On 22 February 2018, ISTC Executive Director Mr. David Cleave and Dr. Bismark Tyobeka, Chief Executive Officer of the RSA National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), signed a Memorandum of cooperation between their two respective organizations. This document lays the legal framework for existing and future joint actions in the fields of nuclear safety, security and safeguards and the regionalization in Southern Africa and beyond of the results of their technical cooperation activities on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.

The MoC will foster and re-enforce collaborative activities such as scientific research, exchange of scientific and technological information and publications, participation in scientific fora, collaboration in project implementation, assisting nuclear experts’ mobility and training in order to enhance achievements and expand the outreach of related activities.

Several years ago, the NNR established the first Centre of Excellence for Nuclear Safety and Security(CNSS) in South Africa, in partnership with local and international academic institutions as well as other relevant stakeholders. The CNSS is the first applied research and training establishment designed to serve South Africa’s nuclear sector. It is precisely through CNSS that ISTC and NNR made the first steps towards mutually useful cooperation in the fall of last year.