IAEA experts complete visit to Pelindaba nuclear facility in South Africa

Full text: IAEA experts have completed a visit to the Pelindaba nuclear facility of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) following an invitation from South African authorities to exchange views on the lessons learned after armed men broke into the complex on 8 November 2007. The team reported that there was no evidence that sensitive nuclear areas were under any threat at any time during the incident. It recommended specific proposals for security training and equipment to the South African authorities. It also said that a security upgrade plan at Pelindaba, that began to be implemented by the facility's operator in 2006, provides an 'appropriate basis' for ensuring physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities at the site. (IAEA)