The NNR is the national institution established by the National Nuclear Regulator Act, Act No 47 of 1999, for the protection of the public, property and environment against nuclear damage. The Regulator is governed and controlled in accordance to this Act by a Board of Directors and is operated by an Executive comprising the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the staff of the NNR. The Minister of Minerals and Energy is the Executive Authority responsible for the NNR and appoints the NNR Board.

The Board consists of up to thirteen directors which include a representative from organized labour, organized business, one person representing communities that might be affected by nuclear activities, an official of the Department of Minerals and Energy, and the Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism; and no more than seven other Directors. The Minister may appoint two Directors to serve as alternates in the absence of Directors representing the Department of Minerals and Energy and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a member of the Board. The Directors of the Board of the NNR are appointed on a part-time basis.