By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
South Africa’s National
Integrated Cyber Infrastructure System (NICIS) has been recognised as a
strategic national asset supporting advanced research, digital innovation and
the country’s technology development agenda.
The recognition came during
an oversight visit by the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and
Innovation to the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) facilities at
the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Rosebank campus in
Cape Town on 4 August 2026.
During the visit, Portfolio
Committee Chairperson Honourable Lusizo Sharon Makhubela described NICIS as a
“hidden gem”, highlighting its importance in strengthening South Africa’s
scientific capabilities through sovereign digital and data infrastructure.
The engagement was led by
CSIR Chief Executive Officer Dr Thulani Dlamini and brought together members of
the Portfolio Committee alongside a delegation from the Department of Science,
Technology and Innovation led by Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele.
The CSIR team presented the
committee with an overview of strategic initiatives and national projects
supported by NICIS, including high-performance computing, data-intensive
research capabilities and advanced cyber infrastructure.
Officials highlighted the
role of NICIS in enabling scientific research, supporting digital innovation
and improving South Africa’s competitiveness in emerging technology fields.
