Pretoria: 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, 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. Dr. Wakaba explained that South Africa’s exclusive economic zone, larger than its land mass, offers significant opportunities in the blue economy, which holds potential for GDP growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
According to the CSIR, OCIMS is not just a data repository but also an integrated, scalable system fundamental to multiple research projects used by the state to manage and safeguard marine environments. These projects 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.
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 rising threats of climate change and unsustainable exploitation, underscores the urgent need for intelligent ocean governance. The CSIR noted that President Ramaphosa’s visit was both a validation and a celebration of the platform’s significance, highlighting the strategic power unlocked by applying cutting-edge science and technology to national priorities.
The CSIR’s work on OCIMS also supports international obligations, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and climate resilience efforts, alongside commitments under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. It offers South African citizens and coastal communities tools to better understand and protect their natural wealth. During his visit, the President hailed the CSIR as a ‘South African success story,’ as the institution marks 80 years since its establishment.