The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa on 8 April 2025 at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where the president visited several facilities and engaged with various researchers and their technologies.

One such technology is the Oceans and Coastal Information Management System (OCIMS), a sophisticated digital platform developed by the CSIR that empowers South Africa to monitor, protect, and sustainably manage its vast coastal and oceanic zones through real-time, data-driven insights.

Headed by Dr Lulama Wakaba, Executive Cluster Manager of the Next-Gen Enteprises and Institutions Cluster, the initiative is a collaboration between the CSIR and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the South African Environmental Observation Network and the South African Weather Service.

"Many people don't realise this, but South Africa's exclusive economic zone, our marine territory, is actually larger than our land mass.  That gives us an extraordinary opportunity in the blue economy, which holds immense potential for GDP growth, job creation, and sustainable development," says Dr. Wakaba

OCIMS is not just a data repository, it is also an integrated, scalable system that forms the backbone of multiple research projects used by the state to manage and safeguard marine environments.  These range from coastal erosion monitoring and maritime traffic control to harmful algal bloom forecasting, oil spill detection, and marine spatial planning.  Through a combination of satellite data, sensor networks and intelligent analytics, OCIMS helps ensure that South Africa's coastal resources are not only preserved but fully leveraged for economic gain.

"What we're showcasing today," Dr Wakaba explains, "is a living example of applied science.  This system translates complex marine data into actionable insights that policymakers and environmental authorities can use to make informed decisions. It's about turning scientific research into national impact."

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.  Our location, combined with the rising threats of climate change and unsustainable exploitation, make the need for intelligent ocean governance more urgent than ever.

"For us, the real breakthrough lies in unlocking the power of science and innovation to support the state's capacity to manage this frontier responsibly," says Dr Wakaba.

"From supporting marine biodiversity to bolstering economic development, OCIMS is a cornerstone in building resilient, knowledge-based ocean governance."

Having President Ramaphosa visit the CSIR exhibition is both a validation and a celebration of the platform's significance.

"It's a true privilege to have the President with us today," Dr Wakaba reflects.  "What we hope to communicate is the strategic power we can unlock when we take up the mantle of what the CSIR stands for, applying cutting-edge science and technology to our national priorities.  In this instance, it's the blue economy, a massive frontier that, if fully harnessed, can transform our country's economic trajectory."

The CSIR's work on OCIMS also supports international obligations, including the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, climate resilience efforts, and commitments under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.  But perhaps most importantly, it provides South African citizens and coastal communities with tools to better understand and protect the natural wealth that surrounds them.

"Our oceans are not just scenic landscapes, they are vital economic assets and ecosystems," says Dr Wakaba.  "OCIMS is about equipping our country with the means to both care for and benefit from those assets responsibly and sustainably."

With this bold initiative, OCIMS stands as a beacon of what is possible when innovation meets vision and when digital infrastructure is aligned with national imperatives.  Dr Wakaba's leadership reflects a broader commitment to building smart, inclusive systems that support a thriving, future-ready South Africa – both on land and at sea.