Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
THE Radiation Authority of Zimbabwe has urged all institutions using nuclear and radiological technologies to strengthen internal compliance systems, support technical personnel, invest in preparedness, and promote a strong culture of safety and accountability.
The call was made by Radiation Protection Board Chairperson, Dr Anna Mary Nyakabau, during the National Radiation Safety and Security Workshop for Managers and Decision Makers held in Victoria Falls.
She emphasised that leadership commitment determines whether safety p an embedded organisational value or remains a mere compliance obligation.
“I therefore urge all institutions represented here to continue strengthening internal compliance systems, supporting technical personnel, investing in preparedness and promoting a strong culture of safety, security and accountability,” Dr Nyakabau said.
She reminded licensees and institutional leaders that the prime responsibility for radiation safety and security rests with them, not just with regulators.
“The commitment demonstrated at the leadership level determines whether safety and security become embedded organisational values or remain mere compliance obligations,” she said.
This comes as Government accelerates plans to tighten the country’s nuclear and radiological safety laws, with the long-awaited Radiation Protection Amendment Bill set to be finalised and gazetted as part of broader reforms to strengthen the regulatory framework.
The Bill, together with the completion of the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility, were highlighted as strategic national priorities by Dr Nyakabau.
She said the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) remained seized with these priorities in line with international standards and emerging sector needs.
“Our Shareholder, the OPC, remains seized with a number of strategic national priorities within the radiation pprotection and nuclear security sector. These include the finalisation and gazetting of the Radiation Protection Amendment Bill, which is expected to strengthen the national legal and regulatory framework in line with international standards and emerging sector needs.
“Priority is also being given towards the completion of the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility, which remains critical for the safe, secure and long-term management of radioactive waste in Zimbabwe,” Dr Nyakabau said.
The facility has been in the pipeline for several years, and its completion is expected to provide a permanent solution for the disposal of radioactive waste generated by medical, industrial and research institutions across the country.
Dr Nyakabau commended the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) for convening the workshop, which brought together decision-makers, industry leaders and stakeholders from key economic sectors utilising radiation and nuclear-related technologies.
She said while radiation technologies continue to play a vital role in service delivery, productivity and national development, their application must remain within a strong regulatory framework that protects workers, the public and the environment.
“We recognise the important role that radiation technologies continue to play, contributing to service delivery, productivity and national development, as we continue implementing the national development agenda and ease of doing business reforms.
“As a Board, we remain committed to ensuring that these technologies are applied within a strong regulatory framework that protects workers, the public, and the environment,” she said.
Dr Nyakabau further revealed that preparations are underway for the 3rd Edition of the Radiation Safety Conference, planned for the first half of 2027, which will provide a broader national platform for dialogue, cooperation and knowledge exchange.
