The main state asset co-ordinating research and development in the the nuclear sector is the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), established in terms of the Nuclear Energy Act, Act No. 46 of 1999. Necsa reports to the Minister of Energy.
Apart from several ancillary functions, the main functions of Necsa are to undertake and promote research and development in the fields of nuclear energy and radiation sciences and technology, process source material, special nuclear material and restricted material; and co-operate with persons in matters falling within these functions.
It also develops and utilises nuclear technology as part of the National System of Innovation. The corporation serves the States’ nuclear institutional obligations. Its growth strategy is aimed at contributing to national and regional socio-economic development in line with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
Necsa is also responsible for the following institutional obligations on behalf of the state: • Decommissioning and decontamination of past strategic nuclear facilities • Management of nuclear waste disposal on a national basis • Application of radiation technology for scientific and medical purposes • Operation of the Pelindaba site and accompanying services; and • Execution of the safeguards function
The implementation of the Nuclear Energy Policy of 2008 is a key mission of the Department of Energy. The policy provides a framework within which prospecting, mining, milling and use of nuclear materials as well as the development and utilisation of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes shall take place.
South Africa is a member of INPRO together with 21 other countries. The objective of INPRO is to support the safe, sustainable, economic and proliferation-resistant use of nuclear technology to meet the global energy needs of the 21st century.