Setting the Record Straight - The National Nuclear Regulator’s (NNR) Readiness for the New Nuclear Build
6 July 2015
The mandate of the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is to provide for the protection of persons (the public and workers), property and the environment against nuclear damage through the establishment of safety standards and regulatory frameworks suitable for South Africans. As a technical and scientific competent authority for nuclear safety regulation, the NNR provides oversight and assurance that activities related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in South Africa are carried out in a safe manner and in accordance with international principles and best practices.
Recently, the NNR has noticed several inaccurate and misleading articles pertaining to the regulator being published in the news media by the DA political party spokesperson on Energy. The NNR would like to make the public aware that these articles are grossly inaccurate and should by no means be taken seriously.
It is against this background that the NNR is compelled to provide the public with the correct information pertaining to its regulatory functions and responsibilities. South Arica’s nuclear sector has an excellent nuclear safety track record as evidenced by Koeberg’s safe operations for more than 30 years which is largely due to the stringent and effective regulation of the nuclear industry by the NNR.
In an opinion piece published in the Cape Argus on 02 June 2015, the DA political party spokesperson on Energy stated that the NNR has significant challenges and it is generally accepted the NNR is toothless and incompetent.