Mr ONTLAMETSE MONTWEDI | Nuclear Engineering and Design | Best Scholar Award

PhD student, NWU/NECSA , South Africa

Ontlametse Montwedi is a seasoned Senior Nuclear Engineer with over 11 years of experience at the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA). Holding a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering and currently pursuing a PhD, Ontlametse specializes in nuclear safety analysis, reactor theory, and licensing. His expertise spans safety assessments, thermal-hydraulic analysis, and regulatory compliance for nuclear facilities, including the SAFARI-1 research reactor. He has also contributed to international projects, such as the IAEA’s Coordinated Research Project, and completed advanced training in nuclear power plant engineering in China. Beyond his technical roles, Ontlametse is an active leader in the nuclear community, serving as Executive Secretary for the International Young Nuclear Congress (IYNC) and Chairperson of the South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society (SAYNPS). His work bridges technical excellence, leadership, and youth development in the nuclear field.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Ontlametse Montwedi is a highly educated nuclear professional with a strong academic foundation. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Nuclear Engineering at North-West University, building on his Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering (completed in 2014) and a Bachelor of Science Honors in Applied Radiation Science and Technology (2011). His undergraduate studies include a BSc in Chemistry and Mathematics (2010). Ontlametse’s education has equipped him with advanced knowledge in reactor theory, safety analysis, and nuclear technology. Additionally, he completed a three-year nuclear power plant engineering training program in China, focusing on reactor design, safety analysis, and accident modeling. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to mastering the technical and regulatory aspects of nuclear science, positioning him as a leader in the field.

Experience 💼

Ontlametse Montwedi has over a decade of experience at NECSA, where he currently serves as a Senior Nuclear Engineer. His roles include conducting safety analyses, leading multidisciplinary projects, and ensuring regulatory compliance for nuclear facilities like the SAFARI-1 research reactor. Previously, he worked as a Nuclear Safety and Licensing Engineer, developing safety assessment reports and coordinating licensing activities. Ontlametse also gained international experience through a three-year training program in China, focusing on nuclear power plant design and safety analysis. Beyond his technical roles, he holds leadership positions in global nuclear organizations, including Executive Secretary of the International Young Nuclear Congress (IYNC) and Chairperson of the South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society (SAYNPS). His career highlights include leading probabilistic safety assessments and contributing to IAEA research projects, showcasing his expertise in nuclear safety and technology.

Awards and Honors �

Ontlametse Montwedi’s contributions to the nuclear field have been recognized through various leadership and professional roles. He serves as Executive Secretary of the International Young Nuclear Congress (IYNC), where he oversees strategic and budgetary affairs for a global organization. As Chairperson of the South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society (SAYNPS), he leads initiatives to educate the public and mentor young professionals. His work on international projects, such as the IAEA’s Coordinated Research Project, highlights his commitment to advancing nuclear science. Additionally, his role as a non-executive director of the Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa underscores his influence in shaping nuclear policy. While specific awards are not listed, his leadership in these prestigious organizations and his contributions to nuclear safety and education reflect his standing as a respected figure in the global nuclear community.

Research Focus 🔬

Ontlametse Montwedi’s research focuses on nuclear safety analysis, reactor theory, and thermal-hydraulic modeling. His work includes developing best-estimate plus uncertainty analysis tools for research reactors and contributing to the IAEA’s Coordinated Research Project on coupled neutronic and thermal-hydraulic methodologies. He specializes in probabilistic safety assessments, shielding design, and criticality safety analysis for nuclear facilities. Ontlametse’s research also extends to accident analysis and transient modeling for advanced nuclear power plants, leveraging software like RELAP 5, MCNP, and SCALE. His efforts aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors while ensuring compliance with international regulatory standards. Additionally, he is involved in capacity-building projects for multipurpose reactor design analysis, furthering the development of safe and sustainable nuclear technologies.

Publication Top Notes 📚

1. Contribution to CAP 1400 Design Safety Reports – Advanced nuclear power plant safety analysis.
2. Development of Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty Analysis Tools – Enhancing reactor safety methodologies.
3. Probabilistic Safety Assessment for Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant – Independent review and analysis.
4. Shielding Design for Transport Containers – Safety analysis for medical radioisotope transport.
5. Coupled Neutronic and Thermal-Hydraulic Methodologies – IAEA Coordinated Research Project contributions.
6. Hazard Assessments and Radiological Consequence Studies – Safety analysis for NECSA facilities.
7. Dispersion Modeling for Radioactivity Release – Environmental safety assessments.

Conclusion 🌐

Ontlametse Montwedi is a distinguished nuclear engineer with over a decade of experience in safety analysis, reactor theory, and regulatory compliance. His academic achievements, including a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering and ongoing PhD studies, complement his extensive professional experience at NECSA and international training in China. As a leader in global nuclear organizations like IYNC and SAYNPS, Ontlametse bridges technical expertise with youth development and public education. His research contributions and publications reflect his commitment to advancing nuclear safety and technology. With a proven track record in multidisciplinary projects and regulatory compliance, Ontlametse is a valuable asset to the nuclear industry, dedicated to fostering innovation and safety in nuclear science.