The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR to collaborate research and technology development initiatives at Necsa on 23 April 2025. This agreement seeks to synergise the research capabilities and technology development of the two state-owned organisations.

Necsa focuses on research, technology development and exploitation of nuclear, radiation and related technologies, while the CSIR is a scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, and diffuses technologies to accelerate socioeconomic development in South Africa. The joint effort will elevate and benefit a number of sectors, thereby immensely contributing to the country’s innovation advancement.

The areas of collaboration in the signed MoU include efforts focused on the following sectors: modernising manufacturing, agriculture, and mining sectors; the digital and circular economy; health innovation and energy innovation. Developing innovation capabilities in these sectors is one way to drive productivity and ultimately the economic growth of the country.

Necsa Group CEO, Loyiso Tyabashe, remarked: “It is crucial that research and its outcomes are for societal benefit.  While it is important to do fundamental research, it is as important to make research outcomes beneficial for humankind.  I see this collaboration helping to build on best practices from both entities in accelerating this endeavour so that we have a positive socio-economic impact”

Other key areas of collaboration include expanding the Human Resources capacity building. On business development front the parties will share best practices on business development, piloting, market studies and development as well as commercialisation.

Dr Thulani Dlamini, CSIR CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster innovation and technology that directly benefits society and industry. By working closely with Necsa, we aim to create sustainable solutions that will not only improve the quality of life for South Africans but also position our country as a leader in scientific and industrial development on the continent.”

It is imperative that South African state-owned entities leverage their institutional strengths and resources to collaborate in tackling socioeconomic realities facing the country.

In 2025, the CSIR and Necsa’s SAFARI-1 research reactor commemorate the 80^th and 60^th anniversaries, marking decades of contribution within the research, development and innovation space. This collaboration therefore leverages on over 140 years of accumulated expertise between the two entities. This memorandum of understanding shall take effect from the effective date and remain in force for the duration of the agreement, unless terminated earlier by mutual written consent of the parties.

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Issued by: The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and the CSIR

For further information, contact:

Necsa:
Dr Nikelwa Tengimfene: GM: Corporate Communication, Branding & Stakeholder Relations
Cell: 0662934451
E-mail: nikelwa.tengimfene@necsa.co.za

CSIR:

Kulani Chauke: Manager: Media Relations
Cell: 071 266 0019
E-mail: kchauke@csir.co.za

About the Necsa:        

South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) operates as a holding company with two main 100% owned subsidiaries, NTP Radioisotopes (NTP) and Pelchem. NTP also has AEC Amersham, NTP Logistics and Gammatec as its own subsidiaries. LESA SOC Ltd (In operational and trading) is the sales entity for the NF3 gas manufactured by Pelchem.

The SAFARI-1 Research Reactor is the mainstay of its business as this directly links to the nuclear research, development and innovation mandate. It is a global player in nuclear technology and related cutting edge knowledge development. It is also a custodian of nuclear waste management derived from its operations advanced manufacturing and safeguards as delegated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.

This year, the CSIR celebrates 80 years of touching lives through innovation. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za

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