Clear case for nuclear

Scientists, not lobbyists, must lead the conversation’.

- Antoinette Slabbert

Lamenting the lack of an honest debate in South Africa about the country's energy mix, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa last week embarked on a drive to explain the ins and outs of nuclear energy to lay people.

He was addressing a nuclear seminar in Pretoria that he called the first step in this process.

The seminar brought together the who's who of nuclear in SA, including government entities, industry associations, scientists, contractors, media and some international vendors.

Ramokgopa said in the conversation about the country's energy mix, the coal and renewable industries were vocal, but nuclear was absent. That is despite the country's nuclear history dating back to 1948.

"Nuclear scientists are old, grey, intelligent, lack social skills, and are not confrontational.

Therefore, they would rather stay in their corners and release papers," he said.