Passage to Progress. The CSIR's Journey of Change 1945-1995

(Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 1996) 1868420345. 8vo; original black boards; laminated pictorial dustwrapper; pp. (xxii) + 204, incl. index; plates, some of which in full colour; monochrome illustrations in text. Tiny scuff to top edge of dustwrapper's upper panel; bottom fore-corners slightly bumped; old pencilled pricing and date, although erased, still evident on front free endpaper. Very good condition. "Passage to Progress was written to commemorate the CSIR's fiftieth anniversary celebrated in October 1995. The book takes a brief look at the dawn of technology in Africa, its subsequent progress, and the CSIR's role in its development. The main focus is on the past 15 years, with an in-depth look at the transformation processes embarked upon within the CSIR; the learning experience associated with radical change; the effects of this change in policy in terms of the organisation and its people, and the way the CSIR is fulfilling its role in a rapidly changing environment, both locally and internationally. ... Passage to Progress traces the CSIR's journey of change from the 'blue skies' approach to research to the down-to-earth relevance of its present integrated role in the national science and technology strategy, which is to promote economic growth and a better quality of life for all South Africans." .