Press Release
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEW CEO OF NRWDI, RIEDEWAAN BAKARDIEN

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:

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Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity and Energy on 082 084 5566 / [email protected]

Susan Monyai, Communications & Stakeholder Relations Manager of NRWDI on [email protected]

 

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

Press Release
Michael MolefePress ReleaseNo Comments

THE NATIONAL RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL INSTITUTE WELCOMES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI) welcomed the appointment of their new board of directors by the Minister of Minerals, Resources and Energy, the Honourable Gwede Mantashe on 18 August 2023.

The Minister formally appointed the following individuals to the NRWDI Board: Ms Lemao Dorah Modise as Chairperson, Dr Wolsey Barnard as Deputy Chairperson. Ms Gratitude Ramphaka and Advocate Derick Block are newly appointed Non-Executive Members of the Board. In addition to the above appointments, Dr Kgaugelo Chiloane was also re-appointed to the NRWDI Board.

All Board members are appointed for a 3-year period, terminating on 17 August 2026 with effect from 18 August 2023. Chief Executive Officer of NRWDI, Dr Margaret Mkhosi said “the NRWDI team is pleased to welcome our new Board of Directors. The new members combined have a wealth of experience and bring a fresh set of skills that not only span the energy/nuclear sector but a critical mix of experience in strategic administrative public sector and private sector experience.”

The aforementioned independent Board members join a number of Departmental representatives on the NRWDI Board, namely, Ms Mamogala Musekene (DFFE representative), Mr Obed Baloyi (alternate DFFE representative), Ms Aneliswa Cele (DoH representative), Ms Tovhowani Nyamande (DWS representative) and Dr Jabulani Maluleke (alternate DWS representative). Mr Thabiso Pie is appointed the main DMRE representative, and Mr Zukile Zibi as the alternate DMRE representative.

Ms Dorah Modise,the new Board Chairperson of the NRWDI Board, said, “I am excited to be appointed as the Chairperson of the NRWDI and believe I can speak on behalf of the Board that we share the same intent to nurture the growth of the institute to its full potential.  It is my firm belief that the combination of the new independent Board members together with the Departmental representatives will give NRWDI the impetus to carry out its mandate of disposing of radioactive waste in a manner that is safe and protects both the citizens of our country and the environment.”

 

Issued by: Susan Monyai

Email: [email protected]

Communications & Stakeholder Relations Manager

National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI)