Lesedi is proud to announce that it has successfully achieved the prestigious ISO 19443:2018 certification, awarded by TÜV Rheinland. This certification, specifically designed for organisations operating within the nuclear sector, reflects Lesedi’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence.

Having maintained an Integrated Management System (IMS) for several years, Lesedi sought to elevate its quality management by adopting the ISO 19443 standard. This international standard is tailored for organisations that supply Items and Services Important to Nuclear Safety (ITNS), ensuring rigorous quality controls and strong governance practices aligned with the demanding requirements of the nuclear industry.

ISO 19443 is based on the general quality management framework of ISO 9001:2015, enhanced with nuclear-specific requirements to address the unique challenges and risks associated with nuclear safety. In an industry where even minor defects can have serious safety, environmental, and reputational consequences, this standard ensures that suppliers implement stringent controls, maintain personnel qualifications, and operate with full traceability.

The achievement of this certification was made possible through close collaboration between our SHEQ Division, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Procurement, and Nuclear Project Management teams.

According to Rowena Simons, Lesedi’s Head of Quality, the process involved updating the company’s Integrated Management System (IMS) documentation to meet additional requirements, while ensuring that Lesedi’s well-established Engineering, Procurement, and Project Implementation processes were aligned with the standard. She added that the certification journey also provided an opportunity to strengthen Lesedi’s Safety Culture Enhancement Programme and broader SHEQ objectives.

“Our processes were enhanced for compliance during two system audits conducted over a six-month period,” said Simons. “These audits involved a detailed review of Lesedi’s Integrated Management System and process implementation, carried out by an independent external auditor.”

She further explained that achieving this certification aligns Lesedi with international standards and global best practices, giving the company a potential competitive edge in the nuclear market.

A distinctive feature of ISO 19443 is its explicit integration of nuclear safety culture principles such as transparency, a questioning attitude, and continuous learning. These principles foster an environment where safety is deeply embedded in all aspects of work and continuous improvement is actively pursued, elements that are less emphasised or absent in the general ISO 9001 standard.

“Earning the ISO 19443:2018 certification reinforces that our systems, processes, and people meet the    most stringent quality requirements in the nuclear sector. It’s a standard we have worked towards through decades of hands-on experience, and it reflects the trust our clients place in us. Having this standard also positions Lesedi well to be ready for the new built nuclear program for South Africa which will be launched soon,” said CEO Leon Van Wyk.

Lesedi’s achievement builds on its nearly three decades of experience in the nuclear industry. The company has been executing upgrade and maintenance projects at Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town, South Africa for almost 30 years, completing over 200 modifications on the plant. This extensive local expertise is complemented by international experience, with more than 90 nuclear interventions carried out at power stations in England, Brazil, China, France, Argentina, Finland, the Netherlands and the USA. Lesedi’s deep technical capability, combined with its long-standing commitment to nuclear safety, positions it as a trusted partner in the global nuclear sector.

With this certification, Lesedi reinforces its position as one of the few service providers in South Africa accredited to this globally recognised standard, underscoring its dedication to supporting the safe and reliable operation of critical nuclear systems.