Mrs Pandor said the development of many ground-breaking innovations and technology developments in many fields in South Africa could be traced back to the CSIR, ranging from battery technologies, pharmaceuticals and new materials, to planning tools and systems.

She said she was looking forward to the CSIR maintaining this proud legacy.

Mrs Pandor recently appointed the CSIR Board as required by the Scientific Research Council Act, 1988. The Board’s term of office is three years.

The Board comprises the following members: Profs. Francis Petersen (Interim Chairperson), Eugene Cloete, Tebello Nyokong, Mike Wingfield; Dr Phillip Hugh Goyns, Messrs Ghandi Badela, Phillip Benadé, McLean Sibanda; Ms Bajabulile "Swazi" Tshabalala and Ms Malebo Mabitje-Thompson. Prof. Petersen, Prof. Wingfield and Mr Sibanda and Mr Benadé were reappointed to ensure continuity.