BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MBABANE – Day two of the Capacity Building and Validation Exercise on Eswatini’s Nuclear and Radiation Safety Regulations continued on Monday, July 27, 2026, with stakeholders reviewing and validating proposed regulations aimed at strengthening the safe and responsible use of nuclear and radiation technologies in the country.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs convened relevant stakeholders on July 27, 2026, at Open House Hotel in Mbabane for the two-day exercise on Eswatini’s Nuclear and Radiation Safety Regulations. The exercise is aimed at strengthening the country’s regulatory framework to ensure that nuclear and radiation technologies are used safely, responsibly and in support of national development.
In her official address, Honourable Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening public health protection, environmental stewardship and national safety through improved regulation. The Minister’s address emphasised that the development and validation of the regulations should not be viewed merely as an administrative or compliance exercise, but as part of the modernisation of Eswatini’s national safety infrastructure. The proposed regulatory framework is expected to provide clearer safety requirements and strengthen oversight of radiation-emitting technologies used across various sectors.
Radiation technologies play an important role in healthcare, agriculture, industry, scientific research and environmental monitoring. In the healthcare sector, radiation is used in diagnostic imaging and other medical applications, while other sectors rely on radiation technologies for research, production, monitoring and specialised operations. However, the use of these technologies requires strong safety systems and effective oversight to minimise potential risks to workers, communities and the environment.
The validation exercise provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review the proposed regulations, provide technical input and assess whether the framework is practical, effective and suited to Eswatini’s national needs. The process also seeks to ensure that institutions and operators understand their responsibilities when handling radiation sources and operating radiation-emitting equipment.
The regulations are expected to establish clear requirements for the safe use, management and oversight of nuclear and radiation technologies. They will also support improved monitoring and coordination among relevant institutions. The exercise further demonstrates Eswatini’s efforts to align its regulatory framework with international safety standards and strengthen cooperation with international bodies involved in nuclear and radiation safety. The Government’s approach seeks to balance the benefits of nuclear and radiation technologies with the need to protect public health and the environment. Through the capacity-building and validation process, Eswatini is laying the foundation for a stronger, more coordinated and modern nuclear and radiation safety system.
The initiative is expected to contribute to greater public confidence and ensure that nuclear and radiation technologies are responsibly managed as the country continues to pursue national development.
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