necsa

Profile: Kevin Govender

Kevin Govender was named as the winner of this year's Edinburgh Medal, sharing the honour with the International Astronomical Union. With it, comes global recognition for the leadership role South Africa takes in the field. It puts him among some prestigious company, including four Nobel laureates.

South Africa leads the way at Safari-1

More than two decades ago, Safari-1 was the first nuclear research reactor in the world to turn its back on weapons grade fuel. Leading the Atoms for Peace charge, South Africa is the only country to give up nuclear weapons in favour of science. Safari-1 turned 50 this month.

Necsa unpacks the benefits of nuclear energy

When it comes to South Africa's nuclear energy plans, there are two major issues to consider: the country is not producing enough science, technology and engineering graduates, and what to do with nuclear waste, the real nightmare for many people. Work is being done on these, says Necsa's chief, in the second of a two-parter interview.

Nuclear power holds promise for South Africa

There are many positive benefits to nuclear energy, not least of which is enough power to end load shedding and blackouts. But there is strong resistance to the idea of nuclear. "People need to understand that we are not a scary industry; we are in your everyday world," says the head of Necsa in the first of a two-parter interview.

SA launches nuclear safety training centre

South Africa has officially opened a new training centre, the first of its kind in Africa, that will lift the country's nuclear protection status while promoting increased application of radiation technology in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and the medical field.

Portable plant makes fuel from waste

An engineering team from Wits University and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation have developed new technology that can produce liquid fuel, electricity, waxes and paraffin from agricultural and solid municipal waste.
Plastic recycling major job spinner