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Nuclear energy
Introduction | Non-Proliferation

Introduction

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.

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.

If you would like information on nuclear safety, contact the Director: Dr Schalk De Waal. If phoning from outside South Africa, the country code is +27 and the area code for Pretoria is (12).

Tel: (012) 317-8283 / 8375
Fax (012) 322-5224
Email: schalk.dewaal@dme.gov.za

Nuclear Technology Directorate
The purpose of the Nuclear Technology Directorate is to:

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 non-proliferation Directorate
The purpose of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Directorate is to administer all matters related to nuclear non-proliferation as required by legislation and international agreements through participation in the:

South Africa is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear weapons state. Its safeguards agreement under the NPT came into force in 1991. It is member of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group. In 2002 it signed the Additional Protocol in relation to its safeguards agreements with the IAEA, and this is in force.

When South Africa acceded to the NPT and concluded a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1991, it submitted a report on its nuclear material subject to safeguards and asked the IAEA to verify the conclusion of its weapons programme. Between 1979 and 1989 South Africa had built and then dismantled a number of nuclear weapons. In 1995 the IAEA was able to declare that it was satisfied all materials were accounted for and the weapons programme had been terminated and dismantled.

Download documents relating to nuclear non-proliferation

Read more about South Africa's additional protocol to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

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).

Source: Additional information from Uranium Information Centre



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Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs | Private Bag X59, 0001 Pretoria |
Tel (012) 317-8000 | Fax (012) 320-4327 | www.dme.gov.za


  • Visit the Women in Nuclear SA website
  • Nuclear Energy Act 1999, Act 46 of 1999 [PDF]
  • National Nuclear Regulator Act 1999, Act 47 of 1999 [PDF]
  • More nuclear-related downloadable documents
  •  

  • View frequently asked questions, click here
  •  

    If phoning from outside South Africa, the country code is +27 and the area code for Pretoria is (12).

  • Nuclear safety
    Tel: 317-8283 / 8375
    Fax: 322-5224
    Cell: 082 467-4519
  • Nuclear technology
    Tel: (012) 317-8615
    Fax (012) 322-1870
    Cell: 082 355-9134

    Deputy Director: 
    Tel: (012) 317 8500
    Fax: (012) 322 1870

    Energy Officer: 
    Tel: (012) 317 8615
    Fax: (012) 322 1870
  • Nuclear non-proliferation 
    Tel: (012) 317-8000 (DME switchboard)
    Fax: (012) 322-5224
  • Women in Nuclear SA 
    Tel: (012) 317-9500 / 9548

  • International Atomic Energy Agency
  • NECSA
  • NNR
  • Nuclear Suppliers Group
  • NUFCOR
  • Koeberg