Durban, South Africa — The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has officially launched a new advanced manufacturing facility alongside the headquarters of the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), marking a significant leap for South Africa’s aerospace and high-tech engineering ambitions.
Dr Mlungisi Cele, Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, led the launch and highlighted the importance of aligning academic research with industrial capability. He said the facility would give students direct exposure to cutting-edge technologies, fostering practical problem-solving and strengthening the country’s engineering talent pipeline.
The new facility brings together additive manufacturing, robotics and advanced materials research under a unified platform designed to accelerate innovation. ASRI, originally established as a research group in 2009 and formalised as an institute in 2022, will now advance its long-term goal of positioning South Africa as a credible competitor in aerospace propulsion development. The institute aims to progress from ground-tested engines toward launching sub-orbital rockets within five years, and orbital vehicles within a decade.
UKZN’s investment is expected to bolster local manufacturing capacity, expand aerospace research opportunities and support the DSTI’s Decadal Plan, which calls for a more innovative, knowledge-driven and globally competitive economy.
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