Early detection of cancer envisaged in SA Nuclear Energy Corp deal with Koreans

THE SA Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has signed a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, spokesperson Nikelwa Tengimfene said yesterday.

She said the memorandum would open doors for the expansion of trade relations for mutual benefit in areas such as nuclear technology, medical isotopes production, fluorine-based chemicals as well as human resource management.

The virtual signing ceremony was led by the Necsa group chief executive Loyiso Tyabashe as well as the institute’s president, Won-Soek Park.

South Africa’s Ambassador to Korea, Zenani Dlamini, as well as the Korean Ambassador to South Africa, Chull-joo Park, were present at the ceremony.

Tengimfene said the top diplomats would play a critical role in ensuring the success of the agreement between the two companies.

“This memorandum of understanding has come into effect upon the date of the final signature (Wednesday) and will continue to have effect for five years,” she said.

“The co-operation relating to agreed topics include the exchange of information, visits to facilities and joint research and development on key projects.

“The agreement will also allow the two parties to identify opportunities as they emerge.

“Collaboration on Zirconium-89based radio-pharmaceuticals for early detection of cancer is foreseen.”

Necsa group chief executive Tyabashe said the memorandum of understanding between the two entities was a step in the right direction in line with Necsa’s vision of becoming a renowned research and nuclear institution in Africa and around the globe.

“Nuclear technology is essential to human life, and through this memorandum, we are making this a global reality,” said Tyabashe.