Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
29 July 2024 | 12:15 CAT

Image/ allAfrica.com

The Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Earthlife Africa have just been informed that their urgent court case against the South African government’s plans for nuclear energy will be heard in October. This news comes on the heels of their recent tour of South Africa with Russian environmentalist Vladimir Slivyak, further underscoring the pressing need for action.

SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa seek to review and set aside the Minister of Electricity’s controversial Section 34 determination to procure 2,500 MW of new nuclear energy capacity. The organisations argue that the determination is unlawful and unconstitutional because the process has been procedurally unfair thus far.

Francesca de Gasparis of the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says, “The exorbitant costs and lengthy build time (likely to be more than a decade) that are associated with nuclear energy projects will divert funds away from essential public services like healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure development – all these services are already suffering drastically. And what about how this decision could affect the cost of living? South Africans are already having to deal with double digit annual increases in the cost of electricity. It makes no sense to pour hundreds of billions of Rands into new nuclear energy that will do nothing to address our current energy crisis while other, more affordable and quicker to install energy solutions are available.”

In September 2021, following an initial public consultation process earlier in the year, the National Energy Regulator (NERSA) gave a conditional concurrence with a draft nuclear determination signed by the Minister of Energy in March 2020.

Both organisations agree that the risks associated with nuclear energy, including the potential for catastrophic nuclear accidents and environmental contamination, are not to be taken lightly. Given South Africa’s history of environmental issues and limited disaster management infrastructure, the potential consequences of a severe accident could be truly devastating for both people and the environment, instilling a sense of fear and concern in the audience.

SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa stand firm in their opposition to nuclear energy, citing its financial, environmental, and social risks. They call on the government to prioritise transparent and inclusive decision-making processes, ensuring that civil society voices are heard and considered. With viable, sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives like solar and wind energy, the organisations urge a shift towards renewable energy solutions that benefit all South Africans, safeguarding the nation’s future and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability and public involvement.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam’s podcast with Muallimah Annisa Essack and Francesca de Gasparis of SAFCEI here.