Implementation of the AMTS

The AMTS is a programme managed by the CSIR and funded by the Department of Science and Technology.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy (AMTS) is a Cabinet approved national strategy of the Department of Science and Technology. Implementation of the strategy, currently focuses on the Automotive and Aerospace industries, and relies on dynamic collaboration between industry, academia and science councils.

The AMTS Implementation Unit has the following objectives

  • Technology – development of technology platforms that increase current and create new competitive advantages
  • Partnerships – development of smart partnerships to ensure the development and uptake of SA technologies in the global arena
  • Human Capital Development – development of relevant scarce skills and development of students for industry readiness

    The Implementation Unit utilises a number of programmes and initiatives to achieve it’s the set objectives:
  1. The Light Materials Flagship Programme seeks to increase competency and capacity in South Africa in the R&D of composites and light metals. The projects focus on the identification of existing technologies and the development of new materials and manufacturing processes.
  2. The Electronics Flagship Programme aims to address the increasing need for competency and capacity in autonomous sensor diagnostics, sensor fusion and networking. Central to this programme is the development of new, miniaturised sensors with the ability to be integrated into composites. The AMTS seeks to expand into the area of micro electro-mechanical systems and nano-technologies that exploit the need for smaller, more compact and faster responses.
  3. The Advanced Production Flagship Programme aims to support the development of affordable automation and control systems to increase efficiency, while reducing cost, in manufacturing environments. It includes future focus on digital or micro- manufacturing to ensure that South Africa is well positioned to compete in the manufacturing sector of tomorrow.
  4. AMTS FabLabs are hands-on laboratories with advanced desktop manufacturing equipment that allow the building of “just about anything” from inexpensive and readily available materials. Skills created include design, fabrication, testing and debugging, monitoring and analysis and documentation of the process.
  5. Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratories (AMTLs) are world-class facilities that stimulate innovation through the design, development and prototyping of new products, and the development and transfer of relevant skills to support industry. The centres are created as resources for the entrepreneur, increasing development and use of local technologies, facilitating transfer of higher technology to industry and developing relevant skills.
  6. Specific HCD interventions include The AMTS Programme for Industrial Manufacturing Excellence (PRIME), designed to enhance the competitiveness of industry by optimising manufacturing processes, introducing new manufacturing technologies and cutting costs of operation or production in SA manufacturing firms, while building critical knowledge and capacity; and the AMTS Leading Expert Access Programme (LEAP), enabling the dissemination of international expertise to South African industry and academia.

The Implementation Unit Team

Dineo Masokoane - Project Coordinator: Light Materials and Electronics
dmasokoane@csir.co.za

Moses Mogotlane - Project Manager: Production Technologies and FabLabs
mmogotlane@csir.co.za

Letlotlo Phohole – Flagship Programme Manager: Production Technologies and FabLabs
lphohole@csir.co.za

Grace Somthunzi – Unit Secretary
gsomthunzi@csir.co.za

Nathi Thethe – Human Capital Development Portfolio Manager
nthethe@csir.co.za

Berenice Lue – Group Manager: Contract R & D
blue@csir.co.za