14 Sep SAHPRA and Lesotho strengthen regional collaboration for regulatory excellence
14 September 2026 – The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) hosted a three-day bilateral engagement with Lesotho’s Radiation Protection Agency (RPA) at its Pretoria head office. The meeting promoted knowledge sharing in radiation regulation and regulatory excellence, with the RPA delegation comprising executive leaders and radiation regulation specialists.
The engagement enabled both regulators to exchange technical expertise, review operational practices and identify opportunities to improve regulatory alignment in radiation protection and health product regulation across Southern Africa.
Alongside presentations and discussions, the Lesotho delegation participated in specialised technical site visits to the Nuclear Medicine Research Institute (NUMERI), the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Dosimetry Laboratory.
“Regulatory excellence is built through continuous learning, technical collaboration and a shared commitment to evidence-based oversight. This engagement provided an important platform to exchange practical insights across radiation protection, quality management, regulatory systems and operational practices,” said Mr Mqekela Khesa, CEO of RPA.
The authorities shared insights on legislative and institutional frameworks, including operational models, ICT systems, quality management practices and regulatory fee structures.
They also considered ways to improve operational alignment in medical exposure oversight, radiation licencing, radiation protection and monitoring.
The successful visit reaffirmed SAHPRA and Lesotho’s RPA commitment to stronger institutional cooperation and regulatory excellence.
“Strong regulatory systems are essential to protecting patients, healthcare professionals and the public, and this requires collaboration that extends beyond national borders. Our engagement with Lesotho’s Radiation Protection Agency demonstrates the value of sharing expertise, benchmarking regulatory practices and building institutional capabilities across the region,” said Mr Mqondisi Maphophe, Senior Manager: Medical Devices and Radiation Control.
Through continued knowledge sharing, technical collaboration and benchmarking, the two institutions are contributing to a safer, stronger and more harmonised radiation protection environment in Southern Africa.
The engagement also creates a foundation for ongoing collaboration as both authorities enhance regulatory systems and help protect patients, healthcare professionals and the public from potential risks associated with radiation and health technologies.