iThemba Laboratories for Accelerator-Based Science (LABS) is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), dedicated to investing in the growth and development of scientific and technical expertise in accelerator-based science, with a particular focus on women and underrepresented communities. iThemba LABS provides access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, both locally and globally, enabling research into the nature, structure, and properties of matter and materials, as well as the production of radioisotopes for use in nuclear medicine diagnostics, imaging, and therapy.

As the largest facility of its kind in Africa, iThemba LABS is home to several particle accelerators located in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The centrepiece of the facility is the 200-MeV Separated Sector Cyclotron (SSC), that is powered by two solid-pole injector cyclotrons. Since its inception in the 1980s, the SSC has supplied particle beams to two primary user communities: nuclear medicine and nuclear physics research (both fundamental and applied).

The establishment of the South African Isotope Facility (SAIF) in 2023 marked a significant milestone, ushering in a new era where a bigger percentage of the available beam time from the SSC will be allocated exclusively to nuclear physics research. Plans are also being developed to investigate the production of so-called theranostic isotopes that offers both a diagnostic and therapeutic modality. "The inauguration of SAIF is part of my department's efforts to enhance our existing scientific infrastructure and promote technology development and innovation in nuclear sciences and technology for societal benefit," said Dr Nzimande during the inauguration on 9 June 2023.

In addition, iThemba LABS hosts two laboratories focused on atomic-scale research using particle beams from a 3-MV Tandetron and a 6-MV Tandem accelerator. The 6-MV Tandem accelerator, located in Johannesburg, is equipped with an Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) for applications in fields such as climate change, archaeology, and cultural heritage. In addition, a number of analysis techniques are available such as ion-beam-analysis (IBA), stable isotope analysis, as well XRD (x-ray diffractometry), and AFM (atomic force microscopy).

The National Research Foundation's Vision2030 emphasizes Transformation, Innovation, Impact, Excellence, and Sustainability as key pillars of its national research agenda. In alignment with this vision, iThemba LABS is committed to prioritize education and training to nurture the next generation of researchers and technicians through the SAINTS initiative. The Southern African Institute for Nuclear Technologies and Sciences (SAINTS), with slogan “empowerment though education, training, and experience< coordinates a number of short courses as well as the annual Summer School in partnership with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia.