Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
13 September 2024 | 18:59 CAT

Energy and Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa delivers a keynote address at the Nuclear Seminar in Irene, Tshwane, September 12, 2024. Image Credits: X@Kgosientho_R

The Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and other not-for-profit organisations, who vigilantly monitor energy decision-making, have expressed their profound disappointment over excluding the public and civil society from the Nuclear Seminar held on September 12 in Irene, Pretoria.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, SAFCEI’s Executive Director Francesca de Gasparis said they were given why civil society was excluded from the Nuclear Seminar.

Upon learning about the Minister’s seminar, SAFCEI immediately reached out to the department, making numerous calls, speaking to the Minister’s team, and sending emails to the responsible persons, all in an earnest attempt to secure an invitation. However, despite these persistent efforts, SAFCEI received no invitation or communication since then.

“I don’t believe that anyone else from civil society coming with a very pro nuclear view was invited to the seminar,” De Gasparis pointed out.

De Gasparis pointed out the stark contradiction in the Minister’s actions, stating, “We had hopes that energy planning and decision making was moving towards a more transparent and inclusive process, following Minister Ramokgopa’s recent announcement to halt the country’s nuclear procurement plans. Yet, this same Minister is hosting a Nuclear Seminar, also called a summit in some press, and has invited academics, nuclear business interested parties and government, except, civil society and the general public who have been actively engaging in the issue and calling for change.”

SAFCEI and many others continue to call for greater transparency and broader public engagement in energy policy decisions. As a result of its long-term environmental and financial risks and the potential threat it poses to humans, the multi-faith organisation actively campaigns against the expansion of nuclear energy in South Africa.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Mulalimah Annisa Essack and SAFCEI’s Executive Director Francesca de Gasparis here.