Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Meraka Institute, (African Advanced Institute for Information & Communication Technology). Read more....

The Human Language Technologies (HLT)

HLT research group at the CSIR focuses on making it easier for people to interact with machines. In particular, the group studies the way in which HLT can be applied, adapted and developed to benefit the people of southern Africa. HLT must be developed and deployed in ways that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for the South African environment.

The Open Phone project

Open Phone is a project aimed at developing such a telephone-based server platform, and understanding how the system and its applications are structured so that both end-users and developers can use it efficiently and effectively. The open phone project was done through prototype development and a series of contrastive experiments, the interplay between system usability, speech and language technology options, and issues of culture and user exposure to technology was researched.

Text-to-speech Systems

In order to provide timely information in an affordable way on platforms such as Open Phone, text-to-speech (TTS) systems are required that automatically transform digital text into speech. Such systems have only been developed for a limited number of languages, and prior to 2004 no freely available Text-to-speech system existed for any indigenous South African language.

This programme is done in collaboration with various national and international stakeholders. The first version of the IsiZulu TTS has been completed and evaluated by a test user group, and has been released into the open domain. Further research with regard to intonation modelling, morphological analysis and pitch extraction is currently under way.

Dictionary Maker

The tool guides the user through the dictionary creation process, which can be completed in a fraction of the time it usually takes to create a pronunciation dictionary. Along with the dictionary, a related set of grapheme-to-phoneme rules are created automatically. The Dictionary Maker was used to create the pronunciation rules for the isiZulu Text-to-Speech System and the Sepedi Speech Recognition System. The availability of language resources is key when developing any speech or language technology in a new language. The Dictionary Maker project demonstrates how bootstrapping can be used to develop an electronic pronunciation dictionary.

Digital Doorway

The Digital Doorway is a joint initiative between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the CSIR that has as its vision to make a fundamental difference to computer literacy and associated skills in Africa.

The Digital Doorway project started in November 2002 with the first installation in Cwili, a rural community in the Eastern Cape, to date there are twenty-four Digital Doorways that had been deployed countrywide. A free-standing computer terminal allows 24-hour access to members of the community and the use of open source software makes remote management and administration possible. Content is customised to a local community to encourage people to explore. This may include applications and educational programmes including maths tutors, science software, music programmes, language tutors, an HIV/Aids presentation, the Internet, open source word processing and spreadsheet software.The Digital Doorway is cost-effective and requires only low maintenance. It can be used for other applications, such as government service delivery and information distribution.

National Accessibility Portal

The National Accessibility Portal aims to enhance the development and independence of persons with disabilities. This will be achieved through the creation of a highly innovative and efficient information and communication system. The NAP will enable people with different disabilities to access information and services, and to interact and communicate irrespective of age, gender, language and level of literacy.

The system will be based on Internet technologies and use open source software to provide affordable alternatives. It is aligned with the strategy of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and with the goal of the Africa Decade of Persons with Disabilities (1999 to 2009) to empower persons with disabilities in Africa.

Department of Communications (DOC)

NEMISA is a section 21 company owned by the DoC. It has developed a languages portal based on all eleven official languages of South Africa. Currently, the department has initiated a programme that looks at software translation and web browser into all official languages. Furthermore, through the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), DOC has done ICT terminology translation into all indigenous languages. Read more....

The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC)

The department has developed a national language policy framework that provinces are currently using as a guideline to implement language services in their provinces in the absence of the language Act. They are in a process of establishing human language technology unit that will ensure promotion of multilingualism in the country. They have a continuous partnership relationship with universities in terms of research and development of IKS. They provide language translation and interpretation services to other departments and interested stakeholders. They have established multilingual telephone interpreting service known Telephone Interpreting Services for South Africa (TISSA). Read more....

Pan South African Language Board

PANSALB has recently acquired an electronic dictionary that has the ability to translate to all official languages. PANSALB is in partnership with SITA on Electronic Records Management and on Standardisation of e-records and long term information systems in archives. New digitisation project of Braille and audio information services of BLINDLIB. They have launched public awareness campaigns in provinces on the use of appropriate languages in specific provinces. http://www.pansalb.org.za/ Public Private Partnerships Initiatives.

Mogalakwena icommunity

Objectives and mandate: HP e-inclusion projects seek to form partnerships with private and public entities to close the gap between technology-empowered and technology-excluded communities. Private sector companies, developing nation governments, NGOs and local community stakeholders partner to create the ICT-enabled solutions necessary to bridge that divide. Initiatives within the e-inclusion umbrella include Digital Villages, iCommunities and e-government initiatives. And the goal is to establish breakthrough models of sustainable social and economic development that can then be replicated in similar communities around the world.

Translate.org

Translate.org.za is a non-profit organisation producing Free and Open Source software that enables and empowers South Africans. The Translate Project started in 2001 with the vision of providing Free Software translated into the 11 official languages of South Africa. Free Software in your language is true empowerment. Read more....

National Heritage Council

National Heritage Council is in the process of developing a transformation charter. It is also in the process of digitalisation of archives which will be coupled with training. Read more....

Linux Labs

Objectives and mandate: Linuxlab.org.za will endeavour to mobilise South African industries to empower every educator and learner in South Africa with computer and Internet access to emblazon the future of South Africa’s people, and industries. It promotes universal access to computers and Internet in schools, and aims to empower educators to create and refine open content, to empower learners with a high-quality ICT learning environment. It advises appropriate organisations on proven strategies for the mass deployment and maintenance of high quality low-cost open source-based ICT infrastructure and has worked closely with The Shuttleworth Foundation in this regard. Read more....

Lubisi Community Development

Objectives and mandate: The project integrates a wide range of technologies to provide infrastructure, the creation of employment opportunities, the development of SMMEs, and the distribution of health, education and information services all contributing to an overall improvement in quality of life for all the people involved.

Mission: The aim of the project is to employ and demonstrate the use of leading edge technologies and renewable energy to enable and accelerate development in rural areas of Lubisi Dam. Installation of appropriate information and communications infrastructure, packaged information in support of rural development initiatives, presentation of information in various delivery platforms, skills transfer and training (technical skills, applications and content development skills, facilitation skills, management skills, Human Resource Development), development of models for replication in other parts of the country, including the SADC region and Africa. This project consortium includes the CSIR, ARC, HSRC, Technikon Pretoria and Renewable Energies Africa and Naledi ya Afrika from the private sector. For more information click here