Public and civil society excluded from Government's Seminar

The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) along with other not for profit organisations who monitor energy decision-making today expressed their disappointment over the exclusion of the public and civil society actors from the Nuclear Seminar happening tomorrow (12 September) in Irene, Pretoria.

According to SAFCEI’s Executive Director Francesca de Gasparis, “We had hopes that energy planning and decision making was moving towards a more transparent and inclusive decision-making process,  following Minister Ramokgopa’s recent announcement to halt the country’s nuclear procurement plans. When he publicly announced that government must do better when it comes to meaningful public participation on this issue and be more democratic and transparent – he even mentioned SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa and agreed with us. 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.”

Despite long-standing calls from concerned parties - including academics, parts of government, civil society and the public - for responsible and sustainable energy solutions, it seems that none of these representatives were invited to participate or contribute to the discourse. From what we know, the seminar, which is expected to address crucial energy policies, notably excludes civil society and environmental groups.

“When we heard that the Minister was holding this seminar last week, we immediately contacted his department to find out how we could attend. We called, spoke to his team, and emailed the persons responsible, but have received no invite and no communication either, since then. While at his press conference, Minister Ramokgopa had said that he intended to bring everybody into one room, so that he can hear from us.”

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. SAFCEI is currently appealing the long term operation license which was issued by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) to Koeberg because of serious safety concerns at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the decade-long delays in dealing with cracking and corrosion in the containment buildings.

The Green Connection’s Strategic Lead, Liz McDaid says, “Holding a nuclear summit before finalising the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) is both premature and deeply troubling. The exclusion of civil society from this event suggests it is more of an industry gathering, where unchallenged narratives may be presented as facts. This approach mirrors past practices, despite promises of transparency and consultation. With civil society organisations that opposed the nuclear deal being sidelined, it appears that the government’s approach to nuclear business remains unchanged. We urge the new minister to reconsider this approach and the implications it has for good governance in South Africa.”

“There is so much to consider when it comes to this dangerous and expensive technology that the importance of meaningful public participation cannot be understated and seems to be a no-brainer. We need people in these gatherings that represent community voices and who will particularly advocate for environmental and ethical considerations. The potential social, environmental, and financial impacts of nuclear energy are far-reaching, and it is essential that all stakeholders, including civil society, are included in these critical discussions.”

“With Eskom and the government’s track record – especially with its track record at Koeberg - we are concerned about stated plans for more nuclear energy. Considering that our electricity prices have increased by over 600% since 2008, we believe that there should be meaningful consultations about the risks and the public needs to have their say on whether or not to choose this costly form of energy to supply the country’s electricity,” says de Gasparis.

SAFCEI believes that a transition to renewable energy is the most ethical and sustainable path forward. The exclusion of civil society from this seminar raises questions about who these discussions are truly serving and whether the minister’s statement at the press conference was just a PR exercise,” concludes de Gasparis.