South Africa elected by RCF

The South African National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) announced on Friday that its CEO, Bismark Tyobeka, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

This acknowledgement from IAEA, the world’s central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the nuclear field, sees Tyobeka move from the position of vice chairperson – which he held since 2014 – to that of chairperson.

Tyobeka’s appointment was confirmed during the annual RCF Steering Committee meeting, which took place from June 13 to 15 in Brussels, Belgium. “As the new chairman, Tyobeka pledged his full support towards promoting collaboration and cooperation among the RCF members in order to strengthen nuclear safety infrastructures for new and expanding programmes,” says the NNR in a statement.

“South Africa, like the rest of the world, is facing economic, social and environmental challenges. These challenges are further compounded by the increasing demand for clean, safe and reliable energy. Such demand is taking place amidst heightened socio-political tensions but we all have to remain focused on the roles we have to play in creating a better future for the world,” says Tyobeka.

“To chair the RCF is truly a reflection of the international nuclear community’s confidence in South Africa’s commitment to enhancing the development of nuclear safety regulatory infrastructure of regulators from new and existing nuclear countries.”