The CSIR and Denel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2013.
Commenting on the MoU, Berenice Lue; Group Manager Strategic Partnerships indicated that there are already ongoing collaborations on several projects between the CSIR and Denel. The intention is to take the partnership to an increased level of engagement that allows us to do more (projects of) mutual and national interest.
Dr Rachel Chikwamba, Group Executive: CSIR Strategic Alliances and Communication adds, “From the CSIR perspective there are two strategic imperatives that should be driven strongly. The first one is the 2012 Defence Review draft, which seeks to look at defence capabilities that can be deemed strategic. We see the CSIR contributing research and development (R&D) and technology support, while Denel will focus on design, development and production and support of technologies.”
CSIR/Denel steering committee meet to move MOU agreement forward.
The second high-level area of interest is the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) announced by the Department of Public Enterprises. The programme seeks to leverage economic benefits and support the development of South African industry by using the instrument of government procurement effectively.
“In these two areas I believe the CSIR, Denel and subsidiaries will form a team with unique and complimentary capabilities. If we position ourselves well we can take advantage of the policy framework and create value for the country,” says Chikwammba.
According to Jan Wessels, Denel Group Chief Operating Officer, the partnership between the CSIR and Denel will help both government-owned organisations to optimise their collaboration. He says that projects will not take off immediately as “it is important that we agree on what we want to accomplish,” and look broadly at “what is of common interest”.
Some of the projects under discussion are:
- The establishment of the ultra-high cycle fatigue testing, expanded composite testing, high-speed machining of aluminium alloy components – Aluminium, Surface treatment heat.
- Coarse Powder sintering Titanium beneficiation, Boeing proposes this as an offset project.
- The CSIR is looking at future downstream beneficiation of titanium alloys but would be concentrating on additive layer manufacturing. We are in discussion with Boeing on this subject.
The project champions will be prioritising one or two areas that will “make a difference in society”, says Chikwamba.
Contact the CSIR/DENEL Key Account Managers John Wesley and Laurent Dala to become involved.
News contributed by Mapulane Mokhoantle, CSIR Strategic Communication
14 February 2014
