CSIR 🇿🇦

The next set of CSIR election model predictions is now live, completing coverage of all eight metros #LGE2026 In partnership with the @SABCPortal, #TeamCSIR has released its second batch of election model predictions, covering the remaining four metros following the initial release earlier. Follow along for data-driven insights into the science, innovation and analytics behind election forecasting. ℹ️ elections.sabcnews.com @dstigovza

The data is in, and our first #LGE2026 metro predictions are here. In partnership with the @SABCPortal, #TeamCSIR has released its first set of election model predictions, covering four of the country's eight metros. Predictions for the remaining four metros will follow soon. ℹ️ elections.sabcnews.com @dstigovza

Back at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand, #TeamCSIR continues to monitor incoming results and refine our election prediction model for #LGE2026. Working alongside the @SABCPortal, our team is turning data into insights to support election analysis as results continue to roll in. ℹ️ elections.sabcnews.com @dstigovza

Our third set of CSIR election modelling predictions are out, completing the provincial predictions. Next up - metros! Working in collaboration with the @SABCPortal, #TeamCSIR has deployed its election prediction model at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) to support data-driven election analysis throughout the 2026 local government elections. Our team will continue to monitor incoming results and update model outputs as more official election data becomes available. Follow along for insights into the science, data and innovation behind the process. #LGE2026 ℹ️ elections.sabcnews.com/ @dstigovza

Our second set of CSIR election modelling predictions are out! Working in collaboration with the @SABCPortal, #TeamCSIR has deployed its election prediction model at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) to support data-driven election analysis throughout the 2026 local government elections. Our team will continue to monitor incoming results and update model outputs as more official election data becomes available. Follow along for insights into the science, data and innovation behind the process. #LGE2026 ℹ️ elections.sabcnews.com @dstigovza

Behind the scenes with #TeamCSIR at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand! We're working alongside the @SABCPortal to deploy our election prediction model for #LGE2026. ℹ️elections.sabcnews.com/ @dstigovza

Our first CSIR election modelling predictions are out! Working in collaboration with the @SABCPortal, #TeamCSIR has deployed its election prediction model at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) to support data-driven election analysis throughout the 2026 local government elections. Our team will continue to monitor incoming results and update model outputs as more official election data becomes available. Follow along for insights into the science, data and innovation behind the process. #LGE2026 ℹ️ elections.sabcnews.com/ @dstigovza

Media release: #TeamCSIR invites suitably experienced and financially capable private-sector parties to express their interest in developing and operating a proposed multi-use hospitality precinct at its campus in Pretoria. The proposed development aims to establish an integrated accommodation and hospitality offering alongside the @CSIRICC, strengthening the facilities available to conference delegates, visiting researchers and academics, business travellers, institutional visitors and other guests to the CSIR ICC, the CSIR campus and the surrounding Innovation Corridor precinct. Find out more, here: csir.co.za/media-hub/media-r… @dstigovza

From 20 to 22 October 2026, #TeamCSIR participated in the South African Internet Governance Forum #ZAIGF2026 under the theme, "From Digital Access to Digital Intelligence: Building a Trusted and Inclusive South Africa." As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation journey, the forum provided a critical platform to shape dialogue on digital inclusion, responsible artificial intelligence adoption, and the development of future-ready skills. Discussions underscored the importance of collaborative action across government, industry, academia and civil society to build a trusted digital ecosystem and unlock opportunities for the next generation. Through its research, innovation and partnerships, the CSIR remains committed to supporting evidence-based policy, strengthening digital capabilities and enabling an inclusive digital economy that drives sustainable socioeconomic development. #DigitalSkills #AI

Powering Africa’s biologics and vaccine manufacturing skills pipeline On Friday, 16 October 2026, 20 participants from across Africa completed advanced training in downstream processing for biologics and vaccine manufacturing at the CSIR Scientia campus in Pretoria. The training was delivered through the Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub, hosted by the CSIR with support from KfW Development Bank. Downstream processing is a critical stage of biomanufacturing that involves the separation, purification and recovery of biological products to meet stringent quality, safety and regulatory requirements. Strengthening expertise in these processes is essential for developing reliable manufacturing capabilities for vaccines, biologics and other biopharmaceutical products. CSIR senior researcher Dr Veshara Ramdas said, “Biologics and vaccines transform healthcare by preventing disease, treating complex conditions and saving lives. Building expertise in biomanufacturing ensures these life-changing therapies reach the patients who need them most.” Read more: csir.co.za/media-hub/news/po…

📢 Call for applications Applications are open for the Fundamentals of Quality Management Systems (QMS) course, a free skills development initiative from the #TeamCSIR-hosted Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub, in partnership with UVU BIO, scheduled to commence on Monday, 30 November 2026. 📆 Deadline for applications: 15 November 2026 📆 Duration: One week 📍 One-week online 🔗 Apply: uvuafrica.typeform.com/to/VU… ℹ️ More info: csir.co.za/sites/default/fil…

REMINDER:

Science in action for democracy 🇿🇦 #TeamCSIR is proud to once again partner with the @SABCPortal during the 2026 local government elections, bringing South Africans real-time election insights through our trusted election prediction model. For more than 20 years, this model has helped make sense of election results as they unfold. The model is based on two key principles: the analysis of historical voting behaviour patterns and an understanding of how voting district results are received and reported during the counting process. Over the years, the model has consistently demonstrated a high level of accuracy, often producing stable and representative projections once only a small percentage of voting districts has been declared. As more results become available, the predictions become increasingly precise, converging with the final election outcomes. Find out more here: csir.co.za/media-hub/media-r… #LGE2026 #SABCNews #SABCPlus

📻 Tune in: #TeamCSIR technologist Siya May will be on Ukhozi FM (90.1-107.4 FM) today, Thursday 29 October 2026, at 21:00 to talk about the CSIR’s successful hosting of the first #RD202026 on African soil. Don’t miss it!

October is #NationalMarineMonth in South Africa, and its network of ports play a critical role in anchoring the country's #blueeconomy, facilitating global trade, and connecting coastal communities to marine science and conservation.  In his talk at this year's Ports and Maritime Investment Forum (PIMF), #TeamCSIR principal scientist Steven Weerts presented evidence-based case studies on how the CSIR is advancing regional port initiatives by working with West Indian Ocean partners.  “When ports are understood as complex socio-ecological systems rather than purely engineered environments, and they are able integrate ecological and sustainability considerations into port planning and management, this is when regional integration for the blue economy pays itself forward,” he says.  Held under the theme, “Unlocking Sustainable Port and Maritime Investment for Regional Integration” the event is taking place from 28 to 30 October 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and is providing a unique environment for dialogue, networking, and the showcasing of bankable investment opportunities.  #PMAESAInvest2026

Turning microbial #innovation into market-ready solutions On Friday, 9 October 2026, twenty-four South African participants completed the “From Lab to Market: Formulating Microbes for Commercial Success” course at the CSIR Scientia campus in Pretoria. The training forms part of the Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub, hosted by the CSIR with support from KfW Development Bank. Facilitated by #TeamCSIR principal researcher, Dr Ghaneshree Moonsamy, the course equipped participants with both practical and theoretical skills to develop microbial products that are stable, effective and commercially viable. “Bridging the gap between scientific innovation and market-ready solutions requires robust formulation approaches that ensure product quality, consistency and reliable performance,” says Moonsamy. The curriculum covered microbial strain selection, product formulation, stabilisation and preservation techniques, production workflow design and optimisation, quality assurance, packaging, shelf-life management and product delivery mechanisms. Read more: csir.co.za/media-hub/news/tu…

📺 Tune in: #TeamCSIR Principal AI Specialist and Research Group Leader: Natural Language Processing (NLP) Avi Moodley will be on SAfm today, Thursday 29 October 2026 from 08:10 to 09:00, to talk about elections in the era of #AI and tackling fake news and misinformation. Don't miss it!

📺 Tune in: #TeamCSIR Principal AI Specialist and Research Group Leader: Natural Language Processing (NLP) Avi Moodley will be on Newzroom Afrika (DStv Channel 405) today, Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 16:15, and on eNCA’s SA Morning on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 06:45, to talk about elections in the era of #AI and tackling fake news and misinformation. Don't miss it!