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Introduction | Non-Proliferation| INTERNATIONAL YOUTH NUCLEAR CONGRESS 2010

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.

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:

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 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.

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 technology
    Tel: (012) 679 9139/9076
    Fax (012) 679 9550

    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) 679 9075/9092
    Fax: (012) 679 9550
  • Nuclear Safety  
    Tel: (012) 679 9099
    Fax: (012) 679 9550
  • Women in Nuclear SA 
    Tel: (012) 317-9500 / 9548

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