Cape Town – The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has granted a Nuclear Licence to the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI) for the administration and operation of the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility.
The Ministry of Electricity and Energy on Friday, 25 July 2025, stated it “warmly welcomes” the transfer.
“This important regulatory determination not solely underscores the dedication to the very best requirements of security, compliance, and environmental safety in managing radioactive waste in South Africa, however it additionally addresses a important nationwide curiosity in guaranteeing sustainable vitality practices,” the ministry stated.
“By successfully managing low-level radioactive waste, we improve public security, shield the atmosphere, and uphold our nationwide obligations in nuclear waste administration.
“‘The complete overview performed by the NNR demonstrates the diligent efforts concerned in guaranteeing that NRWDI’s utility meets the stringent necessities outlined within the National Nuclear Regulator Act and the National Radioactive Disposal Institute Act.”
The ministry stated this course of highlights the federal government’s dedication to transparency and accountability within the nuclear sector.
The ministry stated it recognises the important function performed by the Vaalputs facility within the secure disposal of low-level radioactive waste.
“Adhering to the license stipulations, which embody the short-term storage and correct disposal of waste packages, is crucial in mitigating any potential dangers related to nuclear waste.
“The ongoing regulatory oversight that shall be applied by the NNR ensures that operational actions at Vaalputs are performed with the utmost look after public well being, security, and environmental integrity.
“As the shareholder and accountable division, the ministry extends its assist to NRWDI on this endeavor and appears ahead to the advantages that the profitable administration of the Vaalputs facility will deliver to our vitality sector and, in the end, to the folks of South Africa.
“This growth aligns with our nationwide crucial to safe dependable vitality sources, foster sustainable practices, and uphold our worldwide commitments relating to nuclear security.”
In the assertion, the ministry stated it affirms its dedication to advancing nuclear security and stewardship in alignment with worldwide finest practices, guaranteeing that our nuclear services function in a safe and accountable method.
Meanwhile, the NNR has introduced a technical cooperation undertaking with the European Union, which strengthens nuclear security and radiation safety regulatory capability.
The secure and efficient regulation of nuclear services requires a extremely expert and technically competent regulatory authority.
Building and sustaining technical capability is subsequently important to make sure that the NNR can uphold strong security requirements, shield folks and the atmosphere, and keep public belief in its regulatory oversight actions.
Through the varied initiatives underneath this European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation undertaking, NNR members expressed an elevated degree of confidence within the information gained and welcomed the hands-on workout routines that complemented the theoretical discussions.
This information strengthened the NNR regulatory competence for conducting evaluations and assessments.
“This undertaking exemplifies the facility of collaboration and the important function of knowledge-sharing for strengthening regulatory competencies with the goal of advancing regulatory oversight in alignment with worldwide security requirements,” stated Dr. Nhleko, Director of CNSS.
“The expertise gained and partnerships shaped will proceed to generate worth for the NNR in years to come back.”
Building on the momentum of this profitable initiative, the undertaking has since been prolonged to July 2026 in response to the extra wants expressed by the NNR.
