Minister of Energy, Mr David Mahlobo and the Deputy Minister Ambassador Thembisile Majola today visited Necsa to check on the developments around NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd radiochemical production facility that was shut down in November 2017
In November 2017 National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa shutdown the NTP Radiochemical production facility at Necsa due to none compliance to regulatory requirements; however these matter (none-compliance to regulatory requirements) has since been attended to and fixed by the company.
The shutdown necessitated Minister Mahlobo to visit NECSA to satisfy himself on the problems and challenges by the shutdown of Cell19 and Cell20.At the meeting management promised Minister that there were problems which they were already working on as they had lost production and trust of their clients. Necsa worked closely with National Nuclear Regulator to fix the none-compliant matters.
Minister Mahlobo and Deputy Minister on Thursday visited the facility to satisfy themselves regarding the progress made for the NTP Radiochemical production facility to return to service this week. Minister Mahlobo engaged the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and NTP SOC Ltd Boards to receive a briefing on the developments with regards to significant issues dealt with, since the temporary closure of the facility last year.
Necsa and NTP senior management have given assurance that they are doing their best in remaining amongst the top global suppliers of nuclear medicine.“We are pleased that NNR gave NECSA a conditional return to production to service which the results will be sent weekly to NNR. The conditional return to service has allowed NECSA to continue to supply their client. DOE will continue to monitor Necsa’s conditional grant which has been given by NNR.
On the issue of the management team that has been put on special leave; the NTP board gave assurance to Minister that the investigations were completed. Minister requested that the matter be speedily resolved and further instructed that the board meet and finalise the issue and send a report to Minister within a week.
For enquiries, please contact:
Ms Nomvula Khalo
Tel: 012 406 7870/ 082
E-mail: Nomvula.khalo@energy.gov.za
