International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Convention on Nuclear Safety
8 November 2007
The Minister of Minerals and Energy Ms Buyelwa Sonjica wishes to
congratulate Mr Maurice Magugumela, the CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator
(NNR), on his election as the President of the fourth review meeting of
contracting parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety. His election confirms
the confidence that the international community has on South Africa's nuclear
regulatory framework. It is also a demonstration of trust on Mr Magugumela by
his peers and on the NNR as an organisation.
The Convention on Nuclear Safety is an incentive convention of the IAEA
aimed at:
* achieving and maintaining a high level of nuclear safety worldwide through
the enhancement of national measures and international co-operation including,
where appropriate, safety related technical co-operation
* Establishing and maintaining effective defences in nuclear installations
against potential radiological hazards in order to protect individuals, society
and the environment from harmful effects of ionising radiation from such
installations
* preventing accidents with radiological consequences and to mitigate such
consequences should they occur.
South Africa, which signed the convention on 20 September 1999, has
participated in the past three review meetings. Review meetings are held every
three years to review national reports. At the review meetings, each member
state presents their national report which details the measures that are being
taken to ensure nuclear safety of its nuclear power plant(s).
Notwithstanding that these are legally binding requirements; South Africa
benefits a lot from this process in that the NNR ensures that the manner in
which it regulates Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is in accordance with
internationally acceptable standards, open to peer review. This review process
also offers a platform for nuclear regulators to exchange ideas and experiences
in the area of nuclear safety regulation of power plants. The fourth review
meeting will be held from 14 to 25 April 2008 at the IAEA Headquarters in
Vienna, Austria.
Enquiries:
Mr Siseko Njobeni
Director Communication
Tel: 012 317 8085
Fax: 012 322 4954
E-mail: Siseko.njobeni@dme.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals Energy
8 November 2007
