CSIR driving smart innovations to boost SA’s healthcare system in rural areas

2-minute read
06 July 2023 | 20:49 CAT

Image: Twitter

More and more focus is being put on rural communities using Artificial Intelligence or AI to develop cutting-edge technologies to improve the country’s rural health system.

Last week, young researchers from the CSIR showcased the groundbreaking Fourth Industrial Revolution innovations aimed at improving South Africa’s healthcare system in remote regions.

Radio Islam International spoke to one of these young researchers, Ngaphe Tsebesebe. Nkgaphe comes from the village community of Ga-Masemola in Limpopo province. He holds several degrees and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. He participated in several research initiatives throughout his academic career.

Ngaphe said the technology could be used in busy medical centres that handle many patient samples daily.

“The technology can be used in busy medical centres that handle many patient samples each day. With this technology, the diagnostic process can be accelerated, reducing patients’ waiting time. It can diagnose thousands or even millions of samples in just a few seconds, which is particularly helpful in preventing the spread of viral and infectious diseases,” Nkgaphe explained.

Furthermore, this technology will assist ordinary South Africans by improving early clinical prognosis and treatment initiation for TB, thereby decreasing the rate of transmission and spread of TB between people, especially in remote settings (i.e., rural areas) within South Africa.

Listen to the full interview with Annisa Essack on Radio Islam’s podcast.

Fuel Impacts On Agriculture

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 02 April 2026 3-minute read Every sector in South Africa has been affected by the unprecedented hike in fuel and diesel prices. The more than R7.00 increase in diesel has South African farmers in a financial squeeze right as...

The Media Lens

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 1 April 2026 | 10:45 CAT 3-minute read Outrage after Israel passed discriminatory death penalty law for Palestinians On Monday, “Israel’s” parliament approved a law that would make death by hanging the default sentence for...

Demanding Action On Illegals

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 26 March 2026 2-minute read Thousands have taken to the streets in Durban, demanding action on illegal immigration, putting pressure on government to respond. In an interview with Ml Habib Bobat, IFP eThekwini secretary Joshua...

Middle East Report

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 27 March 2026 | 12:55 CAT 3-minute read Trump claims negotiations “going very well”; Iran rejecting proposal President Donald Trump faces a significant foreign policy dilemma regarding Iran, marked by a 10-day delay (until...

Smooth Operations At Borders

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 24 March 2026 2-minute read In preparation for the upcoming Easter period, the Border Management Authority Commissioner Dr Michael and Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Scheriber conducted an oversight visit at the port and...

The Asia Pacific Report

26 March 2026 | 13:24 CAT 3-minute read US-Israel war on Iran drives up gas prices , China's role and EV market shift The US-Israel war on Iran has caused severe economic shocks in the Asia-Pacific region through surging oil prices, shipping disruptions, and supply...