Tshwane boosted with nuclear safety equipment worth millions
The metro's Emergency Services Department received a significant boost in its emergency response capabilities with the donation of advanced radiation detection equipment.
The equipment, valued at approximately R5-million, will enhance the city's capacity to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents.
MMC for Community Safety, Alderman Hannes Coetzee, welcomed the donation, noting that Tshwane, as the capital of South Africa, hosts 138 embassies, national government headquarters, and strategic infrastructure, making well-equipped emergency response essential.
'Tshwane's proximity to the Pelindaba Nuclear Facility further emphasises the need for radiological preparedness,' Coetzee said.
He added that the donation from the United States includes personal radiation detectors, backpack detectors, a VeriFinder radiation identification device, and a specialised computer system for the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA).
'This equipment fills a critical gap, as the emergency department previously had no radiation detection tools, and lacked the budget to procure them.'
He added that in June, 16 officials from the emergency services and four NECSA representatives received hands-on training with the new equipment.
'This follows more than four years of capacity-building partnerships with local and international stakeholders, including Interpol, the South African Military Health Service, and the US Department of Energy.'
Coetzee said the initiative was conducted in line with diplomatic protocols and collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
'This donation is a testament to the strong collaboration between national, local, and international partners in safeguarding our communities,' said Coetzee.
'It also aligns with our administration's strategic focus on strengthening internal capacity.'
He expressed gratitude to the US government for its donation to public safety.
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