Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has lauded the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) for strengthening radiation safety oversight and maintaining sound governance, while reaffirming Government’s support for the authority’s strategic projects.
The commendation was made during RPAZ’s sixth annual general meeting held in Harare on Tuesday, where the OPC applauded the authority for its resilience and sustained commitment to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.
Speaking at the meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Office of Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi, Dr Benson Dube, said RPAZ had demonstrated strong financial discipline.
“I am pleased to note that the authority has maintained sound financial management practices, with its accounts remaining unqualified,” said Dr Dube.
“This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication of the board, management and staff in upholding robust accounting standards and best practices in corporate governance.”
Dr Dube also commended the authority for improving regulatory compliance and prioritising critical initiatives, including monitoring radiation exposure among workers and strengthening laboratory capabilities.
“These efforts are vital for safeguarding not only the workforce, but also the public and the environment,” he said.
He reaffirmed Government’s backing for RPAZ’s key strategic projects, particularly the completion of the Disused Radioactive Sources Management Facility and the implementation of NDS1 programmes, describing them as central to enhancing national capacity in radiation safety and management.
Dr Dube further urged the Office of the Auditor-General to ensure audits are conducted timeously in line with the Public Finance Management Act to allow stakeholders to provide meaningful input within the relevant performance period.
RPAZ chairperson, Dr Anna Mary Nyakabau, reported steady gains in compliance and regulatory performance, noting that compliance levels across regulated sectors rose from 85,6 percent in 2023 to 86,4 percent in 2024.
During the same period, the authority monitored 4 271 workers for personal radiation exposure, up from 2 378 in 2023.
She highlighted several milestones, including the successful hosting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission and the expansion of the authority’s dosimetry programme.
RPAZ chief executive officer Mr Justice Chipuru said the authority continued to strengthen its regulatory framework through rigorous compliance inspections, enhanced nuclear and physical security measures and expanded authorisation programmes.
“Overall facility compliance rate rose to 86,4 percent, a testament to the effectiveness of our risk-informed regulatory approach and the growing commitment of licensees to uphold safety standards,” he said.
“We also deepened our international collaborations, hosting the IAEA’s IPPAS mission and actively participating in global nuclear safety conventions.
“These engagements reaffirmed our dedication to aligning national practices with international standards and enhancing Zimbabwe’s nuclear security infrastructure.”
