Between 1966 and 1976, South Africa’s nuclear physics community recognized the limitations of the country’s aging particle accelerators, which hindered internationally competitive research. A consensus was reached during a 1966 meeting of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) that a national facility was necessary. Read More >
Our vision is for South Africa to lead in science, discovery, and innovation, improving lives and building a better world.
Our mission is to serve as South Africa’s particle accelerator centre. We advance isotope science and technology, both fundamental and applied. We collaborate across communities and disciplines, from nuclear and particle physics to the life and material sciences. We discover and innovate, inspire and educate, creating knowledge and opportunity for all.
People-centredWe believe in our people and in creating a working environment that is conducive to good health, well-being, and happiness.
AccountabilityWe are consistent, fair and transparent in our actions and decisions and are responsible for the public resources we spend. We make commitments, stand for evaluation and accept that our actions have consequences.
RespectWe take responsibility for our actions, our commitments, and our contributions to the larger community.
Ethics and IntegrityWe act with honesty and decency.
Passion for ExcellenceWe provide exceptional service to society and our stakeholders.
World-Class ServiceWe honour our obligation to society and the knowledge enterprise and deliver excellence and positive impact in all areas of our work.
About NRF iThemba LABS
iThemba LABS operates the only cyclotron facilities on the African continent, and the separated sector cyclotron is the largest accelerator facility in the Southern Hemisphere. The k-200 separated sector cyclotron can accelerate protons to energies of 200MeV and heavier particles to much higher energies. Smaller accelerators at the Western Cape site are two injector cyclotrons, one providing intense beams of light ions and the other beams of polarised light ions or heavy ions. Read More >
Prof. Makondelele Victor TshivhaseDirector
Dr Rudzani NemutudiDeputy Director
Dr Rudolph NchoduDeputy Director
Mr. Philip BeukesHead: Radiation Safety Health Environment and Quality
Dr Le Roux StrydomHead: Accelerator & Engineering Department
Mr Vincent SpannenbergHead: Financial Management & Business Administration
Dr Gillian ArendseHead: Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Ms Bulelwa ButheleziHead: Human Resources Department
Dr Richard NewmanManager: SAINTS
Dr Mlungisi NkosiHead: Materials Research Department
Mr Nieldane StodartHead: Research and Development Technical Support
Mr Nishendra DevanunthanHead: General Technical Support
Dr Morgan MadhukuHead: Tandem and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry
Dr Deidre PrinceHead: Nuclear Medicine
Dr Peane MalekaHead: SSC Laboratory
Old Faure Rd, Eerste River, Cape Town, 7100
Located in: University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017
South African Isotope Facility
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande launched the South African Isotope Facility (SAIF) on 09 June 2023. “The inauguration of the South African Isotope Facility forms part of my Department’s efforts to enhance our existing scientific infrastructure and to advance and foster technology development and innovation in nuclear sciences and technology for the benefit of society.” – DHET
Pillars
SAIF
SAINTS
TIP
iRi-G
Our research areas at NRF iThemba LABS encompass a broad spectrum of scientific fields. In Nuclear Physics, we utilize particle accelerators to investigate nuclear reactions, structures, and fundamental interactions. In Nuclear Medicine, our focus is on understanding the effects of radiation on biological systems, which has direct applications in improving medical treatments like cancer therapies. We are also heavily involved in Isotope Production, supplying critical medical and industrial isotopes used in diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment. Additionally, our Material Science Research examines the effects of high-energy particle irradiation on various materials, contributing to the development of advanced materials for industrial and research applications. Lastly, in Astrophysics, we study nuclear reactions in stellar environments, which helps us better understand cosmic processes and the origins of the universe.
SSC LaboratoryNot Available
Tandetron Laboratory (MRD)Available
Tandem Laboratory (TAMS)Not Available
The student training activities at iThemba LABS have been unified under the SAINTS to strengthen human capacity development. iThemba LABS is dedicated to advancing science by fostering the next generation of scientists and technicians. We aim to build a scientifically literate society by raising awareness of science’s contributions and ensuring access to essential infrastructure and opportunities. Read More >
What is an isotope?
An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that shares the same number of protons but differs in neutron count, giving it unique nuclear properties without altering its chemical behavior. At NRF-iThemba LABS, isotopes are at the heart of cutting-edge research and applications, from revolutionizing cancer treatment with targeted radioisotopes to advancing environmental monitoring and industrial quality control. Whether stable or radioactive, isotopes are powerful tools that fuel innovation, enable precision in science, and drive impactful solutions in medical, industrial, and research sectors worldwide.
The NRF communicates transparently the request for procurement through NRF websites, Government Tender Bulletin if applicable, e-Tender, email, and other public platforms to suppliers in the market treating each bidder equally including providing the same information. Where the quotation method is made use of, the NRF communicates the request for quotation transparently to the selected third parties showing no favour to any party and ensuring all receive the same information.
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