Media Statement
26 February 2024
South Africa deposits Instrument of Acceptance of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material
At a ceremony held at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today, the South African Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Ambassador Rapulane Molekane, handed over South Africa’s Instrument of Acceptance of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) to the IAEA Director-General, Mr Rafael Grossi.
In submitting its Instrument of Acceptance, South Africa joins a growing number of States accepting the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
The original CPPNM focuses on the physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes during international transportation to prevent theft or unauthorised use.
The Amendment broadens the scope of the Convention by including physical protection requirements for nuclear facilities and nuclear material in domestic use, storage and transportation. It also criminalises offences related to illicit trafficking and sabotage of nuclear material or nuclear facilities.
South Africa signed the original Convention in May 1981 and ratified it in September 2007.
Accepting the Amendment to the CPPNM signals South Africa’s strong commitment to nuclear security and the protection of nuclear material, while continuing to support broader efforts to promote nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and the inalienable right of States to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
The peaceful application of nuclear energy in various areas, such as human and animal health, agriculture, industry and electricity generation, play an important role in addressing a number of contemporary challenges and contributing towards economic development.
South Africa has a long history of utilising nuclear technologies for both power generation and other peaceful applications. As a responsible producer and user of nuclear technologies and materials, South Africa continues to support international efforts to enhance nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
Whilst nuclear security remains the responsibility of individual States, the focus on the physical protection of nuclear material and related facilities remain the most effective way of preventing catastrophic events which may result from unauthorised access and use of nuclear material.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
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