The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Pretoria (UP) to create a framework for bilateral cooperation regarding research and development (R&D), technology innovation, education and training, as well as skills development. The intent is to develop South Africa’s next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers and other professionals to support the country’s development.   

“Necsa’s collaboration with the [UP] underscores our commitment to building a strong national science and technology base that will strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem,” explained Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe. “Through this partnership we are also unlocking innovative solutions that our country needs to advance economic growth, industrialisation and sustainable development on the back of nuclear energy. The recently promulgated Integrated Resource Plan 2025 puts a huge responsibility on us as research institutions to play our role to ensure that South Africa has requisite capabilities to implement a nuclear programme and support the energy industry at large.”

Necsa and UP will cooperate in joint research projects and support postgraduate and postdoctoral studies as well as facilitate professional development and work-integrated learning. They would also facilitate researcher and student exchanges.

“Energy security and keeping ahead of the rapidly advancing nuclear science and technology [R&D] curve are non-negotiable for our country,” highlighted UP Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Petersen. “At UP, we strongly believe in working together to innovate solutions for our continent and the world. None of us can operate in isolation – not higher education, not government and not industry.”

The MoU also creates a platform for the sharing of knowledge and access to specialist expertise and facilities. It further provides for the joint pursuit of funding opportunities to finance initiatives in research and innovation.

Necsa affirmed that the MoU is in line with its mandate to undertake nuclear technological research and application, for peaceful purposes, to benefit both South Africa and Africa. The corporation also supported a number of national development priorities connected with science, technology, innovation, human capital development and industrialisation.