The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI) honoured the life and legacy of its Deputy Chairperson and former Chief Executive Officer, Dr Wolsey Barnard, with a memorial service on 15 October 2026.
The occasion offered a time to pause, remember and recognise a distinguished public servant whose contribution to South Africa’s energy sector was matched by his commitment to people, public service and the institutions he helped build.
For NRWDI, his passing is both an institutional and a deeply personal loss. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, wisdom and steadfast support, alongside memories of the warmth, humour and humanity he brought to his relationships with colleagues.
A lasting contribution to NRWDI
Dr Barnard served as NRWDI’s Chief Executive Officer from October 2016 to March 2018, helping to operationalise the Institute and establish the foundations for its work as an independent radioactive waste management entity. His contribution included strengthening institutional capacity and governance, providing strategic direction on funding, and initiating the process to transfer the Vaalputs radioactive waste disposal facility to NRWDI.
His appointment as Deputy Chairperson of the Board in August 2023 brought his experience and insight back into the Institute’s leadership at a significant stage in its development.
In her message of condolences, Board Chairperson Ms Dorah Modise reflected on the demanding period of transition they navigated together. She acknowledged his wisdom, teamwork and steadfast support, and the calm assurance he brought to the Board’s collective responsibilities during difficult moments.
His commitment to NRWDI extended beyond the positions he held. He cared about its progress, its people and its ability to fulfil a mandate that carries responsibility to present and future generations.
A life of service, learning and opportunity
Dr Barnard’s career spanned scientific research, academia, energy regulation, government leadership and business. Across these fields, his work connected technical expertise with the practical needs of communities.
He played a significant role in South Africa’s electrification programme, managing the programme over a 13-year period during which approximately four million households gained access to electricity. His wider contribution included energy policy development, integrated energy planning and the introduction and implementation of independent power producer programmes.
His commitment to learning was evident throughout his life. He obtained his BSc, BSc Honours and MSc degrees, all cum laude, from the University of Port Elizabeth, followed by a PhD from the University of Pretoria in 1991. His early practical experience included calibrating radioactive samples as a student and bursary holder at Pelindaba, a connection to nuclear science that continued through his later work.
As a lecturer and mentor, he supported students and interns and encouraged young people to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This commitment formed part of a broader concern for opportunity, community development and the sharing of knowledge.
Remembering the person behind the achievements
The reflections on his life recognise more than an accomplished career. They remember a colleague who could be warm and cheerful while asking thoughtful, probing questions; someone who brought both resolve and encouragement to difficult work.
His legacy lives in the institutions he strengthened, the people he guided and the example he set of leadership grounded in responsibility and collaboration.
NRWDI extends its heartfelt condolences to the Barnard family. While colleagues knew him through his professional life, his family knew him in a fuller and more intimate way: as a loving husband, a father and a pillar of their family. Their loss reaches into the everyday moments of conversation, companionship and the simple assurance of his presence.
NRWDI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Riedewaan Bakardien, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Barnard family, reflecting that the memories of a loved one remains with those closest to them for a lifetime. Professionally, he remembered Dr Barnard as someone who navigated life in a way that strengthened and supported those he came into contact with. He also came to know Dr Barnard as a person who deeply loved and honoured his family and understood the importance of those bonds. Beyond his considerable contribution to public life, the love he shared with his family forms an enduring legacy, one that far surpasses professional achievements and lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
The Institute honours his memory with gratitude for his service, friendship and enduring contribution.
Farewell, Dr Barnard. Your legacy remains part of NRWDI’s story and South Africa’s energy journey.
MEDIA STATEMENT – DEE MOURNS THE PASSING OF DR WOLSEY BARNARD