The plants will generate 9,600MW of power, with first unit likely to be commissioned by 2023.
In line with its plan, the government intends to start nuclear fleet procurement process this year.
South Africa Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson was quoted by AFP as saying: "We will commence with the actual nuclear procurement process in the second quarter of this financial year to select a strategic partner or partners in a competitive, fair, transparent and cost effective manner.
"We expect to present the outcome of this procurement process to cabinet by year-end."
South Africa signed an agreement with Russia in September 2014 to cooperation in nuclear power plant development
The country also entered into nuclear power deals with France, China, South Korea and the US.
Joemat-Pettersson said: "South Africa has signed various inter-governmental agreements or IGAs, laying the foundation for cooperation, trade and exchange for nuclear technology as well as procurement.
"These agreements describe broad areas of nuclear cooperation and they differ on emphasis, based on the unique needs of each country."
