Question NW386 to the Minister of Energy
05 April 2018 - NW386
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Energy
(1)(a) What is the current status of NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd following the recent shutdown of its operation, (b) when is it envisaged that the plant will be in operation and (c)(i) why were senior staff members suspended and (ii) what is the current status of their suspension; (2) whether there are any attempts to transfer any funds, assets and/or intellectual property from the specified company to the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why?
Reply:
The NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd radiochemical plant was given approval by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) to restart production which came into effect on 22 February, 2018. The senior executives remain on leave pending finalisation of the investigations. The NTP board will thereafter decide on further appropriate actions that the organisation needs to follow in this regard.
The Necsa Group is constituted of NTP and Pelchem as its subsidiaries, as is well documented in the Group's annual report. The relationships with the subsidiaries are governed by the Necsa Group policy and procedures. It is also true that monies do flow between Necsa and NTP. Necsa as a shareholder receives dividends from NTP on the one hand; and there are also other services rendered by Necsa to NTP which are governed by service level agreements and NTP pays for these.
Since NTP and Pelchem are wholly owned subsidiaries of Necsa and some IP commercialised by these subsidiaries emanates from and belongs to Necsa as an R&D organisation, the group always reflects on the matters of where IP and its commercial value is reflected within the group. This is simply part of the optimisation of group assets and intra-group liquidity management.