the fact that growing compromise network stability cybertools. The ability to conduct By enabling these research and economies are often tracked or create even larger network research and development development activities, the CSIR by cybercriminals for potential vulnerabilities. Therefore, one of in a contained environment assists in the advancement of targeting. As more people in the best approaches is to create under real-life circumstances South Africa’s cyber knowledge Africa rely on these technologies, virtual replicas of the networks assists researchers to study and base through original research cybercriminals are developing their and do the tests on these virtual address critical network security and the provision of top strategies to exploit cybersecurity counterparts. With the recent weaknesses. quality graduates in the field of gaps and users’ trusting nature advancements in the field of cybersecurity. These network One of the platforms built by towards these technologies. computing technologies, research virtualisation platforms will drive the CSIR, in collaboration with and development in the field of developments in the theory and Legislation relating to cybercrime, the Department of Science and cybersecurity is greatly aided. practice of cybersecurity to help in cybersafety initiatives, computer Technology, is the network A decade ago, large network the creation of a safe, secure and literacy and education are critical emulation and simulation testing infrastructure was limited prosperous cyberspace. factors in the process to secure laboratory that aims to only to the few corporations with our cyberspace. However, in
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The CSIR’s network emulation platform acts as a testing environment Enquiries: for network and device security. The system is used for cybersecurity Dr Suné von Solms training, network modelling and advanced analytics to assist the [email protected] private sector and government departments. information security Accurate detection of intrusions in information networks By Andre McDonald
Cybercrime is a significant problem in South Africa and it is slowing down the growth of our economy. Researchers at the CSIR are contributing towards cybercrime prevention by developing new and more accurate systems for detecting intrusions in information networks.
“... cybercrime costs South Africa around R5.8 billion a year, which equates to 0.14% of the country’s GDP.”
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Researchers at the CSIR are developing novel software for accurately detecting network intrusions. The novel detectors used by the software operate by scanning for unusual or unexpected network traffic patterns or anomalies in the characteristics of network traffic. Traffic patterns that do not conform to what is expected are often indicative of malicious activity in a network, and can be successfully used to identify likely intrusions. South Africa is growing South Africa as third on a list of access to the network. This security and limiting the extent of the increasingly reliant on information countries hardest hit by cybercrime. layer relies on the assumption that malicious activity. They also and communications technology to an intruder’s behaviour or usage require little computational power, Cybercrime often involves provide access to information and patterns will be noticeably different which is an important practical illegitimate access to networked services. Greater connectivity and from that of a legitimate user. consideration. information systems and progress towards bridging the digital resources, which leads to a breach The detection of intrusions in Collaboration with the divide are adding significant in the confidentiality, integrity computer networks, or network University of Cape Town value to society and to the economy, or availability of information, or intrusion detection, is a problem but at the price of greater exposure The CSIR is collaborating with the unauthorised use of these that has received attention to cybercrime and an evolving host the Faculty of Engineering and resources. Despite their maturity from researchers in the field of of increasingly sophisticated threats the Built Environment at the and widespread use, conventional information security for more than against personal and confidential University of Cape Town in joint network security mechanisms such 30 years. Progress in this area information of organisations and research in the area of network as firewalls are often insufficient to has led to the commercialisation individuals. intrusion detection, and the safeguard against these intrusions. of network intrusion detection co-supervision of postgraduate The cybercrime problem The reasons behind this deficiency technology. This technology consists students in related topics. The include misconfiguration or lack of hardware and software systems objective is to expand the scope of of sufficient security mechanisms, that are deployed in a computer Defining cybercrime the research currently undertaken infrequent updating of software network to monitor network traffic, at the CSIR; specifically, to develop Cybercrime constitutes a wide to fix known vulnerabilities, and with the purpose of detecting a range of detectors that operate spectrum of illegitimate activity that so-called zero day exploits, which intrusions in an automated fashion. in synergy to further suppress involves networked information take advantage of previously These misuse detection systems false positives, which is a key systems. Examples of cybercrime unknown flaws in information are able to accurately detect known practical limitation of anomaly- include the illegitimate access to and communications technology patterns or signatures of malicious based network intrusion detection personal or sensitive information systems. activity, but they are limited in the systems. which may lead to financial loss and scope of malicious activity that can identity theft, fraud and extortion, Network intrusion detection be detected. A system for network intrusion and the disruption of online services detection The inability of conventional to bring about a loss in revenue. network security mechanisms Solutions in progress CSIR researchers have developed An independent study by computer to reliably prevent intrusions in a software system that can Novel techniques for detecting networked information systems be used to deploy the novel security company McAfee in 2014, intrusions estimates that cybercrime costs has revealed the need for an detectors throughout a computer South Africa around R5.8 billion additional layer of security in Researchers at the CSIR are network, thereby providing a a year, which equates to 0.14% of computer networks. The purpose developing novel, more accurate consolidated view of the network the country’s GDP. Cybercrime is of this additional layer is to prevent detectors of intrusions that do not and any threats to its security. not limited to large organisations or limit the extent of any malicious rely on predefined signatures of The system enables the security and business institutions, but also activity involving the network malicious activity. This is a key expert to configure the detectors extends to individual users of the and its resources, as may result advantage over misuse detection and to focus on specific types of Internet. A 2013 report by Symantec from an intrusion. It involves the systems, as signatures for new malicious activity, depending on estimates that over one million accurate and timely detection of or recent exploits are frequently the nature of the network. The South African citizens fall victim intrusions as they occur, and the unavailable – they are created by situational awareness provided by to cybercrime each year, ranking subsequent blocking of illegitimate specialists only after malicious the software system contributes to behaviour has been identified and the early detection of threats, and analysed. The novel detectors are is a key component in preventing able to detect a wide spectrum of intrusions. malicious activity, as there is no The CSIR is currently exploring requirement to accurately capture partnership options with industry every possible permutation of towards further development and malicious activity in a signature. commercialisation of the network The novel detectors operate by intrusion detection system. scanning for unusual or unexpected By partnering with industry, network traffic patterns, or the CSIR creates an avenue for anomalies in the characteristics of research uptake and impact network traffic. Traffic patterns that through a jointly-developed do not conform to what is expected product. Consultation and joint are often indicative of malicious development with industry also activity in a network, and can be improves the relevancy of the successfully used to identify likely software, thereby promoting its | 47 | intrusions. The anomaly detectors uptake in the marketplace. developed at the CSIR provide real-time detection, which provides Enquiries: The CSIR’s Brenwen Ntlangu and Andre McDonald develop software that is able to accurately detect a larger window of opportunity Andre McDonald network intrusions. for responding to the intrusion [email protected] information security
Fighting identity theft with advances in fingerprint recognition
Dick Mathekga
Fingerprint recognition is a powerful tool to combat identity theft, which is costing the South African economy billions of rands. In an effort to make fingerprint recognition accessible for use by more South African companies to help prevent fraud resulting from identity theft, CSIR researchers have developed a software library with functions required to perform fingerprint recognition. Areas that require improvement have been identified and development continues in order to optimise the fingerprint recognition functions.
Identify theft occurs when someone assumes the identity of some other person, using their identifying information, usually in order to commit some crime. It occurs because: • Most people’s identifying information is readily available to criminals, for example, our names and ID numbers are recorded each time we enter venues or organisations with security. More often than not, we do not know how the information is managed and if information protection laws are applied.
• Methods that are commonly used to confirm identity can be circumvented by criminals. The South African ID document, for example, is the most used method of confirming identity in South Africa, but is easy to forge. Given the above, fraud resulting from identity theft can be prevented through a more reliable method of confirming identity. Biometric recognition, which is the use of a biometric to automatically determine or confirm identity, is such a method; where a biometric is a measurable biological or behavioural characteristic that can be used for automated recognition, such as a fingerprint. Identity can be reliably verified by comparing the biometric of a person claiming an identity, to a biometric stored against the claimed identity in a trusted database. A trusted database, when using fingerprints as a biometric, is that of the Department of Home Affairs and it can be used as a basis for creating other trusted databases; by only entering fingerprints and identifying information of people whose identities can be confirmed using the department’s fingerprint database. Therefore, companies affected by fraud resulting from identity theft can procure their own biometric recognition systems for use to confirm client identities; creating a trusted database. Biometric recognition systems are made mostly with technologies that are developed overseas and although the cost of the systems is affordable, it is believed that the use of local technologies could reduce costs and therefore make the systems accessible to more companies. Therefore the CSIR, in-line with its mandate, performs biometric research and development to contribute to the creation of local technologies. Initial efforts have been directed at developing fingerprint processing software with the following functions, which are required | 48 | for fingerprint recognition: fingerprint feature extraction, fingerprint feature comparison and fingerprint classification.
Enquiries: Dick Mathekga • [email protected] Fingerprint feature extraction Fingerprint feature comparison The mostly commonly used The comparison of minutiae points from two fingerprints is fingerprint features are minutiae performed through a two-step approach: points, which are the locations 1. Matching minutiae points, i.e. minutiae points with the same relative on a fingerprint where the ridge spatial locations such as those in Figure 2, are identified. lines, in other words, the black lines on the fingerprints and 2. A similarity score, i.e. the likelihood that minutiae points being fingerprint sections – shown in compared where extracted from fingerprints of the same image, Figures 1 to 3 – end or bifurcate. is computed. The function to extract minutiae The above steps are performed using methods that were developed at points implements the algorithm the CSIR and matching minutiae points can be identified as shown in shown in Figure 1, where each Figure 2. However, the performance is below that of similar commercial step, except the locate minutiae products, mainly because the method for implementing step 1 does step, was implemented using not always identify correct matching minutiae points as in the case of published methods. the minutiae points encircled by red line in Figure 2. Current efforts are Figure 1 shows that the minutiae directed at improving the methods for implementing both steps above. points can be extracted from a fingerprint using the function. However, not all minutiae points Figure 2: Two are always correctly identified as representations of the shown in Figure 1. This is mainly same fingerprint with because of the poor performance matching minutiae of the methods for performing points that have been the enhance and binarise steps; identified, using their outputs are not a true the CSIR software, connected by yellow representation of the input as lines. shown by the regions encircled by a red line in Figure 1. The methods are being improved.
Fingerprint classification Classification is performed to their relative positions. Singular Database 1 for the 2002 and determine which of the five points are the locations on a 2004 fingerprint verification different types of fingerprint fingerprint image where ridge lines competitions using patterns shown in Figure 3, make a sharp U-turn (loop) or form manually identified singular match a given fingerprint. a triangular shape (delta) as shown points. However, accurate This is usually done to speed in Figure 3. However, fingerprints identification of singular up the process of comparing a are often captured with one or points is not always possible, large number of fingerprints by more singular points missing especially on poor quality only comparing fingerprints of and the classification method fingerprints. Current efforts similar patterns. implemented in the function can are on improving the methods account for such cases. for identifying singular points The classification function and also experimenting with performs classification based on Classification accuracies of over a different non-singular point the number of singular points 90% have been obtained when feature for classification. on the fingerprint image and classifying fingerprints in
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Figure 1: Minutiae point identification algorithm steps, with ridge endings and a ridge bifurcation inside blue circles and a green circle, respectively. Figure 3: Five main types of fingerprints with singular points marked. defence
Novel CSIR technologies reduce the time and costs of aeronautical systems testing
By Dr Kaven Naidoo
Global aerospace and defence budgets are increasingly under pressure, with a resulting need to optimise resources. Ever more complex problems have to be solved in shorter periods of time. The CSIR has developed a range of novel technologies for modern aerodynamic design, testing and evaluation in support of our aerospace and defence industries.
In the current climate to reduce the time and budgets fit mission-specific requirements fighter aircraft to ensure that of restricted research and needed to complete aeronautical in the simulation environment, missiles can be safely flown and development spending there is a design as well as testing and reducing the number of deployed within the aircraft’s need to solve ever more complex evaluation programmes. Brief demonstration prototypes. It flight envelope (the limits of its problems in shorter time scales descriptions of some of these also provides UAV operators altitude, speed and manoeuvring and at reduced costs. Typically, technologies follow. and commanders with the capabilities) entails thousands of aircraft design programmes and opportunity to easily test UAVs hours of computer simulations weapons integration efforts need Simulation of airborne system and operational concepts in a and wind tunnel tests. This is to characterise the effect of a large concepts simulation environment so that necessary as the impact of adding number of problem variables, and they may be operated optimally. a weapon system has to be tested The CSIR developed a mission require large programmes and at every point within the flight simulator for unmanned aerial Similarly, the simulation resources spanning thousands of envelope, while testing a number vehicles (UAVs) that allows for the environment can be used to hours of wind tunnel testing and of critical aerodynamic variables simulation of various UAVs with test the operational capabilities, simulations. This is not feasible to ensure a consistently safe mission-specific payloads in any limitations and design in a cost and time-constrained operating envelope. requirements of missile systems environment. kind of operational theatre. This wargame-like software system in various operational scenarios. The CSIR developed a | 50 | In South Africa, the need to can evaluate the performance mathematical method to select a maintain competitiveness with of the UAVs in a number of Faster, less costly testing of limited number of points within leading aerospace nations has scenarios with variations in the flight envelope for testing generated innovation in the form terrain, environmental factors and weapon systems integration and simulation, allowing for the of several novel technologies threat systems. This allows for Testing the integration of a data to be interpolated at different developed at the CSIR. These help improved tailoring of designs to new weapon system onto a points within the envelope. The first image-plane tests carried out in the CSIR medium-speed wind tunnel, using the half model of the airframe used in a project that investigated the use of joined-wing configurations and morphing wing solutions.
In essence, the CSIR has explored the design for a test rig for Testing ‘morphing wing’ designs shapes in wind tunnel testing to the development of hybrid the CSIR’s large transonic determine the design requirements methods that combine the speed wind tunnel facility that will to reduce carbon footprint and for such futuristic wing designs. and low cost of traditional, fast, be used for the aerodynamic cost-of-travel of future aircraft These wings would allow for a well-established aerodynamic characterisation of high angle- Traditional aircraft wing designs, dramatic reduction in the carbon prediction methods with the high of-attack missile aerodynamics. of the kind that is prevalent on footprint (fuel efficiency coupled accuracy of new, higher fidelity most aircraft, are constrained with a reduction in greenhouse gas Normally, designing such a methods coupled with wind tunnel by traditional structural emissions) and cost-of-travel per rig is time and cost-intensive, simulation to reduce solution design methods, materials, passenger on the aircraft. time for complex aerodynamic because the rig design has to be material strength and current With the above-listed technologies, problems. This results in significant tested at various attitudes and manufacturing processes. the CSIR has again shown that savings in terms of the cost and the roll angles to ensure that the rig The CSIR is currently investigating the challenge of intensive resource time it takes to perform a weapons itself will in no way affect the the effect of so-called morphing constraints, in this case in the integration. The method has aerodynamics of the missiles wings (wings that can change aerospace and defence industries, already been successfully validated tested. their shape in flight to reduce can often produce unique and against traditional testing methods. With the use of an optimised aircraft drag at different aircraft innovative solutions. High angle-of-attack test test matrix as well as flow speeds) for possible use on future | 51 | simulations the design for the commercial aircraft. The exact rig designed proposed, high angle-of-attack method of morphing is still to be Using the same mathematical test rig could be completed at a determined by industry, but the Enquiries: method mentioned above, the fraction of the time and cost it CSIR is exploring the efficiency Dr Kaven Naidoo CSIR was also able to expedite would otherwise have needed. of different morphed wing test [email protected] defence Finding the right technology solutions to secure our borders By Cobus Venter Ensuring the safety and security of our combined land, air and sea borders is a complex challenge for which there is no single, simple solution. From a science and technology perspective, the CSIR has played an important role by creating a process that identifies the deficiencies and shapes scenarios to test feasible solutions.
Working with a range the Indian Ocean. The terrestrial of parties involved. These include interests of involved parties, of government and industry border runs along 5 200 km agencies such as the SA Police the CSIR developed a process stakeholders, operational conditions shared with five neighbouring Services and Revenue Services, as that considers all aspects, but were simulated during border- countries and with Lesotho well as more than 10 government narrows it down to specific safeguarding field trials to test ensconced within the country. departments including Agriculture, objectives to target with technical technical tools and combinations Transborder crimes – ranging Fisheries and Forestry, Home interventions. of technologies as well as the from poaching and smuggling Affairs and Environmental Through consultation, parties effectiveness of processes and to illegal crossings – are a major Affairs. The CSIR’s efforts are agreed to an experiment doctrine. These tests contributed challenge. Also, border zones have mainly focused on supporting definition that used maritime to a better understanding of the different, but equally challenging, the Department of Defence – and safeguarding as the operational comprehensive approach needed environmental profiles – from the SA National Defence Force in scenario in which to conduct field to address border safeguarding dangerous and unpredictable particular – as lead agency tasked deployments to ‘play out’ typical and those technologies that would oceans, to semi-desert areas, with border safeguarding. incidents. Specific scenarios positively contribute to it. and pockets of extremely high were planned that would test or humidity and rough terrains. South Africa’s coastal border Finding focus in complexity demonstrate technical and tactical stretches along 2 700 km from Adding to the complexity of border Given the complexities and the capabilities. On the technical side Namibia on the Atlantic ocean, management is the requirement broader context of challenges, around the tip of the continent to coordinate or consolidate the government philosophies and upwards to Mozambique on roles and activities of a multitude and policies, and the different
Evaluation under real conditions: Several technologies and different role players formed part of a field experiment at Saldanha in the Western Cape | 52 | to evaluate optimal approaches to maritime border safeguarding.
it included detection and effective Maritime and harbour protection Arms of Services, government gauges if the objectives were synthesis of situation awareness in the Saldanha area became departments and private agencies achieved fully, partially or not at data, and at command level, the the scenario for deployment. The who participated actively in all. The reasons for not achieving challenges of joint, interagency safeguarding challenges include the ‘injects’ and contributed an objective are noted and used and intergovernmental refugee influx, intertidal poaching, technologies for the deployment to improve the process. multinational participation. vessel interception for contraband or manned command centres. The most important outputs and maritime sabotage. of the experiment are the From the lab to real life Specific ‘injects’ – plausible Working with real results recommendations generated It is essential that the options are events that could occur in real After the field experiment, the against each objective. These verified as technically achievable life, but simulated for purposes overall and technical objectives recommendations are used before embarking on the of the experiment – were are evaluated. The evaluation by the relevant department to expensive field experiment phase. planned to occur over a two- improve a process or implement This verification takes place week period in November a technical solution or to develop during small-scale laboratory 2014. These included piracy a new capability. experimentation. During this attempts, poaching incidents During the past four years, the phase, various elements are and illegal crossings, and made CSIR has conducted five major tested independently to verify use of different surface craft and experiments related to border individual feasibility as well as submarines. Technologies used safeguarding. Each of these its integrated operation. What in the monitoring and response experiments identified process fails in the lab does not go into included radar and electronic improvements and verified the the field. This ensures that time warfare systems, optronic feasibility of technical solutions. and money is not wasted on systems, unmanned aerial Based on these results, the trying out elements that cannot systems, databases, software Department of Defence has contribute positively. The next and communication networks. initiated doctrinal changes test happens during the actual The preparation time spanned as well as acquisition and experiment; experience has eight months and involved all shown that the experiment procurement processes to ensure elements usually change after they are equipped to deal with a day or two in the field. These border-safeguarding challenges lessons are taken into the next and security of state. experiment.
Enquiries: Cobus Venter [email protected]
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Priaash Ramadeen of the CSIR demonstrates a platform that integrates and processes data from different sensors and communications devices at the organisation’s concept development and experimentation centre. Technology to combat poaching: From the lab to the Park By Priaash Ramadeen South African National Parks (SANParks) has partnered with the CSIR on the use of technology to combat rhino poaching. The CSIR supports SANParks with technology evaluation and advice, improved systems for surveillance and detection as well as secure tools for the collection and analysis of data pertaining to poaching tactics and trends. The CSIR’s Cmore platform is currently being used as the Kruger National Park’s core command and control system in the fight against poaching.
The number of rhino poaching Within the complex and Border safeguarding combined that with traditional incidents has escalated drastically dynamic world of safety and command and control functions in the past decade as the demand security, information is the key sets the scene (tracking, threat detection, for poached rhino horn increased. towards gaining insight and The CSIR first started work situation awareness, etc.) Housing the largest concentration understanding of a situation. on a system to facilitate to create the initial Cmore of rhinos in South Africa – and also inter-agency collaboration in technology demonstrator. | 54 | worst hit by poachers – the Kruger Real-time information enables supporting border-safeguarding Cmore is a cloud-based shared National Park has become the timeous and informed decisions, initiatives in South Africa. situation awareness platform focus of a number of interventions while subsequent analysis The team considered social that facilitates inter-agency to protect the animals and improve of the information enables networking technologies and collaboration and the integration the ability of park officials to deal an organisation to become the emergence of wireless and of a diverse set of services and with poachers. proactive. mobile communications and sensors. Major General (retired) Johan Jooste, SANParks Commanding Officer Special Projects, (left) and Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, CSIR Chief Executive Officer, at the Mission Area Joint Operations Centre in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park.
A screenshot showing real-time location tracking on a smart device which is running Cmore.
The Cmore user interface.
The system fully exploits the From the lab to the Park from private game rangers and algorithms to assist the Kruger geographic nature of events tourists to the South African Air National Park with its operations. In June 2014, the Kruger and real-world entities. Its Force – all log incident data of Opportunities include predictive National Park’s anti-poaching flexible information model makes various types. By forming a holistic modelling to anticipate the next personnel visited the CSIR’s it suited for various domains, picture of incidents and trends, poaching event and optimising concept demonstration and ranging from conservation to SANParks’ staff members are interdiction patrol routes. experimentation centre for a public services to safety and able to understand the behaviour demonstration of the technology Through Cmore, the team is security. patterns of poachers and develop platform. Since then, the CSIR working on linking all of the parks pro-active response strategies. The technology platform was team has been working to support within South Africa as well as initially tested in laboratory type the anti-poaching campaign by Continuous, shared awareness getting all the major anti-poaching scenarios, before an opportunity developing new requirements, stakeholders and organisations to arose for it to be put to the test in conducting training and improving Cmore’s portal and mobile collaborate. These efforts will then border-safeguarding experiments. current processes. applications allow the commanders be replicated in the SADC region and rangers to have real-time through conservation partners for These experiments involved a The CSIR and its collaborators shared awareness of events, the purpose of providing a South number of organisations and established a facility that serves as planning and tracking (rangers, African, African, and ultimately a systems being deployed within an a nerve centre, where surveillance aircraft) wherever there is an global view of conservation. operational defence force scenario. reports and data about poaching internet connection. The mobile events, country-wide border applications have a full offline Between 2013 and 2014, Project team: Alex Terlunen, Pieter Botha, crossings and other operational capability allowing use when not experiments were held in Priaash Ramadeen, Shazia Vawda, Minrie van information are collated, shared connected. Within the operations Ladybrand, Musina, Macadamia Ellewee, Herman le Roux, Cobus Venter, Arno and analysed. It also serves as a room, multiple organisations have Duvenhage, Jaco van den Bergh. Supported by and Saldanha. The latter focused | 55 | command post for immediate- access to a common operating Braam Greeff and Charl Petzer. on maritime activity. These reaction task forces that are picture. experiments highlighted dispatched from a nearby airstrip. real-world requirements that Progress has been made to the Enquiries: were used to further improve Rangers and other parties involved extent that data being gathered can Priaash Ramadeen the Cmore system. in combatting rhino poaching – be used by researchers to develop [email protected] defence Research and development to protect soldiers from landmines and improvised explosive devices
By Rayeesa Ahmed
Nicolas Tsila, a CSIR explosive technician, setting up an experiment involving an explosively formed projectile surrogate.
| 56 | An add-on protection package is tested at the CSIR’s detonics, ballistics and Typical damage or penetration caused due to an improvised explosive device projectile on an unprotected target. explosives laboratory.
Landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remain a major threat for military vehicles, their occupants and other assets. Due to the improvised nature of the current threats, the shift from conventional to unconventional warfare and the use of improvised weapons and terrorism, traditional methods of protection need to be adapted or new technologies developed. In one research project addressing this challenge, the CSIR developed a vehicle add-on protection package to interrupt explosively formed projectile IEDs.
Pri otect on solutions single coherent slug is formed or projectile mass, speed and shape). fitted onto a vehicle were devised for the South African National several smaller slugs). These three The modification, modelling and based on research, including Defence Force has resulted from parameters are key in determining subsequent retesting was an threat/target interactions, several processes of research, the performance of the projectile iterative process until the correct material behaviour under impact development and innovation. (based on its kinetic energy over behaviour was attained. Several loading and new materials or a distance) and thus also indicate tests were conducted on the novel material combinations. A clearer understanding of the the required protection needed to final version to ensure that the Each concept was modelled problem (threat) is built on a prevent penetration. performance of the surrogate was and prototype panels of those combination of encounters in consistent and repeatable. that showed potential were the field, trends and theoretic Because of the improvised nature manufactured. These were each calculations. The main elements of IEDs, a representation of the A good protection solution against tested against the surrogate that must be understood in the threat, or surrogate, is needed to an explosively formed projectile projectile, and the speed and case of landmines and IEDs are simulate repeatable behaviour, threat should ideally break up the morphology of the projectile the damage mechanisms of against which any protection projectile or slow it down. This was measured before and after the threat. For landmines, this solution can be evaluated. reduces the kinetic energy of the interaction with the panels to mechanism can be defined in projectile sufficiently for it to be evaluate whether the panels terms of the blast loading. CSIR researchers modelled a unable to penetrate the occupant had the predicted effect in For IEDs, it can be blast loading, surrogate explosively formed compartment of the vehicle or slowing down or interrupting fragmentation penetration or a projectile IED concept design using final layer of the target. the projectiles. combination of both. With make- specialised software to simulate the performance of the projectile. The protection solution should, shift explosives devices, such as however, also not add too much Based on the results of the tests, IEDs, the threat characterisation The concept design was modified the concepts were modified and based on the computational results weight to the target and thus the phase is critical, because each mass per area of the solution is retested until a final design was weapon is different and poses and a prototype was built. This reached. This case study is an was experimentally tested, using an important criterion to consider. different threats. Similarly, the dimensions of the example of how the research, specialised equipment, against a development and innovation simple steel plate target. solution should not be such that Case study: Explosively the total width of the vehicle process was successfully followed formed projectile The equipment used during the becomes impractical. These to reach a solution that would tests included a Flash X-ray and weight and dimension budget provide the required protection, For this case study, the threat high-speed video cameras to limitations are assessed by that within the specified mass and was an explosively formed measure the speed and morphology which would provide the same dimension restrictions. projectile IED. These are generally | 57 | of the projectile as well as the protection levels as the equivalent characterised by the projectile interaction thereof with the target. mass and thickness of a plate of that is formed during the Rolled Homogenous Armour. detonation, in terms of its mass, This initial surrogate design was Enquiries: the speed it attains and the shape then fine-tuned to get the desired Several concepts for an add-on Rayeesa Ahmed it forms (including whether a performance output (based on protection package that can be [email protected] defence
Providing state-of-the-art modelling and simulation support for the South African Air Force
By Kevin Jamison
Air warfare in the 21st century is In decades past, air warfare mostly involved single aircraft in line-of-sight combat, or ‘dogfights’, and the use of very similar weapons for air-to-air or air-to-ground attacks. These days, with advanced dominated by advanced technology modern radar and sensing technologies, a myriad of advanced weaponry and countermeasures, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and long-range missiles, air warfare has become faster, more and it is increasingly difficult to unpredictable and a lot more complex. This makes the acquisition and adoption of the right aircraft, intuitively discern the optimal systems, technologies and tactics a difficult task for any air force. The same is true for the South African Air Force (SAAF), which has to anticipate increasingly advanced and unpredictable threats on the solutions, doctrines and tactics to continent. adopt. Modelling and simulation The 2014 Defence Review makes it clear that peace enforcement operations outside of South Africa are very much part of its mission. At the same time, sub-Saharan Africa continues to grow economically can be used to simplify complex (it is one of the fastest growing regions in the world) with spending on defence acquisitions increasingly scenarios to the point that they can resulting in some very advanced munition systems proliferating across the region. This means that the South African National Defence Force is likely to encounter very advanced adversary systems being be analysed and learning derived. utilised. As the SAAF is a small air force, there is a great premium on fighting ‘smarter’ and on making the best possible use of the limited resources available. At the same time, the introduction of systems to Often the process of modelling cope with the increasingly complex combat scenarios, for example the introduction of the SAAB Gripen and simulating these scenarios into the SAAF, has presented a range of new capabilities such as datalinks, helmet-mounted displays, ultra-agile missiles and long-range multi-mode radars. These facets add to the challenge of accurate uncover non-intuitive insights as planning, well-informed acquisitions and the selection of the best tactics. the interactions between the Addressing complexity through modelling elements in the simulation are One of the best ways to address complexity is to model it. Nowadays models can utilise the dramatic increases in computational power and innovations in software architecture and algorithms to address investigated. The CSIR has complex systems. Simulating complex nonlinear systems is important for avoiding the unintended developed advanced modelling and consequences that often arise when issues are studied in isolation. The CSIR has long provided modelling and simulation support to the SAAF, drawing on the organisation’s diverse expertise in areas such as simulation software that adds real aeronautics, radar, optronics, electronic warfare and command and control. value to the operations of the The CSIR has assisted the SAAF over many years, using modelling and simulation, in a range of different missions and acquisitions. This led to the development of the Mission Simulation Framework, used by the South African Air Force. CSIR in modelling and simulating scenarios for the SAAF. Some of these projects are outlined on page 59.
Enquiries: Kevin Jamison [email protected]
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Analysing missile hit probability for engagement scenarios. Helmet-mounted display. Air defence planning during the Soccer World Cup in 2010. Photograph: Frans Dely
New fighter aircraft acquisition Anticipating new stand-off weapon technologies Before the acquisition of the SAAB Gripen fighters in 1999, the CSIR Stand-off weapons are missiles or bombs which may be launched used modelling and simulation to help determine the minimum at a distance beyond the range of defensive fire from the target performance requirements for the acquisition of a new fighter area. With the increasing proliferation globally and also in Africa of aircraft in the southern African operational environment. These advanced air defence systems, the SAAF needed to clearly understand simulations showed what speed, range and manoeuvrability what performance to specify for the new stand-off weapon tech– would optimally be required, even before aircraft were shortlisted nology. Modelling and simulation was used to determine what ranges for selection. and capabilities were required from different launch profiles to succeed against these threats. Planning air defences for the 2010 Soccer World Cup FIFA – the International Federation of Association Football – required Beyond-visual-range air-to-air combat that South Africa protects all the stadiums and surrounding airspace With the advent of long-range airborne radar technologies and from unauthorised intruders. This task was assigned to the SAAF beyond-visual-range weapons systems, this mode of air-to-air and was challenging for a small air force due to the number of combat has become increasingly important. Beyond-visual-range stadiums across the country. Modelling and simulation was used combat is very complex with a large number of factors that can to study the positioning of radars and sensors, and to optimise the influence the outcome of an engagement. Some of these factors flight paths for aircraft patrols to complement the ground-based include the capabilities of the aircraft on both sides, the missiles, sensor coverage while still being able to respond rapidly to threats. the presence of datalinks, the use of ground controllers and electronic warfare. Beyond-visual-range technology is proliferating in Africa Short range air-to-air missiles and helmet-mounted display and the SAAF asked the CSIR to develop a modelling and simulation environment to support acquisition decisions on such systems and With the advent of helmet-mounted display targeting technology to evaluate tactics and doctrines. and ultra-agile short range missiles, certain ‘rules of thumb’ had 59 to be developed, with the aid of simulations, to ensure the safe use These projects show that modelling and simulation is playing a key | | of such advanced weaponry – for instance to avoid a fighter pilot role in assisting the SAAF to address the complexities of modern air accidentally shooting down his/her wingman. warfare, to anticipate threats, to make smarter acquisitions, and to enable it to cost-effectively adapt to changing needs and capabilities in the air defence sphere. defence Optics and radar: Your eyes and ears in the battle field
By Simphiwe Mkwelo
The ability to detect and identify a possible threat is critical in the military context where rapid reaction, deployment of countermeasures and self-protection tactics can mean the difference between life and death. The CSIR’s work in combining radar and optical sensors into fully integrated systems supports the South African National Defence Force as it conducts peace-keeping missions in African combat zones and protects our land, air and sea borders.
Modern warfare takes place in an asymmetric from the environment and self-generated heat from objects. environment where different forces have different military Optical sensors operate at the small end of the electromagnetic capabilities and use unconventional weapons or tactics to spectrum in terms of wavelength – i.e. wavelengths spanning gain the upper hand. Improvised explosive devices and 100 nm to 1 mm. At these small wavelengths, these sensor shoulder-launched missiles are examples of weapons that systems encounter challenges with weather and lighting may be used in the African combat scenario. conditions, which limits visibility. One of the challenges is to develop image processing algorithms to mitigate these effects These are typical problem areas where integrated optical and improve image quality. sensor and radar technology can be used to characterise the threat, countermeasures and the environment under which Radar surveillance engagements take place. Radar is a short term for ‘radio frequency detection and ranging’. This has been a core research domain at the CSIR Optical surveillance since the organisation’s establishment in 1945. In fact, South Optical surveillance and sensor networks provide one Africa’s history in radar technology stems from its use during method of detecting, tracking and recognising enemy threats. the World War in 1939 when systems were deployed along the CSIR research in this area deals with both the sensing and coast as part of the British campaign in Africa. Radar sensors processing components. This requires a wide range of skills including electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering and optical physics. Optical systems are imaging systems designed to image the scene, using radiation
Enquiries: Simphiwe Mkwelco | 60 | [email protected] Field trials performed using a mobile, integrated dynamic radar cross-section measurement facility. A stand-alone tracker incorporating a multi-spectral high-resolution digital sensor suite that tracks potential threats, and simulates the ocean’s movement (or motion) to allow the evaluation of the sensor suite on land. typically operate in the microwave from the various sensors were infrared electronic warfare capability integrated infrared and radio portion of the electromagnetic received through a GiGE switch is required that uses testing and frequency threat exploitation and spectrum with wavelengths from and displayed to give situational evaluation field measurements, countermeasure effectiveness 1 mm to 100 m. awareness to the operators. The modelling and simulation, and evaluation. radars were used as a primary hardware-in-the-loop systems Radar in general are not naturally source for designation on target in a laboratory environment to suited to performing imaging, Cutting-edge technologies for aircraft because of longer range characterise the behaviour and identification and recognition detection performance. When performance of the threat. The modern warfare functions. This is because the the targets were estimated to objective is seeing the world basic radar operates based Radar and optical sensors operate be within range for imaging, through ‘the eyes of the missile’ and on received echoes from the in the electromagnetic spectrum angular coordinates of the targets understanding the processes that surrounding environment – and are key technologies for were sent to the optical control take place within the missile during the target appears as a blip survival in the asymmetric system to steer the sensors in the an engagement with an aircraft. on the radar display. Much war environment, where early appropriate direction for imaging. more sophisticated hardware Modern missiles now have warning, situation awareness and The images at various optical and processing are required to integrated infrared and radio recognition of allies and enemy bands and radar signals were produce images of the target frequency capability to increase forces are critical. An infrared/ then recorded and time-stamped using synthetic aperture radar the probability of a hit. The radio frequency integrated for off-line analysis. In a real techniques. Even these images integrated nature of the threat capability in terms of surveillance scenario, the processing would require a trained human operator requires a countermeasure research and platform self-protection have had to run in real time to to best interpret them. capability that seeks to understand is set to be a game changer in track and classify imaged targets the integrated threat fully – a this dynamic and unpredictable automatically. This deployment Integrated infrared and radio relatively new domain for threat combat environment. The CSIR was a major success and a testing and evaluation research. is well placed to support the frequency capability baseline for further opportunities The fundamental requirement is Department of Defence in tackling for collaborative and integrative Combining these two technology to have infrastructure including modern warfare challenges. exercises. types has benefits which include long-range target detection and tracking, coupled with imaging On the receiving end: Dealing and recognition of targets at close with modern missiles range. The normal scenario is to Performing research into self- use radar as a designation source protection aims to improve the for the optical sensor. The optical effectiveness of countermeasures sensor then images the scene and and survival of aircraft against allows for automatic identification specific missile threats. and recognition of the target from Vulnerability of aircraft is a image features. matter of concern for the public/ A proof of concept was passengers, airliners, aircraft demonstrated at the Paardefontein manufacturers, owners and site in 2013, when the CSIR- operators. All aircraft, including developed radar cross section civilian aircraft, are at risk of being | 61 | systems were tested in the field attacked. The most common together with a number of optical threat has for a long time been sensors in infrared and visual MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Infrared images of a C-130 Aircraft in the three different infrared bands: short wave (top), medium bands. A command and control Defence System) with an infrared wave (middle) and long wave (bottom) depicting the contributions made to the aircraft signature centre was set up where the feeds seeker head. An integrated within the various bands. These images were captured using imaging radiometers. ict Computer vision for an autonomous mobile robot
By Dr Daniel Withey
Mobile robots are well suited for remote reconnaissance and remote inspections, especially in environments that are dangerous or difficult for people. Examples include the remote investigation of damaged or contaminated buildings; remote inspections of, for example, the breakwater dolosse at coastal ports; and the inspection of large liquid storage tanks, which may present space constraints and harbour chemical vapours. Autonomous mobile robotics is an active and growing research area internationally. CSIR researchers in mobile intelligent autonomous systems are working on ways to improve a robot’s visual interpretation of its environment for autonomous movement and intelligent inspection.
Computer vision systems Platform design environment; laser scanners, which To autonomously move from one are essential for practical, emit a light beam and measure the point to another, the robot uses its An autonomous, mobile robot autonomous, mobile robots; distance to objects based on the map to plan an obstacle-free path platform typically consists of a machines that employ artificial travel time of the reflected light; and from its current position to the frame with wheels and gears, intelligence and can control sonar scanners, which emit and destination point. It then computes driven by electric motors. their own motion within receive sound waves. the motor drive controls that will The design of the platform relatively unconstrained allow it to follow the path. As the allows the machine a wide Computer vision algorithms allow environments. robot moves, the laser scanner range of movement, including an autonomous, mobile robot to input is used for location estimation combinations of translational and form a map of its environment. Analogous to the human visual and also for collision detection. rotational motion. One or more A key class of algorithms used system, which includes sense If a blocked path is detected, the vision sensors are mounted on in providing this information is organs and processing centres for robot plans and follows a new, the robot frame and an on-board Simultaneous Localisation and interpretation of visual information, obstacle-free path. computer runs software that Mapping (SLAM), where sensed a computer vision system includes takes input from the sensors and data are used to form the map one or more primary vision For autonomous exploration, determines the required motor and simultaneously determine the sensors, such as a set of cameras the robot uses its map to identify control. location of the robot within the or a laser scanner, as well as a region which has not yet been map. When the robot is moving, viewed with the laser scanner. sophisticated computer algorithms Suitable computer vision sensors computer vision algorithms are also It then moves to a position where for extracting information from the include cameras, typically passive used to detect obstructions that the region can be observed raw sensor data. sensors that form an image of the may appear in the robot’s path, and accumulates the scanned allowing appropriate action to be information into its map. This taken to avoid potential collisions. process is continued until the robot has mapped all accessible Experimental system regions of the environment. A CSIR-developed experimental The map created by the robot, system for autonomous exploration along with video from two forward- and mapping demonstrates looking cameras, is supplied to computer vision for an autonomous an operator console via a wireless mobile robot. The primary computer communications link. From this vision sensor in this system is console, an operator has control to a laser scanner that provides a start, stop, or redirect the robot. representation of the environment as a point cloud, identifying This experimental system locations where returns have been demonstrates capability in the received from the laser scans. Point design and development of | 62 | clouds are produced by the laser computer vision systems and of The CSIR developed an experimental system for exploration and mapping using autonomous scanner at a rate of several times per autonomous systems, in general. robots. The primary vision sensor for the system is a laser scanner that was mounted atop a generic second and a SLAM algorithm is It lays the foundation for directed robotic platform (right). The scan information is collected by an on-board computer to form a three-dimensional map. An example (above) shows the map produced from a 40m x 15m indoor used to accumulate successive point research in these areas and for area. A representation of the robot is shown in white following its self-generated path, indicated clouds into a single representation of the development of systems for by a green line. the environment, forming a map. specific, industrial applications. | 63 |
Enquiries: Dr Daniel Withey [email protected] ict Enabling new broadband opportunities through smart spectrum sharing By Dr Fisseha Mekuria
Wireless devices connected to our daily lives, such as smartphones and laptops, are increasingly demanding more bandwidth and services. At the same time, a large proportion of the population in developing countries is still waiting for wireless broadband internet connectivity and services. The CSIR has developed an innovative, smart spectrum management tool that allows optimal sharing and utilisation of currently wasted and scarce spectrum resources to improve the reach of broadband internet services.
The effective use of infrastructure that needs to be white space communications service provisioning. As a result, the national radio frequency spectrum managed effectively to cater for technologies will add to improved CSIR also developed a cloud-based resources is important to meet the increasing service demand broadband service availability, and spectrum database framework, on the increasing bandwidth and from ubiquitous wireless devices. are expected to be affordable and which many national spectrum service demand from current Better, smarter management of easy to deploy in rural underserved databases of various different devices as well as responding to spectrum resources will assist a communities. The CSIR is involved African countries can be hosted. the enormous need in developing large proportion of the population in deploying two experimental Countries that have thus far shown countries for wireless broadband in South Africa and developing network test-beds based on an interest in making use of this internet connectivity and services. countries where the majority of spectrum sharing, which are now platform include Ghana, Botswana the population is still waiting for operational at two locations in and Tanzania. Access to efficient broadband broadband internet connectivity South Africa (the Western Cape internet communication plays a The CSIR wireless research team is through wireless communication and Limpopo) where broadband pivotal role in the socio-economic the only team from Africa to take technologies. The CSIR’s wireless internet services are provided to development and functioning of part in the recent global white space research team, as a result of several schools. societies hoping to progress to a spectrum database qualification consistent research, development knowledge economy. The CSIR has received several project organised by the EU Ofcom- and innovation in ICT and future international requests, based on UK telecom regulator. The outcome wireless communications for As the number of wireless devices the recognition of its excellent will give the CSIR’s smart spectrum several years, has developed a and associated bandwidth-hungry research and real-world management tool international cloud-based dynamic spectrum services is rapidly increasing, experimental network test-beds. recognition, as well as open up allocation system that enables the existing static allocation of Requests range from development global business opportunities. frequency channels to wireless spectrum sharing between of a national dynamic spectrum Going forward, the CSIR aims networks and devices will soon secondary TV white space allocation tool from other African to remain a leader in the smart broadband networks and licensed inevitably give way to a system countries, to help them in effective sharing and use of spectrum TV broadcasting networks. for ‘on-demand’, dynamic utilisation of their own national resources on the continent, to spectrum allocation. Taking the Secondary broadband wireless spectrum resources, to designing accelerate wireless broadband lead in this domain, the CSIR networks use dormant or unused television white space broadband internet services and improve developed a national spectrum white space channel frequencies in networks for increased broadband socio-economic development. database covering the whole TV broadcasting frequency bands. of South Africa. The spectrum Furthermore, with the ability database is coupled with a to accurately and continuously patented location-based dynamic see which spectrum spaces are spectrum allocation tool for easy, unused and which networks and on-demand spectrum allocation. broadcasters are using which Together they provide an efficient frequency ranges, the system spectrum management system can provide spectrum regulators and co-existent monitoring tool with a helpful smart spectrum for telecommunications regulatory | 64 | management tool. authorities (like ICASA). This technology has led to the Radio frequency spectrum emergence of new wireless is an important national broadband communications Dr Fisseha Mekuria, Litsietsi Montsi and Luzango Mfupe are three of the researchers working on the resource for information and technologies, termed white space CSIR’s geo-location based dynamic spectrum allocation system. communications technology (ICT) communications. Future wireless | 65 |
The tool that the CSIR developed is able to provide secondary users with a list of unused Enquiries: frequency bands, at any location, and allow users to access those bands to provide wireless Dr Fisseha Mekuria internet services without any interference to primary users. [email protected] ict Cyberinfrastructure for international competitiveness By Dr Happy Sithole
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Figure 1: SANReN network roll-out. Figure 2: A sample of data for ALICE projects showing the number of jobs processed at the CHPC from April to June 2015. Cyberinfrastructure refers to information technology systems that provide particularly powerful and advanced capabilities. It encompasses a combination of massive processing capability, high-speed connectivity, massive storage facilities and highly skilled personnel. Leading nations have invested significantly in these facilities and closely aligned them with their economic activities. South Africa has in the past decade invested in national cyberinfrastructure to enable cutting-edge research and development within its academic and research institutions as well as industry. The CSIR, through the relevant centres and initiatives it hosts, plays a key role in developing South Africa’s cyberinfrastructure landscape to ensure maximum impact from its various services.
The Centre for High The performance of research schools. The 204 connected Furthermore, these Performance Computing activities in South Africa when sites (with over 1 million users cyberinfrastructure entities also (CHPC), hosted by the CSIR, is compared to the rest of the world connected) receive between provide value-add services: one of three primary pillars of is used as a measurement of the 1 Gigabit per second (Gb/s) • The eduroam wireless roaming the national cyberinfrastructure outputs from these interventions. and 10 Gb/s, with an average service allows researchers, intervention supported by the In addition, adoption of bandwidth availability of 2.82 students and educators Department of Science and cyberinfrastructure in industry Gb/s per site. The connectivity to seamlessly connect to Technology. and other science and engineering status is depicted in Figure 1. eduroam-enabled sites domains is accelerating discoveries The CHPC provides massive • High performance computing globally using their home and development. parallel processing capabilities (HPC) infrastructure has organisation credentials. and services to researchers in grown from 2.5 TFLOPS in • A combination of HPC-related industry and academia. The Cyberinfrastructure achievements 2007 to 61.4 TFLOPS, and is training initiatives, which South African National Research in South Africa being upgraded to 1 PFLOPS includes winter schools and a Network (SANReN) provides high- (that is a thousand trillion The Department of Science and student cluster challenge, to speed connectivity to academic operations per second) in the Technology has invested in develop high-end skills in the institutions and research councils current year. cyberinfrastructure entities since country. around the country, while the 2006 and much has been achieved • A 4 PBytes-storage system split Data Intensive Research Initiative • An annual meeting that to date. between the Pretoria and Cape of South Africa implements attracts over 400 participants • The list of initiatives and Town campuses of the CSIR has tools and facilities to enable from all over the world with organisations benefitting from been designed for data-driven efficient data-driven scientific and renowned cyberinfrastructure connectivity from SANReN applications and near-real time engineering discoveries. personalities giving keynote continues to grow and includes synchronisation to provide lectures. To facilitate cutting-edge 25 universities; most statutory for full disaster recovery of research, a wide range of skills science and research councils; all research data. This facility development initiatives and selected Technical Vocational provides storage for big data Enquiries: support services ensure efficient Training and Education and resources in support of data Dr Happy Sithole utilisation of these facilities. Training colleges; and some intensive research activities. [email protected]
The successful implementation of cyberinfrastructure in South Africa international competition hosted by the International Supercomputing has enabled competitiveness of the country in many aspects, notably: Conference.
• The reduction of bandwidth costs for the South African higher • The HPC system in South Africa has been rated among the TOP500 education and research communities from R43 000 for 1 Mbps supercomputers in the world – number 311 in 2012. per month to R6 100 for 1Gbps per month for local connectivity, and from R52 425 to R880 per month for 1 Mbps for international • South African industries are adopting HPC for their research and connectivity. development competitiveness.
• The critical contribution made to the Square Kilometre Array bid by • A multinational corporation, Johnson Matthey, established its research demonstrating efficient connectivity and processing capability that centre in South Africa in 2013, mainly attracted by the expertise in led to the successful award of the hosting rights for South Africa. modelling and simulation in this country, and the existence of high- speed connectivity and HPC resources. The company is currently one • South Africa is rated among the leading countries to provide of the leading industrial users of the CHPC. support for the Large Hadron Collider experiments of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) with recognition for a • There has been an increase in publications from South African Tier-2 facility producing 2 400 jobs per day for project ALICE (A researchers in high impact journals, coupled with an increase in Large Ion Collider Experiment). See Figure 2. postgraduate qualifications in HPC-related fields. | 67 | • The human capital development programme, through the Student It is evident that South Africa’s ability to compete globally is receiving Cluster Challenge, has proven to be world-class with South a substantial boost through significant bandwidth; massive processing African students crowned champions two years in a row at the facilities and data storage systems, driven by high-end skills. ict Broadband for All: Towards closing the broadband infrastructure gap By Kobus Roux Government has long realised the immense potential of universal and accessible broadband to fight the triple threats of unemployment, poverty and inequality. According to Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Siyabonga Cwele, government is planning supply and demand-side broadband interventions to address the gap between those who have access to digital services, and those who do not. The CSIR conducted research to better understand the nature of this gap and to identify the best approach to close it.
Broadband access is largely an infrastructure challenge: the lack of Gap-analysis started with understanding the proximity of people and infrastructure in some regions and the cost of communications, are what buildings to the nearest broadband fibre infrastructure. Census 2011 data keeps us from a digital future in which the majority of households benefit were used to calculate the general gap to the nearest broadband fibre from access to broadband technologies, services and content. infrastructure. We further calculated the specific gap to school buildings: Schools are at specified geographical points, allowing measurement of What is the nature of this gap? How many kilometres of fibre are needed? the distance to the nearest fibre infrastructure; they are also located close How will new technology developments impact on the to where people live and therefore have been identified as a priority for national plans? broadband connectivity.
What is the nature of this gap? This study contributed to a shift in broadband policy thinking, away The CSIR’s infrastructure gap-analysis study identified a gap between from developing long distance networks, towards measures for closing the high-capacity backbone infrastructures and access to this network specific gaps in regions where local distribution remained a problem. infrastructure. This gap is greatest in rural areas and, in particular, in The approach is complemented with more integrated measures across former homeland states where the most marginalised communities live. the broadband value chain, such as demand stimulation (“Digital
| 68 | Opportunities”); government acting as an anchor user in under-serviced • The fibre network footprint could follow one or more of the road, rail, areas (“Digital Development”); and greater infrastructure sharing (“Digital power-line and pipeline networks; Future”) [SA Connect, Dec 2013]. • A point of presence/fibre access is required in every local municipality, Initially, gaps were classified into regions by grouping the places where mesozone, or census enumeration area; the gaps and concentration of people were simultaneously the highest. • The access network technology can be wired (fibre) or wireless; and However, the results were too difficult to plan and implement, as fiscal funding is applied and managed along municipal demarcations. • Anchor users, such as universities, hospitals, government offices and Using the municipal demarcations, it was found that each of the 232 schools should be on the fibre network. local municipalities in South Africa is covered with one or more nodes on the existing fibre infrastructure. This underlines the nature of the The initial estimate is that South Africa needs at least 159 000 km of infrastructure challenge: it isn’t in the long distance network, but in the fibre routes to connect all settlements. The following table illustrates the local distribution. estimated fibre need, fibre present and remaining weighted gap for the fifteen local municipalities with the largest weighted gap. A weighted measure of the gap is introduced as the distance from the nearest broadband fibre multiplied by the number of people affected. Ultimately, by effectively closing the broadband access gap as it relates to Using this, South Africa has an overall gap of 101 554 kilo-people-km. infrastructure and the cost of communications, every dwelling in South The following table lists the ten district municipalities with the largest Africa can be connected. gap, representing 44% of the overall national gap.
For continued contribution to decision-making in support of the National Local municipality Minimum Fibre Weighted Development Plan and the National Infrastructure Plan as championed by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, the CSIR fibre need present gap (kilo- is continuously improving the mapping, analysis and monitoring of (km) people-km) infrastructure development. As a result, South Africa can better leverage Ngquza Hill, O.R.Tambo, 788 9% 2 435 the synergies between road, rail, power-line, water and broadband Eastern Cape infrastructures. Blouberg, Capricorn, 698 10% 2 407 How many kilometres of fibre are required? Limpopo Government is about to spend a great deal of money to subsidise Joe Morolong, John Taolo 989 12% 2 318 broadband construction. Since more than 70% of the total investment Gaetsewe, Northern Cape is related to civil works involved in laying fibre, it is imperative to have Nkandla, uThungulu, 471 1% 2 076 an accurate assessment on the minimum number of kilometres of fibre KwaZulu-Natal required to connect the country. eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal 1 888 185% 2 054 The CSIR is developing models to quantify the distance of fibre-routes required in under-serviced areas and although infrastructure providers Thulamela, Vhembe, 957 29% 2 004 will have their own detailed plans and network operators will add Limpopo requirements such as redundancy through ring architectures, a sound Matatiele, Alfred Nzo, 682 13% 1 977 starting point is important. The following have been considered for Eastern Cape the models: Kagisano/Molopo, 1 065 7% 1 852 Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, North West District municipality Weighted gap Ekurhuleni, Gauteng 1 551 2 71% 1 750 O.R.Tambo, Eastern Cape 7 204 Mhlontlo, O.R. Tambo, 756 21% 1 664 Alfred Nzo, Eastern Cape 5 864 Eastern Cape Capricorn, Limpopo 5 210 City of Johannesburg, 1 805 416% 1 612 Chris Hani, Eastern Cape 4 203 Gauteng Vhembe, Limpopo 4 185 Mbizana, Alfred Nzo, 793 17% 1 544 Eastern Cape Ngaka Modiri Molema, North West 4 093 Mbhashe, Amathole, 1 130 13% 1 492 Amathole, Eastern Cape 4 035 Eastern Cape Uthungulu, KwaZulu-Natal 3 735 City of Tshwane, Gauteng 1 997 242% 1 444 Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, North West 3 376 Engcobo, Chris Hani, 778 6% 1 345 Mopani, Limpopo 3 267 Eastern Cape | 69 |
Enquiries: Kobus Roux [email protected] ict
Our ability to understand the world, to measure and change perceptions, is facing a new challenge – how to draw insights, to forecast and to act on the massive datasets being delivered at ever-increasing speed and variety from thousands of satellites and millions of sensors. The CSIR’s multidisciplinary skills set and the integration of these skills sets enable it to support the processing, analysis and application of this data.
The preservation of our environment and natural resources is imperative if humankind is to achieve – and enjoy – a sustainable future.
Earth observation scientists understand that measurement of the world, of the Earth system, is critical to bring into clear perspective the changes that are going on around us. Thus, in The CSIR-developed monitoring system for large-area surface deformation. the 21st century we have come to understand our world spatially through a technical lens. Satellites and remote sensing transformed the way the planet is observed and understood; and the Internet and social media opened up new ways of thinking about human expression and activity.
In-situ measurements, with the advent of connected devices, could grow to over one billion devices collecting data and measuring almost every conceivable parameter around us.
New satellite systems and constellations are increasing their collection capacity, their persistence and spectral range and their spatial coverage. A new Silicon Valley start-up will, by the end of 2016, image the entire planet every day! Historic data, collected from multi-decadal missions, are now becoming more accessible through online portals. We now face the data deluge. The data deluge Our ability to understand the world, to measure and change perceptions, is facing a new challenge – how to draw insights, forecast and act on the massive amounts of data being | 70 | delivered at ever-increasing speed and variety.
Such is the paradigm shift, that traditional remote sensing and spatial analysis – the purview of geographers and geo-informatists SeaFAR realtime display of maritime information. Increasing spatial awareness through the convergence of space and ICT
By Lee Annamalai • Co-authors: Waldo Kleynhans and Janine Engelbrecht
– is changing into an information services; and thirdly, a new wave of monitoring system and SEAFAR exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and communications technology global transparency and information – a wide-area maritime domain as well as cargo vessels moving (ICT) solution space. It is now empowerment arose. awareness system. into and out of port holding areas. widely accepted that remote and The system utilises location and As ICT penetration continues to The research built on the in-situ sensing is an important ancillary vessel information influence global culture, politics and existing knowledge in signal pillar of the information transmitted from the automatic the economy, seven modern day processing and machine society. However, there is still identification system (AIS) advances are seen: learning; middleware concepts the need for the associated receivers on-board the vessels. used in networked application information processing, algorithm • Digitisation, especially of the Vessels that are not carrying development and web service development, innovative analytical environment and Earth sensing AIS transponders, which are provisioning – which has been techniques and management equipment, and the creation required by international law, are applied to remote and in-situ philosophies for large data sets to of increasingly powerful and identified through the automated Earth observation data, creating keep pace with the advances made intelligent digital sensing processing of Satellite Synthetic the paradigm shifting results in sensing capabilities. technologies and applications. Aperture Radar imagery. One in these Earth observation satellite observation can typically Over the past 15 years, • Continued miniaturisation operational solutions. cover up to 250 000 km2 of the convergence between space and the mainstreaming of 1.5 million km2 South African technology and ICT has seen nanotechnology in manufacturing Azimuth marine EEZ. This means that the significant maturity. While and telecommunications. In South Africa, large areas are entire EEZ can be covered in less this convergence was led by • The growth of wireless affected by surface deformation than a week. SeaFAR has several satellite-based communications, computing. associated with underground algorithms developed within the information processing techniques mining or natural geological system which are also able to from the ICT domain have • The growth of cloud computing processes. It poses a significant detect maritime pollution events demonstrated an increasing and big data analytics. threat to the safety of humans (like bilge dumps) and identify convergence with the processing and damage to economic culprit vessels through vessel techniques used on the terabytes • The continued development infrastructure. Proving the track forecasts and correlations. of data collected from the of technologies based on stability of undermined areas constellation of satellites orbiting open standards that ensure is important for post-mining and monitoring the Earth’s surface. interoperability. Towards the future rehabilitation. The Azimuth Unlocking information from the The CSIR is partnering with • Wireless technologies, which have system analyses data captured masses of satellite data currently numerous ICT innovators on led to the development of the by orbiting satellites to map available is a major ICT challenge. the continent; linking up the concept of ubiquitous or pervasive surface deformation over large geospatial community into an computing known as the areas (up to 150 x 150 km) at Currently the emphasis is on ecosystem creating interesting ‘Internet of Things’ whereby all very fine scales (down to 1 mm) moving Earth observation and useful ICT-centric geospatial manner of objects in the built and and monitors the evolution of applications from experimental or applications with modern natural environment are tagged, areas where deformation occurs intermittent use to everyday use – communication devices providing equipped with a microchip and over time. The deformation a process generally referred to as the primary user interfaces. have the ability to send and measurements are provided operationalisation. It is within this Our understanding of ICT in receive wireless signals. on a secure web accessible new focus that CSIR researchers developing worlds is enabling platform. The system overcomes believe ICT advancements will • The growth in broadband African technology to penetrate the limitations of traditional show the most potential and diffusion and adoption. international markets and create monitoring, such as labour- enable the unlocking of much lasting impacts. more tangible socio-economic Convergence intensiveness as well as working benefits. in potentially unsafe areas. The CSIR’s Earth observation and Three broad trends in ICT ICT research and development work propelled these Earth observation has tracked, researched and applied SeaFAR advancements. The first was these trends over the past few years. SeaFAR is designed for use in the convergence, wherein the It has resulted in the creation of identification and reporting (sms | 71 | boundary between ICT and space highly innovative market-aligned and email alerts) on maritime technology disappeared; secondly, solutions like AFIS – the advanced activities and events, for example, Enquiries: broadband emerged and enhanced fire information system, Azimuth – a foreign flagged fishing vessels Lee Annamalai the capacities for the delivery of systematic subsidence detection and activities in South Africa’s [email protected] ict
The science of data: Freedom to think
By Quentin Williams
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Reference: [1] Gantz, J. and Reinsel, D. 2012. THE DIGITAL UNIVERSE IN 2020: Big Data , Bigger Digital Shadows,and Biggest Growth in the Far East. EMC Corporation. Freedom to think is what computers were supposed to provide to human beings. It is the reason why the calculator and indeed computers were invented. Instead of humans manually doing calculations on paper, number crunching gets done by the computer, freeing up humans to do the more complex and creative type of thinking. It is at this cusp of interactivity between human insight and computing analytics that data science truly comes alive and amazing benefits can be realised by extracting value, products and insights from messy and unstructured data.
The 2014 EMC Digital device we can imagine, while – machine); creatively imagining technology was piloted in Universe Study View claims being able to send instructions new future scenarios rather 10 households, showing the that the digital universe, which is to be executed through these than just predicting; and gaining ability to monitor and control a measure of all data generated, devices. insight beyond just merely energy loads at a device replicated and consumed, will finding patterns. level within the household grow by a factor of 300, from Data science thus adopts as well as within the macro In the last couple of years, 130 exabyte to 40 000 exabyte a scope that deals end- distribution network. This led the CSIR conducted extensive (40 trillion gigabytes) from 2005 to-end with everything to cost savings through more research and development to 2020 [1]. This digital universe data-related, including data efficient management throughout the full data has several characteristics that acquisition, capturing and of energy loads. value chain. In partnership change the current technology recording, integration, storage, with the Tshwane University A text analytics platform landscape. Our ability to manage manipulation, governance, of Technology, the CSIR for extraction of actionable and manipulate data becomes analysis and mining, the developed a low-cost technology insights from customer increasingly challenging because visualisation and the final demonstrator (smart sensor) service complaints and of the volume, variety, veracity deployment to and use of the to monitor water-quantity in compliments sourced from and several other factors such data products by the relevant pipes and display information in the Web is another CSIR data- as ownership, ethics and stakeholders. near real-time. These sensors, science technology. There distribution. The key to data science is equipped with a communications are currently over 350 000 The substantial growth in data however the extraction of value hub, can be deployed across samples of customer service has gone alongside the ability to or insight from data. This can water pipe distribution systems reports for various industries instrument almost any ‘thing’ only be achieved by closely to monitor water flow and in South Africa. SerViz is with requisite sensors, computing involving the human being identify potential leakages and a cutting-edge interactive capabilities and connectivity. who has the ability for complex loss of treated water. Information infographic platform where We can now collect data from thinking and problem solving: displayed in real time allows consumers can extract brand humans via bio-sensors, from Finding causes (complex thinking decision makers to quickly and product insights powered cars and household appliances – human) rather than just identify problem areas and by research in machine like fridges remotely and from any correlations (number crunching optimally manage maintenance learning and visual analytics. tasks on the pipes, leading to The outputs from all these better utilisation of one of our technologies are expected most critical resources. The digital universe: 50-fold growth from the to trigger actions towards beginning of 2010 to the end of 2020 The CSIR also developed the better decision-making. It 40 000 Smart Cities platform that has has shown that data science the ability to collect data from provides humans with the a multitude of heterogeneous ability to explore, analyse 30 000 sources, send instructions to and understand data, and devices connected to real physical to promote real-time value objects and intelligently allow generation on the basis different applications to analyse of very large and complex Exabytes 20 000 the data. The data sources could data. It is thus truly about be static data collected from allowing decision makers the past observations (e.g. weather freedom to think and act more 10 000 data); real-time data from water creatively and from a more distribution sensors, traffic informed basis. sensors, mobile devices or energy | 73 | loads from household devices 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 and distribution networks; or Enquiries: even data from services such Quentin Williams Figure 1: Source – 2014 EMC Digital Universe study as Twitter and Facebook. The [email protected] industry
Marius Vermeulen, project manager: additive manufacturing at the Aerosud Innovation and Training Centre inspects the Aeroswift additive manufacturing system built in collaboration with the CSIR. Titanium metal production and additive manufacturing – contributing to a vibrant new industry Dr Dawie van Vuuren, Hardus Greyling South Africa is the second largest producer of titanium-bearing mineral concentrate in the world and exports the bulk of the mineral in the form of titanium-bearing slag. Although the potential to further beneficiate the mineral to either titanium dioxide pigment or titanium metal existed for a long time, very little was done because of technical and market
| 74 | constraints. However, in 2007 the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and representatives from industry and different research councils developed a strategic plan covering the full industry chain from titanium metal production to value added manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing technology. As part of this plan, the CSIR plays a key role in contributing to the creation of a local titanium and additive manufacturing industry. Strategic analyses of South Titanium metal production: consumption can be drastically fusion platform capable of Africa’s competitive position with reduced. Composite materials have producing titanium alloy regard to the establishment of Pilot plant proven to be effective in reducing components with dimensions an internationally competitive The DST awarded a contract to the weight of aircraft, which have of 2 m x 0.6 m x 0.6 m. titanium industry showed that it the CSIR towards the end of 2011 traditionally been manufactured The Aeroswift platform demanded was unlikely that such an industry to build a suitable pilot plant from aluminium-based material. several new technology could be established without the to scale up a novel titanium The latest commercial aircraft developments. Any optical development of new technology. metal production process. designed by the world’s two system requires laser switching This followed the successful biggest commercial aerospace and beam delivery technologies, laboratory-scale demonstration original equipment manufacturers, Beneficiating titanium but with the Aeroswift platform of the technology. The pilot plant Boeing and Airbus, contain Titanium is the alloy of choice in various additional factors came was inaugurated in June 2013 significant quantities of composite the aerospace industry where the into play, such as how to handle and construction was completed material. Composites in the quest for lighter aircraft continues. large amounts of metal powders, early in 2014. airframes of these aircraft make By developing technologies to add how to protect the optics inside up more than 50% of the total value to titanium-bearing raw The change in going from the processing environment, how structural weight of the aircraft. materials, the country can become a batch-wise (± 1 kilogram to handle generated heat and a significant contributor to the titanium per batch) – and to a The challenge with composite the stresses induced during the global aerospace market. Cost- limited extent semi-batch wise material is that it cannot be joined melting of the powder, and how effective methods for producing – operation on a laboratory scale to aluminium – joining the two to prevent oxidation of the powder titanium metal and its alloys, to a fully automated, continuous materials results in galvanic during the printing processes. followed by the conversion of these 2kg/h titanium production corrosion. This challenge forces into net and near-net products, plant, is substantial. The design companies to look at new metal The team designed, developed, offer the potential of a vibrant new of the pilot plant, construction, materials such as titanium alloys. tested and implemented a range South African industry sector. commissioning and operational However, titanium alloy is more of new technologies to cater for experiences have all offered expensive to produce and difficult all these challenges and built To facilitate the development immense learning opportunities. to machine. demonstrators to verify processes, of a titanium metal industry in Challenges related to culminating in the full Aeroswift South Africa, the DST tasked South Africa’s rich titanium construction materials, the platform at the end of 2014. the CSIR to establish a Titanium mineral deposits and the reliability of mechanical and In parallel with the Aeroswift Centre of Competence. The advantages that additive manu electrical equipment in extremely platform development, the team role of the Titanium Centre of facturing offers with respect to harsh process conditions, successfully demonstrated the Competence is to develop capacity part geometry optimisation and the measurement of process technology’s increased metal and technologies across the full reduced material utilisation, parameters and the control build rates, which are higher than titanium beneficiation value position the country to develop an thereof, as well as underlying commercial powder-bed fusion chain, from primary metal additive manufacturing industry chemical phenomena. systems available on the market. production to the development with a focus on titanium alloys to and manufacturing of final While every unforeseen produce high-value components Phase 2 of the Aeroswift project titanium parts. challenge and subsequent lesson for the aerospace industry. started in late 2014 and focuses on process development and learnt impact on the operations, Project Aeroswift started in 2008 Two of the technologies that are optimisation. This phase will the work is steadily progressing. when Aerosud and the CSIR being scaled-up with financial culminate in the production of the demonstrated a new approach support from the DST within first large flight ready demonstrator Additive manufacturing: to laser-based metal powder the titanium beneficiation value part for the commercial aerospace fusion, which could potentially be chain are primary titanium metal Aeroswift industry. applied to the 3D-printing of metal production and high-speed Cost containment is a key driver components for various industry additive manufacturing. The latter in the commercial aerospace sectors. Enquiries: is conducted in collaboration sector, with fuel consumption with Aerosud ITC, a private and the operational cost of In 2011, the DST awarded a Hardus Greyling sector technology development aircraft being the two main contract to the CSIR to design [email protected] company in the commercial cost contributors. By reducing and construct a high-speed Dawie van Vuuren aerospace sector. the weight of aircraft, fuel large-area laser-based powder [email protected]
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The titanium pilot plant at the CSIR. industry Technology localisation: making South Africa’s manufacturing industry more capable and competitive
By Ashley Bhugwandin
The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, established by and hosted at the CSIR. The unit has been supporting manufacturing companies since 2012. To date, more than 150 South African manufacturing companies have benefited from the unit’s interventions. It has primarily supported companies that are linked to the localisation objectives of Transnet and Eskom. The unit has a national footprint and supports industry in five provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit was created to support the South African manufacturing industry to enhance the capacity and capability of companies in this sector, enabling them to participate in the infrastructure rebuild programme of South Africa.
Through the investment in these industries, the unit has supported the transfer of technologies, development of local products and intellectual property, and creation of jobs. A FIRM TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE A SECTOR-WIDE TECHNOLOGY Through the TECHNOLOGY Since 2012 the unit has grown PACKAGE is aimed at providing assistance ASSISTANCE PACKAGE creates an DEVELOPMENT GRANT, the TLIU assists the and expanded. It has had to an individual company. The companies environment where specialised services SOCs to identify key and strategic commodities, three instruments added to the that participate in this programme are or common products can be developed so which should be developed in the country. There bouquet of support solutions linked to either Eskom or Transnet and are that the various companies in the particular is a need to partner with key foreign OEMs that for the development of therefore recognised as companies that are sector can be supported. This could lead to will commit to a programme of technology and industry. The instruments that currently producing or have the potential to the development of a new enterprise or a skills transfer. The TLIU creates a partnership are used for implementation produce a component or commodity linked shared facility that can then be utilised by between the OEMs, SOCs and relevant research are illustrated in the diagram to the localisation plan by the state-owned industry stakeholders to complement their and development bodies to launch a platform to the right. companies (SOCs) or an original equipment normal operations. Identifying these packages for the development of local IP. The TLIU uses Understanding that there is manufacturer (OEM). The companies are will require the identification of areas where the strategic partnerships that exist within the a need to support industry then subjected to a technology capability currently expertise or facilities do not exist DST to engage local OEMs as well as research holistically, the unit was assessment. This process is conducted in the country or where there are common and development bodies related to the foreign provided with an instrument independently and provides the TLIU and products being imported into the country OEM. In this way an environment of continuous to develop solutions to support the SOC or OEM with a gap analysis for that have applications across a variety of knowledge transfer between the institutions is common needs for an entire the company in terms of the capability and applications. created, resulting in the latest technology being sector or sectors. The unit has capacity that exists within the company. available for the continuous development of IP. | 76 | thus far supported a total of three sector-wide initiatives The aim of the SET INDUSTRY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME is to provide industry placement of students within the science, engineering and and is currently developing technology fields. Students assisted in this programme are sourced from a University of Technology and are placed at companies that are participating in the a further two sector-wide Firm Technology Assistance Package programme. Students require 12 months’ placement into industry to complete their Practical 1 and Practical 2 training, support initiatives. which will ultimately allow them to achieve their qualification. The approach is to work with the sector-specific bodies and understand the constraints to the sector becoming globally competitive. These Case study 1: Asbestos-free cement insulators for industry solutions often involve the establishment or enhancement of a shared The CSIR has assisted original equipment manufacturer Insulectric centre or centre of excellence. Through such focused interventions, (Pty) Ltd with the development of an asbestos-free cement board industry is able to gain access to high-end technology that would insulator. generally be inaccessible or unaffordable. This approach is particularly beneficial to SMMEs which form a large portion of the South African Insulectric specialises in high-temperature electrical insulation. manufacturing sector. These shared centres also provide a platform Following South African legislation in 2008 prohibiting production wherein research and development can be supported for the sector and and import of asbestos-containing products, Insulectric had this will allow local manufacturers to introduce or improve products. to import asbestos-free cement board insulators as no locally manufactured products were available. ‘Design for local’ picks up momentum The TLIU and the CSIR assisted Insulectric with the development of The unit is also supporting the development of local products. This is in an asbestos-free cement board insulator. an effort to support the ‘design for local’ drive of government. Working The product has been tested and now enters the commercialisation with state-owned companies and original equipment manufacturers, the phase as advanced research and testing are matched to unit identifies products that have a potential to be localised. This process requirements of the industry, and local and international demand. starts with designing the local systems within which these products will operate. This effort will be coordinated with the science councils and The re-commissioned manufacturing plant Insulectric-Interohm higher education institutions. Through this initiative, the TLIU aims to will become the only manufacturer of asbestos-free cement board ensure that more manufacturing is conducted locally. insulators in South Africa. This ensures future import replacement of seven different foreign-sourced products and job creation However, to support manufacturing, there is a need to ensure that through introduction of extra shifts. the system integrators within the manufacturing sector are local and therefore the designs of the systems will have to be localised. This Case study 2: Promoting casting simulation benefits to South requires extensive research and development as well as an environment Africa’s foundry industry where testing and prototyping can be supported. This support from the unit carries entrepreneurs and inventors through the so-called ‘valley of The Casting Simulation Network (CSN) is a network supported by death’ in the development life cycle of ideas and innovations. the TLIU through a sector-wide technology assistance package. Simulation software improves and confirms casting processes and tools, thereby providing the South African foundry sector with advanced technology to equip it in its role to provide critical inputs to the South African manufacturing industry. The CSN provides access to casting simulation software for the foundry industry through a network of support centres. The hub of the CSN is located at the Vaal University of Technology’s Southern Gauteng Science & Technology Park, Sebokeng. The hub connects with the satellite sites within the technology stations at the Durban University of Technology, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Stellenbosch University and the University of Johannesburg. Other higher education institutions will be added in subsequent phases. This provides foundries, including SMMEs, with access to simulation software and skills.
Dr Joe Molete, Executive Director: VUT Science and Technology Park; Prof. Irene Moutlana, Vice- | 77 | Chancellor: VUT; Erik Zimmermann, CSN; Mrs Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology; Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, CEO: CSIR; and Thabani Nene, Technical Manager (SA): Speedcraft Manufacturing.
Enquiries: Ashley Bhugwandin Charlie Inama, an operator at Interohm, with a sample of the asbestos-free cement board insulator. [email protected] industry
Towards a South African bio-economy: Agile product development
By Dr Dusty Gardiner • Co-authors: Dr Raj Lalloo and Dr Justin Jordaan The CSIR Biomanufacturing Industry Development (BIDC) Programme supports small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to translate research into market-ready products. An agile approach to product development has been adopted to meet customer requirements and to significantly reduce the time and cost of product development. The agile approach has been applied with two spin-out companies from the CSIR and is now realising value in product development for 12 SMMEs in the BIDC Programme.
The development of a South African biomanufacturing economic sector is clearly outlined in several national strategies. The CSIR has been involved in developing biomanufacturing technologies for a long period of time, and has developed a strong skills and infrastructure base in this sector.
The BIDC Programme was established in 2013 to increase access to this competence. The programme has a strong emphasis on supporting SMMEs to develop processes and products that meet customer requirements within short time-frames to exploit existing market opportunities. The typical product development process in the biomanufacturing sector follows a sequential path from early-stage research at small scale to process development, piloting and ultimately transfer of technology into manufacturing duty. This classical approach has limitations for the development of high-value, low-volume performance products in the biomanufacturing sector. An alternative agile manufacturing approach to process and product development was thus implemented and tested using real-world examples.
Two excellent examples illustrating the benefit of the agile product development approach can be found in ReSyn Biosciences and OptimusBio, two recent spin-out companies from the CSIR. Going forward The agile approach is being continually adapted and improved as more products are developed under the banner of the BIDC programme. Twelve SMMEs are currently being supported through this programme and a range of products for the biotechnology, cosmetics, food and water and sanitation markets are under development.
Key requirements for implementing an agile methodology include close relationships with customers and end-users; a Products developed by three enterprises supported dynamic, innovative and responsive work force; appropriate by the BIDC. (From the top) Phepisa Natural Resources Institute produces extracts for soaps infrastructure and a well-established technology platform. | 78 | and skin-care products and the company is based If any of these elements are missing, the risk of product in Mpumalanga. Elvema Nutrition produces failure increases. nutritional porridges and is based in North West. (Left) Ubitron-manufactured candles. Enquiries: Dr Dusty Gardiner [email protected] Originally developed and pioneered in the software development industry, agile methodology is finding application in other industries. The iterative approach provides OptimusBio manufactures biological products that contain active, beneficial bacteria from the genus Bacillus. The CSIR has opportunities to assess been developing Bacillus-containing products for a number of years the direction of a and has built up a database of Bacillus organisms, and knowledge on project throughout the the production and formulation of the bacteria. To optimise value creation from this platform, a decision was taken to commercialise the technology product development through a spin-out company, OptimusBio. Application of the agile development lifecycle. methodology is paying dividends for the fledgling company, which was spun out of the CSIR in 2014. The company already offers five product lines consisting of Each iterative cycle more than 30 products. Products have applications in the water and sanitation, involves rapid aquaculture, automotive and personal care markets. Product development cycles have been reduced to between three and six months from a previous 18 to 24 development of a months. Customers and end users are closely involved in the development cycle, prototype that is often in a co-development model, which builds customer loyalty and ensures tested by customers that products are fit for purpose. or end users in the marketplace. This allows the project team to continually gather information on customer requirements, and assess product performance in parallel to the actual technical development aspects of the process. The results of this approach greatly reduce development ReSyn Biosciences manufactures and sells microsphere-based research reagents to the international costs and time to biosciences research and development market. The company offers at least 12 product lines with different market and ensure functionalities, and also provides custom development of solutions meeting customer needs. Initially, development cycles for the ReSyn products were around 12 months. These have now been reduced to around that products meet three months. The short product development cycles are particularly important to meet the demands of customer requirements. international customers requiring the development of custom products. Lengthy development cycles would Over-optimisation result in lost business, as the window of opportunity in this market is often extremely short. ReSyn Biosciences | 79 | | has been in business since 2013 and counts among its clients and collaborators Cancer Research UK, the of products is also Institute of Cancer Research, Syngenta, Novartis, the Broad Institute, Scripps and Stanford University. The eliminated. company recently won a New Product Award at the prestigious Society for Lab Automation and Screening Conference held in Washington, USA. industry
Making the invisible visible: UViRCO, an innovation success story By Jeremy Wallis
In 1991, when Eskom contacted the CSIR with its need to visualise corona discharges on power distribution networks, no one could guess that two decades later the new start-up company resulting from this research would capture some 50% of the world market with total sales of R180 million, and would be exporting high-tech camera inspection systems to 40 countries. Apart from the technical excellence of the research team, key success factors included the tenacity and full participation of every stakeholder in the innovation chain.
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The CoroCAM 6 and MultiCAM, two high-voltage power line inspection cameras. (From left) Demonstrating the latest CoroCAM 8, inspecting a power substation in Russia and collecting corona discharge data.
Innovation can be seen as to motivate for funding, to solve competition with much larger passionate people, to create the the successful implementation of the technical challenges and to levels of UV energy that stream successful camera exporter that is a creative new solution. Inherent bring in the additional skills as continuously from the sun. By UViRCO. in this is ‘a need’ and ‘a solution’. these are needed. In this particular solving this challenge with solar- We wish UViRCO well as it now enters Bringing these two together case, some of those people chose blind filter technology, workers the next stage of its own growth as the though is not always easy and to make this journey their careers, no longer needed to conduct CSIR sells its share to a Black Economic requires considerable tenacity a passion for solving industrial inspections at night time and Empowerment investor, while we step from many people, at different challenges driving them on. hence the world’s first daylight back and celebrate the realisation of stages of the innovation chain, inspection systems were born. UViRCO manufactures the a dream and the creation of a South all with different roles, working CoroCAM and MultiCAM range Thus, we find ourselves in 2015 African brand on the world stage. together to make it happen. of inspection systems that allow with an innovation success story, In 1991, when Eskom contacted an operator to visualise not just one that saw a ‘need’ and a Enquiries: the CSIR with its need to visualise what we see with the naked ‘solution’ brought together over Jeremy Wallis corona discharges on power eye but also what we can’t see, more than a decade by numerous [email protected] distribution networks, who would namely energy coming off a have guessed that, twenty years power line insulator that is in later, South Africa would be the infra-red or ultra-violet (UV) successfully exporting high-tech wavelength bands. It is in these camera inspection systems to 40 additional wavelength bands countries from a new start-up that the information to prevent company, having captured some an unplanned power outage is 50% of the world market with contained. Over and above the technical excellence of the research team, total sales of R180 million? key success factors included: CSIR researchers focusing on There were times when team sensor science and technology • Having passionate people in both the ‘need space’ at Eskom members cheered a new camera use their expertise in developing as well as the ‘solution space’ at the CSIR who believed that order and times when they sensor innovations to respond they could succeed and who were willing to tie their personal wondered if the road ahead was to South Africa’s challenges. reputations to achieving success. closed. But with a strong belief For example, work by these in what they were doing, the researchers has led to such • Having a research and development team that was prepared storms were weathered and a inventions as the world-first to shoulder the responsibility for moving their creations multidisciplinary team of CSIR and ultrasonic broken rail detection along the innovation chain, constantly having to motivate for Eskom people saw the original system that is saving our economy continued funding. They are often the single constant in the need converted into technology, more than R100 million per whole journey. then a product, then another and annum by avoiding freight • Having a partner in Eskom who were willing to entertain then UViRCO was born, a CSIR train derailments. They are also risk by funding research and development but who also spin-out company operating since responsible for developing the 2008 as a licensed venture. technologies and products that are showed international leadership by seeing a bigger picture licensed under the CoroCAM and around creating an enterprise that could take its sponsored Such an achievement requires the MultiCAM trademarks. technologies to a world market. | 81 | talents of many people at different stages, but one lesson learnt was What makes these cameras • The ability of the CSIR as an organisation to bring together that it also requires people who special in the technical sense skills across the innovation chain to create a new business believe enough in what they are is their ability to detect even venture based on cutting-edge engineering development. doing to keep the dream alive, small amounts of UV energy in industry Nanoclay minerals and plastics: Tiny particles deliver big impact
By Prof. Suprakas Sinha Ray
Modern technology continuously requires new, enhanced materials with special combinations of properties. In recent years, researchers have managed to develop new materials at the nanoscale with excellent combinations of properties. These new materials, called nanocomposites, possess enhanced properties (for instance plastics that are much lighter, stronger, smoother and also scratch, ultraviolet and even fire-resistant) and promise to soon replace classical materials used in industry. The CSIR has been involved in the development of nanocomposites that can be used in the plastics, cosmetics and paint industries.
Scanning electron microscopy image of a typical nanoclay. Image: Sharon Eggers, CSIR
| 82 | Five South African clay samples mounted on holders prior to examination using scanning electron microscopy. Infrastructure at the National Centre for Nanostructured materials translates seemingly uninformative details to the naked eye into valuable information about the nanostructure, chemistry and industrial application of clays in the manufacture of polymer nanocomposites. Nanoclays are nanoparticles of layered mineral silicates time and has better application properties on the skin and that feels with unique, enhanced properties that could have a big impact on smoother. For the paint industry, nanoclay-enhanced paints have various industries. The CSIR is looking at how best to beneficiate South been developed that act as corrosion-inhibitors when applied to Africa’s nanoclay minerals with the aim of creating nanocomposites metal surfaces such as in the automotive or aerospace industries. that can enhance the properties of plastics, cosmetics and paints. The paint, in other words, prevents rust and corrosion of the metal it is painted on. Over the past few years, various types of nanoparticles have been used for the development of nanocomposites with almost all types During nanocomposite formulation, nano-level dispersion is the most of polymer matrices. However, clay mineral-containing polymer important characteristic to achieve, in order to have increased surface nanocomposites (PNCs) have attracted the greatest interest in current area for polymer-filler interaction, improved co-operative phenomena materials research because a small weight percentage of nanoclay among dispersed particles, and/or a higher degree of confinement can greatly enhance the manageability and the properties of treated effects. However, the primary challenge is to find the right chemistry composites. Moreover, clay minerals are naturally abundant, to provide a favourable driving force to disperse fillers at a nano-level. economical, and most importantly, benign to the environment and What this means is that one needs to determine the right temperature, humans. In nanocomposites, the increased total surface area becomes pressure and environmental conditions needed to successfully and the critical characteristic which can not only expand the performance optimally allow a nanoclay to mix with a polymer. of traditional materials, but also introduces completely new combinations of properties. The Department of Science and Technology and the CSIR have realised the potential of polymer nanocomposites and have built With nanoclay minerals, it becomes possible to create plastics, for capabilities and world-class facilities in the synthesis and modification instance, that are not only stronger and lighter, but are also scratch, of nanoparticles and structures as well as in nanocomposites. The ultraviolet and fire-resistant. This enables various advanced modern CSIR is continuing to investigate the use of nanocomposites to create uses for plastics, such as lighter, stronger plastic parts for motor enhanced plastics, enhanced cosmetics and enhanced paints. vehicles. The CSIR is also working on enhanced bio-compatible, biodegradable plastic bone scaffolding for repairing broken bones. The CSIR’s work in nanoclay minerals focuses primarily on South These will be implanted surgically like traditional titanium bolts or African nanoclay mineral-enhanced plastics and efforts to create plates, but won’t have to be removed again due to the plastic being awareness of PNCs in industry as well as the development of products ‘programmed’ to degrade over the course of a year or so, with the that will benefit the industry. The CSIR is also putting further research plastic naturally breaking down into lactic acid over time. Another efforts into processing and characterisation techniques, properties application is using enhanced plastics for meat and other food and applications, and key research challenges and future outlooks packaging. Traditionally packaging plastic is made up of up to nine in the development of South African nanoclay minerals-based thin layers. With nanocomposite plastics, only three layers are needed, multifunctional PNCs. which dramatically reduces the amount of plastic required.
The CSIR has also made use of nanoclays for application in the Enquiries: cosmetics and paint industries. One example is the creation of a new, Prof. Suprakas Sinha Ray improved petroleum jelly that does not discolour or degrade over [email protected]
Researchers are able to study the nano- structures of materials using a scanning electron-microscope.
| 83 | industry Collaborative engineering platform for globally competitive South African products
By Jonnro Erasmus
| 84 | The CSIR is developing a platform that will enable small, medium and micro enterprises in South Africa to work together to create eco-friendly and regulatory compliant products and deliver those products to the global market.
Various factors are Product lifecycle management the eventual phase-out. The manufacturer and its ability to contributing to the rapid PLM aligns people, information, dictate to smaller companies are Collaboration breeds innovation increase in product complexity. processes and business reduced. and the CSIR is taking the lead One of the most obvious is the systems and provides a product to show how new technologies As more companies join in, increasing presence of electronic information backbone for and practices are deployed and such a platform can facilitate the components and embedded companies and their extended used to enable collaboration. relationship between the various software, to the extent that enterprises. By adopting The research firstly investigates participants in the supply chain even household appliances are PLM as a complete business the adoption of product lifecycle by enabling the exchange of the becoming ‘smart’ and connected. approach, local engineering and management (PLM) technology information that describes the Globalisation is introducing new manufacturing enterprises can to understand what can be done product, its configuration and competitors in all industries, participate in global industry to assist small, medium and intended use. The functionality accelerating the need for product by achieving improved product micro enterprises. Secondly, it is and features of the platform can innovation. Globalisation also control, quality and regulatory developing a platform that will be progressively improved to makes it possible to reach new compliance. allow South African enterprises enable new ways to connect and customers, each with individual to collaboratively create globally However, apart from adoption collaborate. Eventually, a procurer needs and expectations. In competitive and regulatory by some of the largest should be able to use the system fact, even traditionally simple compliant products. The vision is companies in the world, PLM to find either the exact, or similar industries are experiencing major that this platform will ultimately has seen very limited adoption products, components or services change due to customisation and become a digital marketplace in South African industry. By of what is required. The contact personalisation requirements. where large and small enterprises understanding and removing information of the supplier of Furthermore, regulatory, make products and services the obstacles that hinder those items or services will be environmental and sustainability available and organise themselves adoption, the CSIR aims to give available, making it that much requirements are becoming ever into optimised supply chains. South African organisations easier to build a supply chain. more restrictive. a competitive advantage. It It may even become a national Most modern products are The PLM is a set of technologies is proposed that the burden marketplace for engineering aggregates of many different and practices that aims to of the implementation of the services and manufactured parts, necessitating collaboration streamline the flow of information technology itself should be products. between several parties. This about the product and related taken away from industry, This is certainly an ambitious, rapid increase in product processes throughout the product’s allowing companies to focus long-term initiative, but the complexity drives a new approach lifecycle such that the right on the necessary practices CSIR is well able to pursue to product engineering. More information in the right context and competences. Thus a ambitious goals for the benefit specialised techniques and tools at the right time can be made cloud platform is needed with of South Africa. are needed to create components available. It applies a consistent set sufficient functionality to enable and deliver services that fulfil a of business solutions in support industry participants to design very specific purpose. The trend of the collaborative creation, and develop modern products. presents new opportunities management, dissemination By making a neutral platform Enquiries: for small, medium and micro and use of product information, available to industry, the burden Jonnro Erasmus enterprises to play a vital role in spanning from the initial idea to on the original equipment [email protected] large and complicated supply chains.
While the entrepreneurial spirit in South African industry is beyond question, the challenge lies in connecting the entrepreneurs with each other and with clients. Products are no longer developed and manufactured in one enterprise alone, but through the successive addition of value by several parties. The responsibility of integrating the ultimate product now sits with the original equipment manufacturer, but it | 85 | also allows the latter to dictate to the supply chain. The CSIR is developing a product lifecycle management facility where the organisation will help industry to develop its products and experience the value of product lifecycle management; provide advice and support on engineering and product lifecycle management; and provide training and practice-based knowledge transfer. industry Supporting the industrialisation of aerospace technologies
By Marié Botha
Due to South Africa’s unique history, the South African aerospace industry developed and implemented the capability to design, develop and produce aerospace technologies and products. The support of stakeholders in the National System of Innovation and government is vital to ensure that this industry remains viable.
The South African (DST), Defence (DOD) and Trade the implementation body for South African government aerospace industry has and Industry (the dti). These national government. National departments to improve and followed a development path departments have invested infrastructure is essential to direct validate technologies and improve unlike any other national models significantly in the industry and and lead research. This ensures the competitiveness to the local as a result of the unique history have partnered with the CSIR, that the industry is kept current aerospace industry. of the country. This development as per international models with technology injections and path resulted in a wide scope of where research institutions act that the research appropriate Development of the Rooivalk capabilities and infrastructure as implementation bodies for to industry needs is timeously for complete vertical product government, to establish initiatives performed. helicopter through government integration, far in excess of which aim to support, uplift and This provides an enabling support what would be commercially enable the local South African platform for skills development The Rooivalk national programme sustainable in the global market aerospace industry. Government planning, resourcing and is an example of why it is today. It entails integration and departments across the NSI coordination with industry, which important for government technological capabilities that utilise the CSIR’s infrastructure in turn develops national facilities to sustain an advanced span a significant portion of the and expertise to improve the and capabilities. Higher education manufacturing industry such aerospace product and technology competitiveness and offerings institutions align themselves with as aerospace. It demonstrates stream segmentation as defined of the local aerospace industry, the strategic direction provided benefits multiplied into peripheral in the South African aerospace through the development and by science councils and address industries, as well as the sector development plan. With implementation of strategies, and the skills requirement for industry development and improvement of high levels of revenue, access to the development and transfer of growth. This mechanism is the company-specific capabilities as global markets and level of support technologies. outcome of the effective operation value addition to other products required to successfully bring of the NSI, where each role player and offerings of the organisations. products to market and continue Access to national infrastructure fulfils a specific mandate and The Rooivalk programme has development, the structure of the Internationally, research institutions ultimately benefits the industry. resulted in numerous successful industry is neither economically and science councils act as The CSIR is utilised by the various technologies which have been nor commercially sustainable. Government coordination and support are critical to ensure that the aerospace industry remains economically viable and contributes to broadening participation of organisations that, under normal circumstances, would not have been able to become suppliers to an industry with such high barriers to entry. Government’s role in supporting South Africa’s aerospace industry | 86 | Various government departments currently play an active and significant role in the development of the South African aerospace industry. They are the departments of Science and Technology Figure 1: Rooivalk spin-off technologies in South African industry commercialised and which continue to serve the South African aerospace industry. Some of these commercialised capabilities are illustrated in Figure 1. The actualisation of these spill-over benefits into the South African industry shows the importance of industrialisation in an advanced manufacturing industry, and more importantly, substantiates the governmental support provided. has the potential Industrialisation of aerospace to be used in unmanned aerial technologies vehicles. The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI), an initiative of Supplier development the dti, hosted and managed at the CSIR, aims to improve through the AISI the local aerospace industry’s Supplier development is capability through focused directed at including small, interventions and support. Taking medium and micro enterprises in into account global trends, the the economic activity and supply CSIR assists the dti in identifying chains of the industry, which key thematic areas of support to under normal circumstances capability for address its strategic requirements. would not have been able to the loads analysis participate in the economy. of aerospace fuel tank Industry development and The AISI supplier development structures (fuel sloshing technology support is one such programme focuses on three analysis). It aims to obtain intervention. This support has aspects, namely; technology a competitive advantage led to the emergence of three transfer, skills development in the international market by highly innovative local aerospace related to manufacturing leveraging locally developed technologies with great promise processes and supplier technology to attract foreign for successful commercialisation. development enablers. investment and grow its footprint The technology-based SMMEs in the global supply chain. in question include a company The design and manufacture that is the first in South Africa of aerospace fuel tank The dti utilises the CSIR, to be able to provide radiation structures is one example of through the AISI, to bolster the screening and mitigation services technology transfer and skills local aerospace industry through for satellite components; a development. This project, a joint the support of viable technologies company that employs a unique collaboration between the CSIR that can be industrialised | 87 | stellar gyroscope to function (software development), Denel through effective supplier as a reliable attitude control Aerostructures (manufacturing) development and to identify system for nanosatellites; and and the University of Pretoria niche areas where South African Enquiries: a company that has developed (experimental analysis), proposes aerospace companies can become Marié Botha a micro gas turbine engine that the establishment of a specialised global leaders. [email protected] industry Energy, water, waste: Salvage and synergy for a sustainable environment and industry
By Ndivhuho Raphulu
The National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa continues to enhance industry competitiveness through resource efficiency and cleaner production methodologies, helping industry do more with less.
South African industry’s efforts to improve Resource efficiency and cleaner production competitiveness, save costs and reduce its environmental The RECP services – all subsidised – offered to companies footprint have, over the past few years, received a significant begin with an in-plant assessment to identify areas for boost in the form of a national resource efficiency and cleaner improvement in the fields of energy, water and material production (RECP) programme. This is implemented by the consumption. Interventions follow a ‘doing more with less’ National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC- approach, ensuring sustainability as well as efficient allocation SA), which was established by the Department of Trade and of resources. Industry and is hosted by the CSIR. Based on the findings of the assessments, companies are The NCPC-SA is a member of the global RECP network provided with recommendations on cost-saving options and managed by the United Nations Industrial Development resource efficiency improvements that can assist them in their Organization and the United Nations Environment efforts to become environmentally responsible, productive, Programme. It also plays a leading role in the African low-carbon, and competitive businesses. Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production.
NCPC-SA specialists undertaking a resource efficiency and cleaner production assessment for a participating company.
| 88 | Energy One such case study involves more than 50% reduction in water. a Western Cape company, While the investment in the plant Focusing on energy, the NCPC- ComboTimber Structures, a pallet was substantial, the immediate SA’s Industrial Energy Efficiency manufacturer. The company saw savings mean that the company will (IEE) Project contributes to the an opportunity for recycling old, recoup their investment in only 18 sustainable transformation of discarded or broken pallets and a months. A next step for Sundale will energy use practices in South synergy with waste management be the re-use of water without the African industry to enhance companies. One of these, for installation of a new, costly system. national energy security. example, was sending 30 tonnes The NCPC-SA has begun capacity This is done through the of wood waste to landfill every building in water efficiency and promotion and implementation couple of days. ComboTimber management for industry and of energy management systems provided a service by removing is in initial discussion with other and energy systems optimisation this waste, gaining materials with stakeholders to initiate an industrial in plants, as well as building the only labour and transport costs, water efficiency project, based capacity of industry to implement reducing their input costs by 60%. largely on the model and learnings these methodologies. Labour costs have increased by of the IEE Project. Implementation 40%, creating new jobs, and the of the project will begin during 2016. Since mid-2010, some 153 business no longer produces new companies have participated pallets. in the IEE Project, effecting a Footprinting saving of 1 340 GWh of energy, This new initiative has also led According to ISO 14046, a water mitigating 1.2 million tonnes of to the company developing footprint is determined by one or specialised machines to break more metrics that quantify the CO2, and saving R1.1 billion in energy costs. An estimated down and manufacture potential environmental impact Delegates at the 2015 Gauteng Industrial Symbiosis Programme hosted by the 5 704 jobs were created and recycled pallets. This year alone, on water of a product, process or NCPC-SA. preserved within the local ComboTimber has diverted more organisation. It uses a life-cycle community because of IEE than 500 tonnes from landfill. approach to allow companies to interventions. Read more assess, scientifically and objectively, about the IEE Project on page 30. Water the impacts on water associated with a product or an organisation. Capacity and advocacy Efficiency Waste The NCPC-SA is one of the Two fundamental principles of any Water scarcity is one of the initiative that involves changed Implementation of RECP implementers of the United Nations most important environmental behaviour and practices are that methodologies over the past Environmental Programme’s life problems, aggravated by an business has to be made aware 10 years has shown that South cycle assessments, which aims increasing population. Public of the need and benefit of the African industry is increasingly to provide practitioners from pressure and operational risk changes; and they need to have concerned by not only energy both industry and academia, make it relevant for businesses to the necessary skills and human and water usage, but also by the with a consensual and consistent assess their physical, regulatory capacity to make the change a amount of waste generated by framework to assess, compare and reputational risks by moving sustained effort. their businesses. beyond being ‘green pioneers’ to and disclose the environmental making sustainable water use the performance of products and To address these issues, the Industrial symbiosis is one status quo. operations regarding freshwater use. NCPC-SA is active in industry approach to waste minimisation and government, advocating and that makes both environmental In one case study, Sundale Free making business and legislators and business sense. An industrial Range Dairy in the Eastern aware of the need for resource symbiosis programme connects Cape has implemented audit reduction through RECP. companies so that they can recommendations with a long- identify potential synergies for term potential reduction in In terms of capacity building, the ‘waste swapping’. Industrial municipal water supply of 75% Centre has developed and presents symbiosis reduces carbon dioxide and projected direct savings of training courses on energy and emissions, landfill costs, use R1.35 million per annum. resource efficiency and is leading Global water use life cycle of virgin resources, industrial a national initiative to have Sundale takes in over 120 000 L water usage, hazardous waste, assessments determined these skill sets formalised into of milk a day, making it the pollution, transport, risks and hidden water use in the supply occupational qualifications and to biggest milk buyer processing costs. chain and found it takes: establish a professional body for fresh products in the Eastern Cape. resource efficiency professionals. Industrial symbiosis programmes An RECP audit assessed the usage • 120 L of water to make are currently run in the Western of energy and water to comply one glass of wine Cape (by GreenCape), Gauteng with municipal regulations. Key and KwaZulu-Natal, both focus areas were identified, and • 15 500 L to produce | 89 | managed by the NCPC-SA. All an ozonated water filtration plant 1 kg of beef three programmes collaborate with ultra violet was installed. and share information to connect This resulted in a more than 50% • 140 L for one cup Enquiries: the businesses that have waste to steam reduction, more than 20% of coffee. Ndivhuho Raphulu business that can use that waste. reduction in electrical energy, and [email protected] industry Localised automation and robotics solutions, using a lean and agile R&D innovation process
By Riaan Coetzee
South Africa faces a number of challenges in its manufacturing industry. Some of the competitive advantages which existed previously, like cheap electricity and low labour costs, have been eroded by rolling blackouts and increases in electricity costs. In addition, product stagnation and rising logistics costs have also negatively impacted the competitiveness of South African industry. The development of robotics, using the right innovation process to support automation in local industries, will do much to improve the country’s competitiveness.
Background interconnected technology that The innovation process is called development is done in tandem will only work if a proper systems lean and agile research and with the relevant stakeholders Robotics and automation covers approach is considered and all the development (LARD). LARD is and are implemented and a broad range of technologies in stakeholders are aware of the a non-linear innovation process validated by the market as soon manufacturing. It can be used in value proposition. that is iterative and parallel at the as possible. This reduces the developing countries to automate same time and resembles a spiral time to market and increases a machine or a process and in Changes to the innovation process with four quadrants. The process is the valuation of the technology developed countries it can be a are required to ensure there is a highlighted in Figure 1. for future funding from venture humanoid that supports and care proper solution fit for the problem capitalists. It further ensures for the elderly. It forms the basis space. The following innovation The key objective of LARD is that there is always a take-up of for smart machines and machine- process draws on a number of to ensure that the business technology from industry and to-machine interaction and if the well-established management model, market and regulatory research is not conducted for the wrong technology is applied in the and innovation practices to create requirements are met and taken sake of research. wrong scenario it could amplify a seamless process for rapid into account before the research problems instead of solving them. product development and uptake and development starts. It further LARD draws upon a number Robotics and automation is an by industry. ensures that the technology of product development
Figure 3: MVP1
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Figure 1: LARD Innovation Process methodologies like the minimum gold seam, it will have a environment and the learning While the building of a swarm viable product (MVP) concept. huge impact on the mining was used to build MVP2. of robots that can mine may industry. be some years off, using the In essence the focus is to rather The focus of MVP2 was to LARD process, we understand have an iterative process of building Besides the regulatory, business combine solutions for mobility and the problem space a lot better, various forms of the product and model and technology adoption sensor data so that the value for continuously engage with testing it in the market, get feedback issues, the LARD innovation the mining sector would be a mine industry and have created some and then build again rather than process has identified significant safety platform that can be sent to impact in terms of safety. The building the final product without challenges in terms of technology dangerous areas and survey the new innovation process helps testing or getting feedback during development for automation of environment prior to human entry. us to ensure that we create the process. This will reduce the cost mining. The ideal solution is to MVP2 is displayed in Figure 4. relevant solutions, work closely and ensure take-up of the product develop a swarm of robots that MVP2 has sparked a number with industry to ensure that we in the market. will work like a colony of ants to of enquiries from the mining understand the problem space mine the thin gold seam. sector and has opened up a new and unlock incremental value by Figure 2 displays the concept. Case Study development path in terms of testing and validating solutions. In South Africa the gold seam We then followed the minimum sensors packs and surveying that is being mined is 0.3 m high, viable product concept and of underground mines. Once but roughly 1.4 m of rock is taken developed the MVP1 robot, industry was made aware of the out, therefore diluting the gold with the focus on mobility in capability, the value in getting and reducing the efficiency and underground slopes characterised more data to do better planning Enquiries: profitability of the mine. If it were by loose rocks. A prototype was and improve safety became Riaan Coetzee possible to only mine the size of the built and tested in the mining obvious. [email protected]
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Figure 2: Swarm of robots mining Figure 4: MVP2 natural environment
“One of the most immediate uses of the study results is the determination of location-specific setback lines for South Africa... Another application is the development of a wave-energy atlas for the South African coast.”
Figure 1: Example of wave simulation results produced for Table Bay, South Africa.
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Assessing the vulnerability of South Africa’s coasts By Dr Christo Rautenbach CSIR researchers used mathematical modelling and engineering technologies to better understand the unpredictable nature and possible consequences of events in the ocean environment. The results from the study can now be used to harness wave energy, provide operational oceanographic forecasting (early-notification systems) and shed light on coastal erosion and sedimentation. It also provides decision-makers with information needed for coastal development planning and mitigation strategies.
To help provide decision- an example of the results from a An additional significant driver of is the development of a wave- support in the area of coastal wave simulation of a combination extreme inshore seawater levels energy atlas for the South African management, the Department of off-shore ocean conditions. in the South African context is coast. This atlas can be used for of Environmental Affairs needs The derivation process basically the wave run-up, the maximum the determination of possible well-researched information entailed the transformation of vertical extent of wave uprush sites for wave-energy extraction. on aspects of coastal safety and approximately 15 years of offshore on a beach or structure above The South African coastline has a vulnerability, climate change and data to the nearshore locations the still water level. High massive potential for wave energy setback lines. using transformation coefficients flooding levels along the South extraction and such an atlas will obtained from numerical models African coast were simulated enable energy providers to set up As part of the South African for each location. For the purposes by combining modelled wave their pilot scale systems in the coastal hazard and vulnerability of this study, validations with run-up heights at each shoreline appropriate locations around the assessment, CSIR researchers set measured wave data indicated that point (at 500 m alongshore coast. This information together out to determine South Africa’s the nearshore wave climates were intervals or less) with tides, with the setback lines and coastal inshore wave climate and to well represented by the modelled water level setups and sea-level flooding elevations are crucial for quantify the wave run-up and data. rise components. A range of coastal development planning coastal flooding elevations. plausible and realistic scenarios and vulnerability assessments. Based on the modelled nearshore was selected. The modelling approach data, scientists could conduct statistical analysis to determine Updated forecasts of ocean A detailed wave analysis was the influence of extreme wave A wave-energy atlas and conditions undertaken by setting up conditions on the shore, in other numerical wave models for a location specific setback lines In a further development, the words, the 1-in-1 year and 1-in-30 number of regions along the One of the most immediate project now also provides real- year return period conditions for South African coast. In total, uses of the study results is the time updated forecasts of the big storm events. 23 numerical models were determination of the location- ocean conditions. False Bay was set up, stretching from Port specific setback lines for South chosen as a pilot study site. The Nolloth on the West coast to Wave run-up Africa. These lines will determine study has proved to be effective St Lucia on the East coast. Significant drivers of high inshore the physical lines behind which in accurately predicting the These numerical models made seawater levels are tides, wind land development should unpredictable weather in False it possible to derive nearshore setup, hydrostatic setup, wave be allowed to protect coastal Bay. This aspect of the high- wave climates for locations at setup and sea level rise (due to development from climate resolution numerical models about 500 m intervals in each climate change), which all affect change and extreme weather provide full 3D information, modelled area. Figure 1 gives the still-water level at the shoreline. events. Another application including wind magnitude and direction, wave height, period and direction and full 3D ocean Far left: CSIR senior researcher, current conditions. The aim of Dr Christo Rautenbach the current research is to roll out specialises in coastal these high-resolution studies and vulnerability and erosion, forecasts to other sites around the forecasting and oceanographic numerical modelling. South African coast. To this effect, the 3D model for Algoa Bay is almost completed. Storm events in Kalk Bay in the | 93 | Western Cape, often resulting in extreme damage along Enquiries: the coast. Dr Christo Rautenbach [email protected] natural environment The firstA frican-based Earth system model By Prof. Francois Engelbrecht
The CSIR is developing the first African-based Earth system model towards more reliable projections of future climate change over Africa and the Southern Ocean. This is taking place in collaboration with partners in Australia, Japan and France.
Cla im te change is the most Relevant to Africa in Australia, Japan and France are rapidly over the continent, serious collective environmental making key contributions to the particularly in the subtropics, at However, southern hemisphere challenge ever faced by development of this new model. more than twice the global rate and African climate issues differ humankind. It is a problem of from those that drive the research The African continent is highly of temperature increase – with global reach, yet the research effort and modelling effort in the north. vulnerable to future climate drastic further warming projected to address it is disproportionately In particular, oceans dominate the change, partially because of its for the 21st century (Figure 1). concentrated in the northern southern hemisphere and the land relatively low adaptive capacity. Nevertheless, model projections hemisphere and in developed is largely occupied by semi-arid Moreover, CSIR research indicates of future climate change countries. Of the about 30 systems and tropical forests. It is that temperatures are rising over Africa, and in particular coupled ocean-atmosphere global against this background that the circulation models and Earth CSIR has in recent years embarked system models suitable for the on the development of the first projection of future climate change, African-based Earth system only one model, which was model. This multidisciplinary developed by the Commonwealth effort is driven by CSIR experts Scientific and Industrial Research in the fields of global change, Organisation in Australia, had high-performance computing its genesis in the southern and modelling and digital hemisphere. science. International partners
Co-authors: Dr Pedro Monteiro, Dr Graham Von Maltitz, Dr Werner Janse van Rensburg, Dr Onno Ubbink, Prof. Willem Landman, Dr Nicolette Chang, Tami Mudau, Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, Dr Rebecca Garland, Ramapulana Nkoana and Mthetho Sovara.
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future rainfall patterns, are uncertain. significantly under climate change, the It is therefore critical to obtain more rate of warming over Africa and globally reliable projections of future changes in may be even higher than currently temperature, rainfall and extreme events expected. The CSIR’s extensive Southern over the continent through enhanced Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory model development efforts. Africa is the observational programme is aimed at better understanding the relevant only continent for which climate model Southern Ocean physical processes and simulations have not shown significant biochemistry. Development of the new improvements between the Fourth (2007) Earth system model will consolidate the and Fifth (2013) Assessment Reports of CSIR’s unique observational and domain the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate expertise in Southern Ocean processes, Change. Clearly, such improvements can and African atmospheric and land-surface only be achieved by the development processes, leading to a model with world- of an Earth system model through an leading capability to simulate African African lens. climate change. Continent-specific data to consider The new model is based on novel numerical features, including a quasi- Key focus areas of the development uniform cube-based grid (Figure 2) ideally of the new model are the simulation suited for parallel processing on the of convective rainfall (short intense Centre for High Performance Computing’s rainfall or thunderstorms) over Africa, supercomputers. lt offers stretched-grid aerosol-climate feedbacks over Africa, capabilities for high-resolution regional Figure 1: A CSIR climate model projection of changing temperatures dynamic land-surface modelling of the downscaling, and has been termed the (degrees Celcius) over Africa under climate change, for the end of the African savannah and regional ocean- Variable-resolution Earth System Model. 21st century under low mitigation, compared to present-day temperatures. atmosphere feedbacks over the Atlantic This model’s development is taking place Temperatures are projected to rise rapidly in the African subtropics. and Indian Oceans. Of particular interest with the immediate objective of generating is upwelling – the movement of dense, the first African-based projections of future cooler and usually nutrient-rich water global climate change as a contribution to towards the surface on the African west the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate coast, and the dynamics of the warm Change’s Assessment Report Six. Agulhas current on the east coast. It is also important to understand and The development and application of this better model the role of the Southern model is expected to be associated with a Ocean in regulating African and global new cadre of climate modellers, working climate. The role of the Southern Ocean and living in South Africa and Africa. in the global carbon cycle is a focus This will imply a complete makeover of Figure 2: The cubic grid used by the Variable-resolution Earth System Model, area – should the Southern Ocean’s the climate modelling landscape in Africa the first African-based Earth system model. The grid is common between the ocean and atmosphere model components, simplifies model coupling and ability to absorb carbon dioxide decrease and the developing world. improves efficiency for eddy permitting simulations of the Southern Ocean circulation and will improve scaling on the Centre for High Performance Computing’s super-computers.
Enquiries: Prof. Francois Engelbrecht [email protected]
| 95 | natural environment New data for South Africa supports the diversion of waste away from landfill towards a secondary resources economy. The potential financial value of this diversion is estimated to be at least R25.2 billion in 2012 with even greater socio-economic benefit for a downstream manufacturing economy.
| 96 | Finding value in waste: CSIR-generated data shapes the South African waste sector and identifies opportunities for growth in a secondary resources economy
By Prof. Linda Godfrey
In South Africa, estimated to be at least R17 billion’s worth of secondary considerable opportunity exists R15.3 billion in 2012, or 0.5% of resources lost to the economy to reduce the generation of waste gross domestic product (GDP). per annum through landfilling. and divert the remaining waste This sector was estimated to away from landfill towards a employ some 30 000 people in Waste meets policy secondary resources economy, the public and private sectors. which recovers valuable This is in line with developed and The South African Government is actively pursuing a materials back into the economy, developing economies, where secondary resources agenda thereby creating opportunities the waste sectors are typically through the implementation for job creation and enterprise responsible for between 0.2 and of new policy instruments. development. Through research 0.4% of GDP. However, countries These include traditional partnerships with key national actively driving a green economy command-and-control government departments, agenda, including a number of instruments such as the Waste including the Departments of European Union member states, Act, Waste Amendment Act Environmental Affairs, Science have been able to grow this and supporting Regulations, and Technology, and Trade and secondary resources economy to as well as alternative policy Industry, the CSIR has been able as high as 1.0-1.5% of GDP, a two- instruments, such as the to generate much of the data that to three-fold increase in the value National Pricing Strategy for has been used in quantifying the of the waste sector. Waste Management, that South African waste sector. aims to introduce economic The diversion of waste away from instruments (incentives and landfill ushers in the opportunity Finding value in waste disincentives) into the South to create a large number of low- The social, environmental and African waste sector, and and high-skilled jobs, across the economic opportunities that the introduction of Extended waste hierarchy and across the waste provides as a secondary Producer Responsibility. waste value chain, including resource are well acknowledged, the downstream manufacturing locally and internationally. Driving The National Pricing Strategy economy. However, much waste away from landfilling provides an opportunity to remains to be done to increase towards reuse, recycling and address both the supply and the recovery of valuables from the recovery creates value-adding demand side of a secondary waste streams at source, through opportunities both in the waste resources economy. for example source separation and secondary resources sector measures, while simultaneously Correcting the current under- as well as in the downstream growing local end-use markets for pricing of landfilling among manufacturing economy. the refurbishment or reprocessing Furthermore, in transitioning to a most municipalities by of recovered materials. In this green economy, the waste sector ensuring full-cost recovery of provides opportunities in addition way, the economic and social waste operations would make to secondary resources recovery, value is not lost to landfill, or to alternative waste treatment through the implementation overseas markets where growing options more financially of waste prevention or cleaner quantities of recyclables are now viable relative to landfilling. production measures, aimed exported for reprocessing. This would, in turn, support at preventing the generation of increased investment in the waste. In so doing, an economy While the waste hierarchy is recovery of valuable materials The formal South African waste sector is is able to decouple economic strongly entrenched in South from waste. Furthermore, estimated to employ some 30 000 people in | 97 | development from waste African policy, government, opportunities are provided the public and private sectors. generation and disposal. industry and society continue for incentivising end-use to send an estimated 90% of markets, thereby increasing Enquiries: The financial value of the formal all waste generated to landfill, the investment in downstream Prof. Linda Godfrey South African waste sector was conservatively estimated at end-use markets. [email protected] natural environment Producing more with less: Water-use efficiency is the key
By Dr Mark Gush, Dr David Le Maitre, Dr Sebinasi Dzikiti and Dr Nebo Jovanovic
With virtually all the water resources of South Africa already allocated to the various sectors of the economy, the best option for continued development of agriculture and forestry is to improve the water-use efficiency of crops and trees.
South Africa faces increasing high-value exports which approaches and water-use it requires about 27 L water to water scarcity and competition are important economically. impact indices and tools produce an apple. Contrast this for water due to its limited If this industry is to grow, (e.g. water use efficiency/water with mature Pecan nut trees in supply of water and growing the only option is to improve productivity, water footprints and Mpumalanga that use over population, economy and our understanding of crop life cycle analysis) for agriculture, 200 L per day (54 000 L per climatic uncertainty. Agriculture water requirements and how forestry, alien invasive plants and season) and consequently require and forestry are thus faced with to schedule irrigation most indigenous vegetation. 5 000 L to produce a kilogram a major challenge: how do we effectively and efficiently. This of pecan nuts. On the other produce more crops and tree knowledge must be shared hand, a water-thrifty indigenous products with less water? with farmers to enable them Measuring the water use of tree such as the Sneezewood to apply only what the crops crops and trees uses around 6 L per day At first glance it seems that this require, minimising wastage Techniques that are used to (2 000 L per year), producing is impossible, because research and producing more ‘crop per measure vegetation water use approximately 1.5 g of wood shows that there is a direct drop’. While plantation forestry in the field include those that per L of water used. relationship between production in South Africa is critical for measure how fast water is (yield) and water use. As the The increasing availability and timber and fibre production, travelling through the stem of one increases, so will the other. refinement of remotely-sensed income generation and job a plant (sap flow monitoring However, we are not really data (from satellites, aircraft or provision, the plantations have techniques using probes inserted sure whether the water that is drones) is also adding an exciting environmental costs, especially into individual stems), and those supplied to the tree or crop is in new spatial dimension, allowing their impacts on water resources. that measure the water use (total fact all being used to produce us to see how water-use varies This is because commercial tree evaporation) of an entire field or what we want: utilisable food within fields and farms, or across plantations generally use more stand of trees (energy balance and wood. Another term for landscapes. Application of the water than the natural vegetation techniques using equipment this is ‘beneficial water use’. In improved understanding and that they replace. The ongoing mounted above the vegetation). reality there is a lot of ‘wastage’ predictive ability provided by spread of invasive alien plant of water, or ‘non-beneficial water these techniques will improve species likewise reduces water Technologically advanced use’. The solution is to maximise the efficiency of water-use in the availability. Their continued measurement systems such as the use and minimise the waste. agricultural and forestry sectors, removal, particularly from stream these have dramatically improved This essentially means improving and free up water for other channels, is imperative for our ability to measure the water water productivity or water-use uses – a critical requirement in a conserving water. use of crops and trees, not only efficiency, particularly in the how much they use and when water-competitive country such irrigated agriculture and forestry In line with the maxim, ‘To be they use it, but (in conjunction as South Africa. industries of South Africa. These able to manage, it is important with additional instruments) two industries already use to be able to measure’, the CSIR what factors affect water use and approximately two-thirds of the has undertaken a number of how best to model and predict river water in the country and research projects to improve our likely water-use scenarios under are not likely to be allocated any understanding of the actual water different conditions. more. requirements and use by crops and trees, including quantifying For example, field measurements Understanding crop water the water-use of irrigated crops, have shown that a 14-year old requirements trees, natural vegetation and ‘Pink Lady’ apple tree, growing invasive alien plants. in an apple orchard in the | 98 | Irrigation is necessary for Western Cape, uses between the production of key crops The methods include in- 20 and 30 L water per day such as vegetables and fruit field vegetation water-use in summer (max 42 L). This because of the low, erratic or monitoring techniques, remote amounts to approximately Enquiries: unreliable rainfall in many parts sensing methods for estimating 4 000 L water per tree over the Dr Mark Gush of the country. It also produces evapotranspiration, modelling growing season, and means that [email protected] | 99 |
Crop water models were developed for selected fruit trees from data collected at seven different sites, also in the Western Cape. natural environment
Two decades of managing invasive alien plants: Exploring Working for Water success stories
By Dr Phumza Ntshotsho • Co-authors: Greg Forsyth, Dr David Le Maitre, Dr Nadia Sitas and Thozamile Yapi.
Invasive alien plants pose a significant threat to South Africa’s biodiversity and human well-being. For 20 years, the Working for Water programme (WfW) has been tackling this problem. CSIR researchers are assessing three WfW projects to identify factors critical for success.
Why manage invasive alien marginalised sectors of South Is WfW making a difference? objectives. For example, the Berg African society. The programme River Dam project and the Upper Applying a case study design, plants? has been criticised for not uMzimvubu project are of strategic CSIR researchers show what WfW Invasion by alien plants poses a bringing the invasion problem importance for water security. has achieved and why the chosen significant threat to South Africa’s under control, despite having Both projects lie within two of examples have been successful. biodiversity and human well-being. been in operation for nearly South Africa’s 21 strategic water Three projects selected in Ecosystem services, which are the two decades, with associated source areas. These are areas consultation with WfW managers benefits people get from nature, total expenditure in the region that occupy 8% of South Africa’s are assessed, each representing such as the provision of water and of billions of rand – as stated land area and supply 50% of our an example of the different grazing, are under pressure, largely by Van Wilgen et al. in an surface water. Thus, the high implementation models used in due to this threat. As the guardian article published in the journal stakes involved engender a high WfW (Table 1). of the nation’s natural environment, Biological Conservation in 2012. degree of commitment. the Department of Environmental Affairs is tasked with bringing the However, there are some projects Critical success factors Commitment in terms of financial invasion threat under control and that have resulted in previously The starting point is careful and resources as well as buy-in and its WfW programme is tackling the heavily invaded ecosystems strategic planning that takes into support of a shared vision by problem head-on. (The programme being returned to a state nearing consideration the magnitude of the stakeholders are crucial. Buy- was initially started by the then pre-invasion conditions. Such problem and the resources available in is essential for a landscape |100 | Department of Water Affairs and successes are rarely adequately to tackle it. Of critical importance is approach to clearing, with private Forestry). The WfW programme reported, which is unfortunate the allocation of funds for follow- landowners often having to was specifically set up in 1995 for as they demonstrate that control up work and monitoring. Proper commit funds to clear invasive the management of invasive alien interventions can achieve the planning also involves choosing alien plants on their land, to plants in order to conserve water desired results, and help to and prioritising operations based on reduce the threat of reinvasion and to provide employment for identify critical factors for success. their potential to achieve the stated of adjoining public land that has been cleared under the mandate opportune moment to reflect of WfW. and celebrate the successes, but also flag potential pitfalls and Passion for the job is another critical highlight opportunities for how success factor. Getting the right people, the programme could enhance its with the necessary understanding impact. Planning, commitment of the mandate of the programme, and passion are all essential is vital for success. As one manager success factors. While significant interviewed by the research team put ground has been gained in the it, “You have to be able to understand fight against invasive alien plants the human side of the project as well, overall, it is crucial to hold on to because this project is meant to assist Photos taken at the Berg River Dam project site during initial clearing in 2008 (left) and in those gains. To this end, planning people, create jobs and develop them. June 2015 (right). for post-clearing sustainability, If you don’t have that passion, it’s not including making adequate going to work.” provision for follow-up work, cannot be overemphasised. Time for reflection Additionally, distilling of lessons As the WfW programme celebrates is imperative if the gains achieved twenty years in operation, it is an are to be scaled up. Table 1 Model Implementing Herbicide assistance Land user incentive agent
Brief WfW appoints Typically used Interested There is anecdotal evidence of improvements in biodiversity as well as water quality and quantity. description a government to help private land users and The photo on the left shows natural vegetation recovery in an area that was once covered by agent (e.g. a landowners land owners a pine plantation in the Berg River Dam project area. The other photo depicts project member municipality) manage invasive participate in Dr Phumza Ntshotsho drinking from a stream in the same area. to manage the alien plants on a competitive day-to-day their property. bidding process operations of a WfW supplies for funds to clearing project the herbicide/s control invasive while WfW funds needed to control alien plants. and oversees (e.g. invasive alien Applicants have through periodic plants, but the to demonstrate verification) the operations are the availability of project. handled by the co-funding from landowner. stakeholders of the proposed project. Photos taken before (left) and after (right) clearing of a dense stand of Chromolaena odorata Case study Berg River Dam Phinda Private Upper at Phinda Private Game Reserve. Clearing of invasive alien plants such as Chromolaena does Game Reserve uMzimvubu not only improve the tourism potential of the area by increasing the aesthetic appearance of the Catchment reserve, as well as game visibility, but it also contributes to the availability of grazing areas for game. Pictures courtesy Cilla Pickering. Extent of 11 600 13 000 4 000 project (ha) Project 2001-present 2001-present 2013-present duration The Berg River Dam project has undergone several changes in management since its inception. Major Acacia spp.; Chromolaena Acacia mearnsii problem Eucalyptus spp.; odorata; Lantana (Left) A group of local women employed in the Upper uMzimvubu Catchment LUI project, clearing species Pinus spp. camara Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) to restore grazing land near Matatiele, Eastern Cape. Employment creation is an important imperative of the WfW programme. (Right) Veld recovery after clearing State and private Private Communal of black wattle is accelerated through trampling by livestock. There is a clear contrast between Land |101| ownership an area where trampling was implemented (green arrow) and where it was not (red arrow). Picture on left courtesy Sinegugu Zukulu. Biophysical Increase in Increase in Increase in benefits water quality tourism potential grazing capacity; Enquiries: gained and quantity; soil retention Dr Phumza Ntshotsho biodiversity [email protected] natural environment
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Top: A long-range autonomous iRobot Seaglider. Middle and bottom: A wave glider, pictured off the Western Cape coast between Dassen and Robben Islands with an acoustic echo sounder to determine fish stock levels. Ocean robotics for sustainable, long-range marine resource and ecosystem management in the 21st century
By Dr Sebastiaan Swart, Hannes J Zietsman, Niel D Goslett and Dr Pedro MS Monteiro
Multi-month ocean glider deployments in the Southern Ocean have resulted in the collection of unprecedented ocean- climate data from the remotest and harshest ocean environments. Now we are beginning to use this technology to enhance our marine resource and ecosystem governance in South Africa’s exclusive economic zone and beyond.
High reward ocean experiments These services have the potential time available. This restricts to play an active role in supporting the magnitude of fish stock The Southern Ocean Carbon and new domains for Operation assessment data being collected Climate Observatory (SOCCO. Phakisa, an initiative of the South annually that are ultimately used org.za) at the CSIR has been African Government, which to present fishing quotas to the undertaking extended ocean was designed to fast track the fishing industry. glider deployments in the remote implementation of solutions on Southern Ocean every year since critical development issues. The Wave gliders, by using wave and 2012. These initially high-risk first implementation of Operation solar energy to propel and power deployments have formed part of Phakisa, led by the Department on-board sensors, are able to what is called the Southern Ocean of Environmental Affairs, focuses operate autonomously for months Seasonal Cycle Experiments, on unlocking the economical at a time, while transmitting aimed at providing continuous and potential of the country’s oceans. real-time data to researchers Glider pilots based in Cape Town steer the high-resolution ocean observations and ecosystem managers back ocean robots in the remote Southern Ocean. between South Africa and Ocean services areas include on land. The fish acoustic and Antarctica. Roughly ocean governance, fisheries ocean environmental data being 2 000 km south-west of Cape management and marine safety, collected on a continuous basis Town, glider pilots have been as well as developing a national and over larger spatial domains steering these gliders in the carbon dioxide (CO2) facility by gliders have been shown to ocean to collect unprecedented in support of South Africa’s be of comparable quality to data oceanographic and biogeochemical mitigation policy requirements. collected by ship. This means datasets that are revealing new The challenge that exists is South gliders could dramatically improve aspects about the health and Africa’s exclusive economic zone, the temporal and spatial coverage functioning of the ocean carbon- which extends over an enormous of fish stock assessments, which climate system of the Southern 1.5 million km2 and also includes will allow for fisheries managers Ocean. the remote waters around the to set quotas that may improve Prince Edward Islands (including SOCCO is regarded as a global yields and reduce the probability Marion Island) in the Southern pioneer in the use of ocean robotics of overfishing. The enhanced Unmanned ocean robots deployed in the ocean Ocean. Along with the benefits are revealing new aspects about the health and in the Southern Ocean, which has observational capabilities enable of this zone comes the immense scientists to monitor the response functioning of the ocean carbon-climate system significantly contributed to the of the Southern Ocean. responsibility of managing its development of a research niche in of fish stocks to environmental resources, one of which is its a new understanding of the role of variability and climate change that commercial fish stocks. larger volumes of temporally and fine scales in linking CO between is already being seen to drive long- 2 spatially coherent data providing the ocean and the atmosphere. term change in our fish stocks. Protecting our valuable marine unprecedented approaches Continuous presence in our The much lower operational cost to manage the ecosystems, resources and improved range of gliders strengthen ocean governance exclusive economic zone Currently, fish stocks around versus ships mean that unmanned and support robust climate Repeated successful glider missions South Africa are assessed via glider platforms are beginning to projections. This will support the offshore of South Africa’s coast, acoustic surveys using manned play an important role in obtaining development objectives of our and particularly in the Southern survey vessels. These fisheries ocean observations and having a country, specifically those set out Ocean, is enabling SOCCO, in research ships and surveys, presence in the marine domain. in Operation Phakisa. |103 | collaboration with CSIR partners, currently managed by the We envision new approaches in to begin to innovate in respect of Department of Agriculture, which the CSIR’s current fleet of the use of ocean robotics beyond Forestry and Fisheries, are ocean gliders would monitor the Enquiries: research and into ocean services extremely expensive to undertake, ocean environment continuously Dr Sebastiaan Swart areas. limiting the amount of ship and even year-round. Subsequent [email protected] PLAYING WITH DNA FOR A LIVING
“I have made it my mission to understand how our DNA contributes to disease – specifically diseases that concern Africa.” DR JAnine Scholefield
Stem cell research gives us valuable information about some of the continent’s most threatening diseases, bringing us closer to finding preventions and cures. Janine, a geneticist at the CSIR, is making a significant contribution in this field. “The genes in our DNA don’t just determine the colour of your eyes or your blood type. They also play a role in cell function and susceptibility to disease,” Janine explains. Her passion for genetics led her to work with non- embryonic stem cell technology in her lab. As she puts it, “It’s such a valuable technique and could be used beautifully in combination with South Africa’s diverse genetic population – to uncover clues about disease susceptibility relevant to our country.”
Bright young scientists behind ideas that work. www.csirideasthatwork.co.za www.csir.co.za
SCIENCESCOPE | VOLUME 8 | NUMBER 2 of 2015