The purpose of the Chief Directorate: Nuclear is to administer all matters related to nuclear energy as required by legislation and international agreements. Its service delivery aspirations are reflected in the values of Batho Pele (People First), excellence, professionalism, integrity, equity and loyalty.
It consists of the Nuclear Safety Directorate, Nuclear Technology Directorate and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Directorate.
Nuclear energy, technology and safety policies facilitate the integration of the nuclear sector in various facets of South African society. These policies position South African industry to be world-class leaders in various fields of nuclear expertise. The directorate is the benchmark for responsiveness and service delivery.
The nuclear sector in South Africa is mainly governed by the
Nuclear Energy Act 1999, Act 46 of 1999 [PDF], and the
National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) Act 1999, Act 47 of 1999 [PDF]. These Acts are administered by the Department of Minerals and Energy.
South Africa has two nuclear reactors generating 6 percent of its electricity. Its first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1984. The government's commitment to the future of nuclear energy is strong. Budget approval to proceed with a demonstration Pebble Bed Modular Reactor was given in 2004.
The South African nuclear sector employs about 2 700 people. The Koeberg Nuclear Power Station contributes about 6 percent of total electricity, and earned more than R1,5-billion from uranium exports in the past five years. The
Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa's (NECSA) direct commercial sales amount to about R300-million a year.
Who we are and what we do
Nuclear Safety Directorate
The
Nuclear Energy Act of 1999, Act 46 of 1999, gives responsibility to the Minister of Minerals and Energy for nuclear power generation, management of radioactive wastes and the country's international commitments.
The National Nuclear Regulator Act 1999, Act 47 of 1999 sets up the National Nuclear Regulator (previously the Council for Nuclear Safety) to cover the full fuel cycle from mining to waste disposal. It is focused on health and safety.
Nuclear Technology Directorate
The purpose of the Nuclear Technology Directorate is to:
- Develop and promote nuclear technology in South Africa;
- Monitor new nuclear technology (fission and fusion), and its application;
- Actively participate in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international initiatives related to nuclear technology; and
- Participate in and promote a nuclear skills development programme to improve capacity in South Africa.
The mission is to develop, implement and monitor nuclear policy and legislation related to nuclear matters; and to promote and investigate nuclear technology for:
- Nuclear power, such as LWR (Koeberg), HTGR (PBMR), Gen IV reactor system, research reactors;
- Nuclear fuel (uranium);
- The application of radiation technology for medical/scientific purposes; and
- Radioactive waste and spent fuel management technology.
Nuclear non-proliferation Directorate
The Purpose of the nuclear non-proliferation is to administer all matters related to nuclear non-proliferation as required by legislation and international agreement including physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities.
Relevant Legislation includes:
- Nuclear Energy Act, 1999 (Act No.46 0f 1999) administered by Department of Minerals and Energy
.
- Government Notice 207 of 27 February 2009: Declaration of certain substances, materials and equipment as restricted material, source material, special nuclear material and nuclear related equipment and material as indicated in Government Notice No. 740, Schedule 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
- Non-Proliferation of Weapons Mass Destruction Act, 1993 (Act 87 of
1993) administered by Department of Trade and Industry
.
- Hazardous Substances Act, 1973 (Act 15 of 1973) administered by Department of Health Directorate
.
International Obligations are executed through the following:
- Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
- Agreement of 16 September 1991 between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in connection with the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons.
- Protocol Additional to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons.
- Nuclear Supplier Group .
- Zangger Committee .
- Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material .
- African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty) .
Key organisations in the nuclear sector
The DME plays a leading governance role regarding nuclear technology, non-proliferation and safety. The Minister of Minerals and Energy is the executive authority responsible for overseeing the
Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA) and the
National Nuclear Regulator (NNR).
- NECSA undertakes and promotes research and development in the fields of nuclear energy, radiation sciences and technology, medical-isotope manufacturing, nuclear liabilities management, waste management and decommissioning. NECSA's reactor-produced radioisotopes are exported to more than 50 countries.
- The NNR oversees safety regulation of nuclear installations at NECSA's Pelindaba site, Vaalputs Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, certain mines and other small users. It is a public entity reporting to the Minister of Minerals and Energy.
- The Department of Health Directorate: Radiation Control issues licences for:
- Group III hazardous substances (electronic product generating X-rays, other ionising beams, electrons, neutrons or other particle radiation or non-ionising radiation); and
- Group IV hazardous substances (radioactive material outside a nuclear installation, which does not form part of or is used or intended to be used in the nuclear fuel cycle, and which is used or intended to be used for medical, scientific, agricultural, commercial or industrial purposes).
- The Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is responsible for electricity generation. It is government-owned through the public entity, Eskom, which reports to the Minister of Public Enterprises.
- iThemba Laboratories is responsible for medical isotopes and medical applications. This public entity falls under the Department of Science and Technology.
- The Nuclear Fuels Corporation (NUFCOR) is responsible for uranium-ore refinement and export. It is privately owned by AngloGold.
Source: Additional information from Uranium Information Centre
