Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI)

The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI) is South Africa’s national entity responsible for the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste. Its mandate is to manage the long-term disposal of radioactive waste in a safe, technically sound, socially acceptable, and environmentally responsible manner. NRWDI operates the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in the Northern Cape under a Nuclear Installation Licence (NIL-43) issued by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) in July 2025.

NRWDI’s mandate is defined in the NRWDI Act (No. 53 of 2008), which requires the Institute to:

  • Dispose of radioactive waste safely.
  • Manage and operate the national disposal facility.
  • Conduct research, provide waste storage and disposal technical services.
  • Provide public information.
  • Promote and engage stakeholder transparently.

NIL-43 is the Nuclear Installation Licence issued by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) to NRWDI, authorising the Institute to operate, manage, and maintain the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility, confirming that all regulatory, technical, safety, and environmental requirements are met. The licence specifies the regulatory conditions, safety requirements, and operational controls under which the Facility must operate.

As per the NIL-43 Licence, NRWDI disposes of:

  • Low-Level Waste (LLW)
  • Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW) and High-Level Waste (HLW) are not disposed of at Vaalputs. These are safely stored at authorised facilities by the waste generators e.g. Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and Necsa. NRWDI is conducting research for long-term disposal solutions for these waste types.

Vaalputs is South Africa’s only licensed radioactive waste disposal facility, located in the Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape province. Since July 2025, NRWDI has officially operated Vaalputs following the transfer of responsibility from Necsa.

Yes. The issuing of NIL-43 confirms that the facility meets both international (IAEA) and national (South Africa) nuclear safety standards to ensure the safe long-term disposal of radioactive waste.

NRWDI complies with:

  • The National Nuclear Regulator Act (Act 47 of 1999)
  • The NRWDI Act (Act 53 of 2008)
  • The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) abbreviated as NEMA Act
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards

Safety measures include:

  • Engineered safety barriers
  • Groundwater monitoring
  • Radiation monitoring
  • Emergency preparedness systems

Under the NIL-43 regulatory conditions, NRWDI implements a comprehensive safety programme for the protection of people and environment through:

  • Continuous environmental monitoring of air, soil, water, flora (plant life) and fauna (animal life).
  • Implementation of strict radiation and safety programmes.
  • Ensures safe waste handling and disposal practices.
  • Regular reporting to the regulatory authorities and stakeholders such as the NNR, DEE, Parliament, and the Vaalputs Public Safety Information Forum (VPSIF).

All monitoring results consistently show that radiation levels around Vaalputs remain well within international safety limits.

Waste delivered to Vaalputs typically originates from:


  • Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
  • Necsa’s Pelindaba site.
  • Hospitals, research institutions, and industry using radioactive materials.

Yes, NRWDI prioritises transparent public engagement in line with the requirements of the NIL-43 and NEMA Act. Engagement platforms include:

  • The Vaalputs Public Safety Information Forum (VPSIF).
  • Government engagements (municipal, provincial and national).
  • Community meetings and briefings.
  • Science, technology engineering and maths (STEM), and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes (outreach programs).
  • Public information material/campaigns and reports.

NRWDI is governed by:

  • The Board appointed by the Minister of Electricity & Energy.
  • The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Committee are responsible for daily operations of the Institute.
  • The NIL-43 requires NRWDI to maintain robust governance, safety oversight, internal controls, and transparent reporting to all stakeholders.

The NNR: (https://nnr.co.za/)

  • Regulates all nuclear installations in SA, these are the facilities that conducts nuclear related activities.
  • Conducts inspections and audits in nuclear facilities
  • Reviews safety cases, operational reports, and emergency plans.
  • Issues and enforces the nuclear license conditions.
  • Ensures protection of workers, communities, and the environment.

Yes, NRWDI conducts research and collaborates with academic and international partners to improve on radioactive waste management, disposal technologies, long term waste solutions and innovative safety solutions.

NRWDI ensures transparent communication through:

  • The NRWDI Website.
  • Annual Reports, safety reports, and public information documents.
  • VPSIF meetings.
  • Social media platforms.
  • Media briefings and stakeholder engagements.
  • School and community outreach programmes.

Yes, educational and stakeholder visits are possible, subject to NNR-approved safety and security protocols.

NRWDI supports socio-economic development and local empowerment through:

  • STEM education and outreach programmes.
  • Skills development and bursaries.
  • Local business and SMME support.
  • CSR initiatives in education, infrastructure, and social upliftment.
  • Local employment opportunities at NRWDI.

NIL-43 represents a milestone confirming that South Africa now has:

  • An independent, licensed national radioactive waste disposal operator (NRWDI).
  • Strengthened long-term waste management capacity for the country.
  • Improved nuclear safety oversight.
  • A clear separation of roles between waste generators (e.g. Eskom and Necsa, etc.) and the disposal operator (NRWDI), and the regulator (NNR)

NRWDI aims to:

  • Maintain Vaalputs as a world-class disposal facility under NIL-43.
  • Develop long-term solutions for high-level waste.
  • Expand national research capacity.
  • Strengthen international partnerships.
  • Support national energy security through Back End support (safe waste management).
  • Build and strengthen public trust through transparency.

NRWDI’s planned long-term technical projects include:

  • Back End strategy support for Koeberg’s Long-Term operation programme – perform safety assessments, reconceptualize disposal system design and disposal.
  • Centralised Interim Storage Facility (CISF) – Design development, operations(storage) and Decommissioning.
  • Borehole Disposal Facility (BDF) – Deep drilling research, safety assessments, and waste disposal readiness.
  • Deep Geological Repository (DGR) – Research suitable geological sites, safety assessments, and disposal readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)