The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI), working with the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), invites representatives to attend the Official Handover of the Vaalputs Nuclear Waste Disposal Facility. This significant event will be led by Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and will convene leaders from national, provincial, and local government, as well as key industry stakeholders.

This handover marks the transfer of operational responsibility for the Vaalputs facility from the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) to the NRWDI, following the granting of Nuclear Installation Licence (NIL-43) by the National Nuclear Regulator. This milestone underscores the commitment to safety, compliance, and transparency, providing public reassurance regarding the secure management of radioactive waste.

Vaalputs serves a strategic role in South Africa’s energy security, aligning with the country’s nuclear energy objectives alongside coal and renewable sources.

The facility supports broader socio-economic development and illustrates the peaceful applications of nuclear technology, including potential contributions to the new nuclear build (NNB).

Stakeholders at the event will include the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, Necsa, the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), as well as representatives from the Northern Cape provincial government and the local municipality.

The program will highlight the strategic importance of Vaalputs within South Africa’s nuclear waste management framework, detailing its socio-economic contributions to surrounding communities and NRWDI’s ongoing commitment to safe and responsible radioactive waste disposal.

Event details

• Date: Monday, 22 September 2025
• Time: 08:30 – 13:00
• Venue: Vaalputs Disposal Facility, Kamiesberg Local Municipality, Northern Cape.