18 Sep SAHPRA Reinforces Its Commitment to Radiation Safety at IAEA General Conference

18 September 2026 – The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is participating in the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, underscoring its critical role in ensuring the safe and responsible use of radiation in healthcare.

At the conference, SAHPRA contributed to global discussions on nuclear technology, safety and the peaceful use of radiation, alongside South Africa’s delegation led by the Department of Electricity and Energy and other key state entities. The participation brings the health-sector regulatory perspective into South Africa’s broader engagement on the safe and peaceful use of nuclear and radiation technologies. For SAHPRA, this means ensuring that developments in radiation-based healthcare are supported by sound regulatory oversight that protects patients, healthcare professionals and the public.

Representing SAHPRA were Board Chairperson Dr Thapelo Mothodi, Chief Executive Officer Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela and Acting Senior Manager: Radiation Control Mqondisi Maphophe. Their participation reflects the importance of radiation safety within the health system. Radiation is already an important part of modern healthcare, helping clinicians diagnose disease through medical imaging, treat conditions such as cancer and, through emerging applications such as theranostics, support more targeted approaches to patient care. SAHPRA’s role is to ensure that these technologies are used safely and appropriately, while enabling patients to benefit from advances in medical science.

“Radiation plays an important role in modern healthcare. Our responsibility is to ensure its benefits are realised safely and responsibly,” said SAHPRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela. “The IAEA General Conference provides an opportunity to exchange expertise and advance radiation safety, with patients and the public at the centre of our work.”

The IAEA General Conference also provided SAHPRA with an opportunity to learn from regulatory approaches in other countries and contribute to international conversations on the future of radiation safety. As radiation technologies become increasingly sophisticated, continued engagement with regulators, technical experts and other stakeholders is important to keeping regulatory approaches informed and responsive. For SAHPRA, the objective remains clear: to support innovation and access to health technologies while ensuring that safety remains at the heart of their use.