Category: Press Release

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

The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Hon. Dr Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, MP, hereby invites nominations for a suitable candidate to be considered for appointment to the Board of the National Radioactive Disposal Institute Act, 53 of 2008. (“NRWDI”).

NRWDI is a public entity established in terms of section 3 of the National Radioactive Disposal Institute Act, 53 of 2008. NRWDI’s functions include inter alia the design and implementation of disposal solutions of all classes of radioactive waste and to manage, operate and monitor waste disposal facilities.

Interested candidates must be dynamic, highly competent, possess distinctive and practical leadership qualities and skills, and possess a demonstrated track record as a Non-Executive Director in science-related large and complex organisations.

Furthermore, interested candidates possessing at least 15 years’ experience in a senior/executive level leadership/director position, preferably in the nuclear industry, science, engineering and technology fields or the following disciplines or areas of expertise, preferably in the Energy Sector, are encouraged to submit their nominations: –

a) Nuclear Science, Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Medicine;
b) Nuclear Safety, Emergency preparedness/ responses and Nuclear Waste Management;
c) Radiation Sciences, Radiation Technology and Radiation Protection;
d) Nuclear Regulation locally and Internationally;
e) Nuclear Waste Management and Radiation Sciences and Technology;
f) Nuclear Analytical and Calibration Services;
g) Nuclear Manufacturing Principles;
h) Radiation Protection;
i) Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining and Environmental Management;
j) Finance, Audit, Risk and Compliance, Information technology and/or Risk Management;
k) Corporate Governance, Company Law and / or Nuclear Law
l) Strategic Leadership, and Human Resources and / or Labour Relations; and
n) Or any other relevant qualification and/or experience

Nomination forms should be accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae, qualifications, and a certified ID copy. Applicants must also submit a comprehensive cover letter indicating (amongst other things) the following:-

a) Whether or not the applicant has a criminal record;
b) Whether or not the applicant has ever been disqualified, placed on probation or declared a delinquent Director in accordance with the prescripts of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008;

c) Details of any defaults, judgments or legal proceedings instituted by or against the applicant in the last 5 years (including disciplinary proceedings initiated by a current or former employer);
d) Disclosure of current and/or potential interests in contracts, shareholdings or influence in all registered entities; and
e) Any other information that may be of assistance to the Minister in considering the application.

Disclaimer:

The Minister reserves the right to amend, modify or withdraw this advertisement or amend any of the requirements set out herein at any time without prior notice
and without liability to compensate or reimburse any party;

a) The Minister reserves the right to amend, modify or withdraw this advertisement or amend any of the requirements set out herein at any time without prior notice and without liability to compensate or reimburse any party;

b) Acknowledgement of the application does not mean acceptance as a candidate; and
c) The Minister reserves the right not to select any applicant as a candidate.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from: http://www.dmre.gov.za under the link “State Owned Entities” and are also available at https://www.nrwdi.org.za/

Submit nominations to the Department of Electricity and Energy by email to: NRWDIapplications@dmre.gov.za

For Enquiries Contact: Mr M. Msimang (012) 406 7631 or email to Msawakhe.Msimang@dmre.gov.za

Closing date for submitting nominations: 18 July 2025.

Click here to download Nomination Forms | Government Gazette Vol. 720 13 June 2025 No. 52855

The Minister of Electricity & Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, alongside the Board Chairperson of the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI), Ms. Dorah Modise, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Riedewaan Bakardien as the new Chief Executive Officer of NRWDI, effective 1 April 2025.

Mr. Bakardien brings a wealth of experience in the nuclear sector and is exceptionally qualified to lead NRWDI in the safe and efficient management of radioactive waste, safeguarding both current and future generations as well as protecting the environment.

In his previous role as Senior Vice President at Ontario Power Generation, Mr. Bakardien was responsible for overseeing Training, Security, Emergency Management, and Innovation for the nuclear fleet. He significantly contributed to the governance and performance evaluation of the Nuclear Management System, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to nuclear safety.

Before his tenure in Canada, Mr. Bakardien served as the Chief Nuclear Officer at Eskom, where he was responsible for nuclear operations and safety at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. His extensive expertise in radioactive waste management and regulatory compliance positions him as an ideal leader for NRWDI.

With over 15 years of experience in the nuclear industry, Mr. Bakardien has held various senior leadership roles that have fostered a strong safety culture and improved operational performance. He has expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to lead NRWDI and is dedicated to advancing its vital mission.

For media enquiries, kindly contact:

Download Press Release here

Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity and Energy on 082 084 5566 / Tsakane.Khambane@dmre.gov.za

Susan Monyai, Communications & Stakeholder Relations Manager of NRWDI on Susan.Monyai@nrwdi.org.za

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE NATIONAL RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL INSTITUTE  

For Immediate Release – Vaalputs community.

The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI) is a statutory body established in terms of Section 3 of the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute Act, 2008 (Act No. 53 of 2008) (NRWDIA), with a mandate to manage radioactive waste disposal on a national basis.

One of the key functions of NRWDI is to investigate the need for any new radioactive waste disposal facilities and site, design and construct such new facilities as may be required. Currently NRWDI is investigating the establishment of an off-site above ground storage facility for spent fuel (also known as Centralised Interim Storage Facility (“CISF”), as informed by the Radioactive Waste Management Policy and Strategy for the Republic of South Africa of 2005.

In order to establish any new disposal and related storage facility, NRWDI is obliged to comply with all the applicable legislative and regulatory requirements. This includes, but is not limited to obtaining an Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, as well as a Nuclear Installation Licence from the National Nuclear Regulator.

“We are mindful of the importance of public consultation in this process and would therefore like to assure all stakeholders that NWRDI will comply with all the requirements of the NNR and NEMA Acts, in terms of public participation,” stated Dr Margaret Mkhosi, CEO of NWRDI.

The regulation that governs the Public Safety Information Forum (“PSIF”) clearly states that the holder of a nuclear installation licence (Necsa is currently the Licence Holder of Vaalputs) must provide on a quarterly basis information to persons living in the relevant municipal area (in the instance of Vaalputs, within the Kamiesberg Municipality), in respect of which an emergency plan has been established on nuclear and radiation safety matters, including but not limited to nuclear incidents and accidents. The PSIF meetings are also attended by persons living in the Richtersveld Municipality and the Nama Khoi Municipality, and any member of the public.

The physical in-person Vaalputs Public Safety Information Forum (VPSIF) meetings have been cancelled by the current Licence Holder for the past two years, as a safety precautionary measure in the interest of the public and the communities in the area, in lieu of the potential spread of the COVID virus.

The option of conducting virtual VPSIF meetings was explored, but due to the remoteness and the limited or non-existent Wi-Fi connectivity in the area, this option was not deemed feasible and viable, as many of the communities surrounding Vaalputs would not be able to participate in such virtual VPSIF meetings. Thus, the diversity and inclusivity of stakeholders would have been severely compromised and furthermore, putting an undue financial burden on stakeholders that would normally attend the physical in-person PSIF meetings.

Notwithstanding the cancellation of the physical in-person PSIF meetings, NRWDI (as future Nuclear Installation Licence Holder for Vaalputs) has acted in the spirit of the PSIF regulation, by providing on a quarterly basis, information with regard to nuclear and radiation safety to our stakeholders.

“NRWDI remains committed to deliver technically sound, socially acceptable, environmentally responsible, economically feasible, sustainable and publicly acceptable solutions for the long-term management and disposal of all radioactive waste classes on a national basis. This will be done in a safe and secure manner that protects people and the environment” emphasized Dr Mkhosi.

Official Media Statement