President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged with various researchers and technologies on his visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) earlier this week.
The President was hosted by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande when he toured several facilities at the CSIR on Tuesday.
Among the technologies the President interacted with, was the Oceans and Coastal Information Management System (OCIMS), a sophisticated digital platform developed by the CSIR.
It enables South Africa to monitor, protect, and sustainably manage its extensive coastal and oceanic zones through real-time, data-driven insights.
The initiative is led by Dr Lulama Wakaba, Executive Cluster Manager of the Next-Gen Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The initiative is a collaboration between the CSIR, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the South African Environmental Observation Network, and the South African Weather Service.
“Many people don’t realise this, but South Africa’s exclusive economic zone, our marine territory, is larger than our land mass. That gives us an extraordinary opportunity in the blue economy, which holds immense potential for GDP [gross domestic product] growth, job creation, and sustainable development,” Wakaba explained.
According to the CSIR, OCIMS is not just a data repository, but also an integrated, scalable system that forms the backbone of multiple research projects used by the state to manage and safeguard marine environments.
These range from coastal erosion monitoring and maritime traffic control, to harmful algal bloom forecasting, oil spill detection, and marine spatial planning.
By using satellite data, sensor networks, and intelligent analytics, the system ensures that South Africa’s coastal resources are preserved and fully utilised for economic benefits.
“What we’re showcasing is a living example of applied science. This system translates complex marine data into actionable insights that policymakers and environmental authorities can use to make informed decisions. It’s about turning scientific research into national impact,” Wakaba explained.
The importance of OCIMS is amplified by South Africa’s strategic position at the meeting point of two oceans, with more than 3 000 km of coastline.
The country’s location, combined with the rising threats of climate change and unsustainable exploitation, make the need for intelligent ocean governance urgent.
“For us, the real breakthrough lies in unlocking the power of science and innovation to support the state's capacity to manage this frontier responsibly,” he said.
“From supporting marine biodiversity to bolstering economic development, OCIMS is a cornerstone in building resilient, knowledge-based ocean governance.”
The CSIR said having President Ramaphosa visit the exhibition was both a validation and a celebration of the platform’s significance.
“What we hope to communicate is the strategic power we can unlock when we take up the mantle of what the CSIR stands for, applying cutting-edge science and technology to our national priorities. In this instance, it’s the blue economy, a massive frontier that, if fully harnessed, can transform our country’s economic trajectory.”
The CSIR’s work on OCIMS also supports international obligations, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, climate resilience efforts, and commitments under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
It also provides South African citizens and coastal communities with tools to better understand and protect the natural wealth that surrounds them.
“Our oceans are not just scenic landscapes; they are vital economic assets and ecosystems,” he said.
“OCIMS is about equipping our country with the means to both care for and benefit from those assets responsibly and sustainably.”
With this bold initiative, the CSIR said OCIMS stands as a beacon of what is possible when innovation meets vision and when digital infrastructure is aligned with national imperatives.
During his visit, the President hailed the CSIR as a “South African success story” as the institution marks 80 years since its establishment.
READ | CSIR critical for innovative solutions to resolve challenges - President Ramaphosa
The President was delivering remarks at the institution’s headquarters following a tour of the facility on Tuesday afternoon. – SAnews.gov.za
