FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 March 2010

The National Nuclear Regulator has granted a Nuclear Vessel Licence - NVL 007- to the South African Navy who made the application on behalf of the United Kingdom Royal Navy; for the nuclear propelled military vessel HMS Sceptre to visit the Simons Town Naval Base from 3 April to 15 April 2010.

“The NNR is satisfied that the application received complies with all aspects of the regulatory requirements in terms of the section 21 of the National Nuclear Regulator Act (Act No 47 of 1999). Furthermore the NNR wishes to reassure all stakeholders concerned that it will conduct environmental sampling before the arrival of the vessel during berth in the harbour and after the vessel has left. We do this to ensure that there are no adverse radiological impacts to the Simon’s Town environment due to the HMS Sceptre’s visit” stated Adv. BM Mkhize, Chief Executive Officer of the National Nuclear Regulator.